Atlanta water flows to United

City and United Water officials expect the day to pass without major problems.

“I predict there will be a smooth transition, our customers won’t notice a difference and our former employees will work well with (United Water) management,” said Larry Wallace, the city’s chief operating officer .

While water customers likely won’t notice a difference, much of the impact will be felt by employees who will receive new uniforms next week and answer phones using the company name.

And despite a lawsuit filed by 250 employees who claim their benefits and pensions will suffer from the shift in payroll from the public to the private sector, Doug Reichlin of United Water Services, general manager of the Atlanta project, said that approximately 85 to 90 percent of the system’s salary employees accepted written job offers from the company.

“Regardless of politics or what happens in the city, I will stay in this position,” said 20-year veteran David Kinsey as he flew over the steam turbines at the Hemphill Pumping Station, dating from the beginning of the century. afternoon. “It doesn’t matter, I still have work to do.” My job is to keep this place running.

Kinsey said his father retired in 1988 from the water department after 38 years. “This place stays in your blood after a while,” he said. Kinsey said the steam engines that pump water through huge pipes are the same type used on the Titanic. United Water officials said they were impressed by the condition of the turbines, despite their age.

Reichlin said the company doesn’t anticipate any major changes in the first few weeks, other than releasing uniforms and changing logos.

“When we make changes, they will be well thought out, well documented and employees will be thoroughly trained before implementation,” Reichlin said.

Employee lawsuit underway

United Water signed a 20-year contract in October to operate and maintain the city’s water system. The company beat out four other companies with similar international parent companies in a highly competitive bid last summer that was expected to save the city $20 million a year.

But the employees’ lawsuit underway in Fulton County Superior Court could threaten the calm transition.

Last week, a judge rejected the employees’ request to block the United Water takeover, but ruled that the employees still had the right to seek damages.

Employee representatives said many were unhappy, but played down rumors of possible sabotage of the system.

“The employees retained by United Water are going to continue to provide excellent service,” said Bill McKenney, an attorney representing water department employees. “We’re talking about people who are dedicated employees who want to continue to serve the city. »

However, McKenney said some city water department employees, including licensed operators, are threatening to retire or not show up for work today. Mike Gauthier, supervisor of the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant in Midtown and lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against the city, said he believes between 50 and 100 licensed water operators could retire.

Still, the company is preparing for the worst-case scenario. United Water has licensed water operators located throughout the state and country, ready to get to work immediately if the need arises. Reichlin also noted that even the company’s top executives hold water licenses.

Wallace and Reichlin continued to repeat the city’s position that United Water’s benefits are comparable to, if not better than, the city’s. But there seems to be room for disagreement on this point.

Gauthier said Wednesday he plans to retire from the city before United Water’s takeover today so he can take a job in Clayton County earning $28,000 a year.

“If the benefits were comparable, why would I drive twice as far to work, take a demotion from supervisor to operator, and take a $6,000 pay cut? said Gauthier, an employee of the department for 20 years.

Gauthier said he was leaving primarily because United Water would not continue health benefits upon retirement, which the city does.

Defend the benefits

Reichlin admitted that some employees might be upset about the loss of some benefits, but he maintains that overall United Water’s benefits are much better than the city’s benefits.

Reichlin said United Water funds its employees’ pensions 100 percent, compared to 6 to 7 percent for city employees who currently contribute to their own retirement funds. He said United Water funds its medical and dental plan at 85 percent, 10 percent more than the city, and the company will offer its employees a 401(k) retirement savings plan.

Other employees seem to embrace the changes enthusiastically.

The city of Atlanta will retain ownership of the system, while United Water is now responsible for operating two treatment plants capable of producing 200 million gallons of water per day, 2,400 miles of water pipe and 142,000 Accounts.

The city provides water to parts of Fairburn, Union City, Hapeville, Sandy Springs, and Clayton and Fayette counties.

Reichlin said that while most customers won’t notice an immediate change, he hopes they will eventually notice a change, especially in customer service.

Meanwhile, only four city employees will not be transferred to United Water’s payroll.

They are Remedios del Rosario, commissioner of the water department; Chris New, deputy commissioner of the department; Walt Elder, executive assistant to del Rosario; and Melinda Langston, who will be responsible for overseeing customer relations.

These employees will be part of a city team that will oversee the 20-year contract with United Water.