Proud Union Members
for over 25 years.

The General Membership meeting will take place Wednesday, February 24th at 4:30PM at the USW building at 359 Lawrence St. in Cambridge (Preston).

We will be presenting watches to some of our retirees.  We will be looking to fill vacancies on the EAP & Environment committees.  We would like to establish a social committee.  The first job of this committee will be to take over the organising of the golf tournament on the Civic Holiday and the Christmas dance in December.  Ted & Winston have both indicated their desire to relinquish these jobs.

The relationship with the company is difficult.  There are a growing number of outstanding grievances that need to be dealt with.  The simple task of scheduling a step two meeting has become a nightmare of pettiness and one up-manship.  The membership remains frustrated and those of us in the service of the Union share your sense of frustration. 

The Executive & the Grievance - Negotiating Committees need the memberships backing and input more than ever.  Every member has a right to voice their opinion.  Every member has an obligation to listen respectfully to the views of others.  Together, we will prevail.  United, we will stand.  See you Wednesday afternoon.  IN SOLIDARITY. 

Last Friday, Feb 12, the Union and the company held the first Labour - Management meeting since the imposed contract took effect.  It produced little:

STANDARD LIFE:     While Carrie is off Greg Babcock will handle disability claims.  His phone # is 1-800-465-2581-ext 3297.  Benefits are handled by Renee Boilee and Dianne Dove.  We don't have phone extensions for them but will ask (you can too).     There has been a confidentiality issue when claims are filed through the HR office.  The company took the position that when a claim is filed through their office they "may see the paperwork."  The Union therefore recommends that you file your claim directly with Standard Life, via Canada Post.  Leave the employer portion of the form with them and inform them that you have filed your claim.

HARASSMENT & OVERMANAGEMENT:     The company admitted that they had "increased" supervision but claimed that "ended two weeks ago." 

RUMOUR OF CLOSING IN MAY:     The Union brought it to management's attention that their supervisors need to be careful about what they say.  An innocent comment by one of their representatives can be easily misconstrued.  The company assured us that there is no plan to close the facility.  Gavin Tobin said that a 45 ton furnace services a particular market niche that remains apparent.  Bruno Mannela reported to the Union, today(Tuesday), that the capital expense for the bowl room has been approved.  This investment in the melt shop indicates a commitment to our plants future.

12 HOUR ISSUES:     They backed off on the hours for the stat.  For eight (8) hour workers the stat is midnight to midnight and for twelve (12) hour workers it's 8:00AM (Monday) to 8:00AM (Tuesday).  They are holding their ground that you will only get eight hours pay for the Christmas ('09) stats and you will not get paid for January 4th.  The Union disagrees.    

PRODUCTION BONUS:     April '09 was paid out.  May '09 will not be paid.  The company intends to pay it going forward.  The Union took the position that it should be bargained.  The company refused. 

On Friday, January 29th, the Negotiating Committee met to proof read the latest version of the imposed CBA (2009 - 2012).  Several corrections were made and the amended document was sent to the Company.  Once the document has been finalized it can go to print.  Please be patient, this process can be slow and tedious.  It is important that this work be done properly.

IN SOLIDARITY

A dozen of our laid of workers have signed on to the call board.  They are retraining this week.  Their names are listed here.  If you signed up or want to and your name does not appear here contact the Union and the Company to add your name to the list.

1 Steve Lloyd-Mitchell, 2 Chris Picco, 3 Mike Bruder, 4 Dave Fernandes, 5 John Roelans, 6 Jeremy Townsend, 7 Onder Oner, 8 Mark Hurst, 9 Dustin Connell, 10 Todd Logan, 11 Jeremy Foreman, 12 Scott Chambers.  Nice to see your faces again.

HIRING MILLWRIGHTS:     The millwright shift shuffle continues.  The second posting is up now.  After all the moves have been completed, the company believes they will hire two to three new millwrights.

ATTENTION, LAID OFF WORKERS:     Under the new contract, you are entitled to sign up for the call board.  The letter of understanding puts laid off workers before overtime and overtime before contractors.  To get an occasional shift you have to sign up.  Get a form from HR fill it out and file one copy with the company and one with the Union.  You can sign up or sign off at any time and as often as you please.  Under the letter, occasional work does NOT constitute a recall to active service.  It therefore does NOT reinstate your benefits or extend your recall rights.  It DOES put a little cash in your pocket.  The phone number for HR is 519-740-2488 extension 1459#.