Archive for September – 2008 – Ms Sparky

Archive for September, 2008

180 Volts From Water Stream To Ground

By Ms Sparky | Filed in Electrocutions/Shocks, Iraq Wiring Method Quiz, KBR, Working Overseas

This pic was sent to me today. It was taken in Iraq in March 2006. What you are seeing is 180.6 volts ac being read between the water stream and ground. No….the breaker is not tripping. Yes this photo is being sent to the appropriate people.

As you are aware there have been 18 accidental electrocutions in Iraq. Yes, some have died from accidental contact with power lines. But there has been at least one Soldier who died while in the shower. SSG Ryan Maseth was electrocuted and died while in his shower at his camp in Baghdad. Shocks in the bathroom are not an isolated incident and are much more common than what KBR or DoD admits.

Countrywide independent electrical inspections are about to start in Iraq. They have their work cut out for them.

Kudos to this electrician that had the forethought to take this photo. And thank you for sending it to me. If any of you have photos you would like to share send them to me.

Ms Sparky

Tags: Iraq, KBR

How Do You Like Working For KBR? JobVent.com

By Ms Sparky | Filed in KBR, Working Overseas

Someone sent me a link to this site called JobVent.com where you can rate any company you’ve worked for. It has several topics and a rating range of -5 to +5 for each topic.Then they ask you to briefly explain. It’s a real quick signup. You can read the reviews of other people and comment on them. As of the writing of this post, KBR is on the “I Love My Job” list. That’s just nauseating!

Click HERE to rate KBR/SEII.

Click HERE to rate Kellogg Brown and Root.

Click HERE to rate any company on the list.

Click HERE to rate any company not on the list.

I’m off to rate some other companies!! I hear you! It’s not all bad. Actually I’ve worked for some awesome companies!

Let me know what you think of JobVent.com.

Ms Sparky

Tags: KBR, Working Overseas

72-Hour Kits (Reminder)

By Ms Sparky | Filed in ZXY

This post was moved to Blue Behind Bars on Nov 21, 2008 and can be found by clicking HERE

Tags: Moved To YEP

Organized Labor Wants To Help U.S. Workers Overseas

By Ms Sparky | Filed in KBR, Media Coverage, Politics, Working Overseas

In an effort to change the laws so US workers working on US funded projects overseas are protected by US laws, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has initiated talks with the appropriate members of Congress. I know the wheels of change move slowly, but at least they are moving.

Also, the NW Labor Press, a northwest union labor publication, recently published an article about the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearings and our efforts to make changes in the laws. Click HERE to read that article. It also looks like, Press Associates Inc., which is the Associated Press (AP) for labor newspapers, may be picking up the story as well. Plus the NW Labor Press has received calls from labor papers in Minnesota and California seeking permission to reprint. Whatever it takes to keep the story alive and get the laws changed.

The American people just can not fathom how poorly US Civilians are being treated by some of the DoD contractors. These are the same US Civilians who are feeding our soldiers, keeping their lights and air conditioners on, repairing their vehicles. These are ordinary American workers, not Corporate executives. They are coming home with severe PTSD and qualify for no benefits. They are coming home injured and qualify for no benefits. At what point did an injured employee no longer qualify for benefits? This has got to stop.

For more information on the lack of rights of injured American contractors go to American Contractors In Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ms Sparky

Tags: Iraq, KBR, Politics, Working Overseas

Will KBR Employees in Iraq and Afghanistan Get Their Raises?

By Ms Sparky | Filed in KBR, Working Overseas

I am getting all kinds of comments and emails about the raises for KBR crafts such as Electricians, HVAC, Plumbers and …. So I ask this question to current KBR employees, “Did you get the raise you were told you would get? What are they telling you now? Has anyone seen any money on their check? Has anyone signed a PAN at the new rate?”

Attention New hires! I have received two separate emails stating that the recruiter has reneged on the pay rate. Has this happened to you? What did they tell you?

Has anyone already gone over at the higher pay rate?

Leave a comment so other people will know what is going on. Anonymous is OK but please be honest and factual in your comments here. This is important information to a lot of people.

Ms Sparky

Tags: Iraq, KBR, Working Overseas