WOEC Employees Take a Voluntary Wage Freeze

The salaried and union employees of West Oregon Electric Cooperative have voluntarily elected to adopt a one year wage freeze, and to donate half of the cost savings to energy assistance to help those who are struggling through these economically difficult times. The Board of Directors enthusiastically accepted their generous offer and willingness to help out the financial well being of the Co-op and its members.

“This is a magnanimous gesture by all of the employees of the Co-op to willingly freeze their own wages for a year in the first place, and then to request that half of the cost savings go to energy assistance to benefit our members who are experiencing hard times is truly heartwarming,” stated Robert VanNatta, WOEC Board President. “It is reassuring to see such a wonderful act of charity and caring within our own community and staff. We wish to thank all of our employees for taking the initiative and we fully support their efforts to help our members who are in serious need at this time.”

As the General Manager of WOEC, I am so very impressed with the unified desire of the employees to come together to make a statement with this generous decision to freeze our own wages for the benefit of the Co-op, most importantly, to the members we serve. We experience firsthand every day the struggles our members go through to pay their bills. Our hearts go out to all of our members who are dealing with rising costs, fewer jobs, fewer hours at work, and economically uncertain times. This is one way that we can give back to the community and show them we care and want to help out our friends, neighbors, and members.

In the 2010 budget, the Board of Directors approved a matching fund of up to $6,000 to match whatever the employees raised to donate to energy assistance. We will combine the Boards matching funds with the employee’s donation from their wages and will then make a contribution to Care to Share and Oregon Heat on behalf of the employees of WOEC. This will provide many of our members with the help they need to keep their homes comfortable and bright.

I would like to conclude this article with my personal thanks and gratitude to the wonderful people I have the privilege of working with at WOEC. This gesture and decision they have made shows what kind of people they really are and what is in their hearts. Thank you my friends!

Marc Farmer, General Manager

Follow us on

February 3rd - We have a planned outage to do line repair in the Hwy 26 area by Elderberry Inn. It includes Bear Rd, Elsie Deer Lane, and Loyd Lane. 9 -3
February 3rd - Remember to shop for Energy Efficiency appliances. We have rebates for EE Clothes washers and water heaters for qualifying models.
February 3rd - Remember to check your emergency supplies. Make sure you have extra food and supplies on hand in case of outages. Keep Safe!