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#.

On behalf of the Executive and Negotiating Committees, I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year.  May 2010 be kind and generous to you and your family.  All the best.

ps:     Just a recap from New Years Eve:          CANADA          5          U.S.A.          4

Brothers.  I regret to inform you that we have lost one of our own.  Retiree, Duane Dickerson, passed away this morning.  Duane was a veteran of our plant with over thirty years of service when he retired.  We have included the death notice, below, for those who wish to pay their respects.  Below that is the link to the funeral home in Port Hope.  Our thoughts are with the Dickerson family. 

  Dickerson, Duane Frederick
Passed away at Peterborough on Tuesday December 29, 2009. Duane was the beloved husband of the late Mary Dakin and Loving father of Lori-ann Dickerson (Rob Strybosch), Lisa Smith (Todd), Jody Dickerson (Stacie) and Jake Dickerson. He will be sadly missed by grandchildren Shelby, Todd, Drew, Graham and Luke. Brother of Donna Snell and David Dickerson. Friends will be received at the Allison Funeral Home, 103 Mill Street North, Port Hope on Wednesday 7-9 pm. Funeral Service Thursday 11 am. If desired, memorial contributions may be made by cheque to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. www.allisonfuneralhome.com 

http://www.allisonfuneralhome.com/schedule.asp?id=619

Mike will issue strike pay at the USW Building, 359 Lawrence St. Cambridge (Preston) on Monday, December 28th, from about 10am to about 2pm.  The January 4th payment will likely be issued in the Union shack at work.  Times will depend on scheduling and level of company cooperation. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Our Christmas Dance will take place tonight, Saturday, December 19th.  The doors will open at 7:00PM, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 272 (Hespeler), 26 Schofield St, Cambridge. 

Supper:     We have a good start for the Pot Luck supper.  So far, there is Turkey, Cabbage Rolls, Rice & Chile.  Whatever you bring will be added to the pot. 

Dance:     The dance portion of the evening will follow, with music and a wet bar.  Our Union's National Office has donated a small handful of prizes and there will be sandwiches later in the evening.

WITH WARM HEARTS, WE SAY TONIGHT "THE GERDAU GRINCH CANNOT STEAL OUR CHRISTMAS".  ENJOY THE EVENING.  

The International and Local Union both got an email from Gary Schick.  In it he confirmed that "the company is able to amend the Pension Plan to allow credited service for this particular strike".  As a result your pension will be as if you worked right through.

SOLIDARITY

HEALTH BENEFITS:     The Local Union has received an email, from Karen Gingrich, confirming that Health Benefits have been restored "upon ratification" (Dec 15th).  She advised us that it may take Standard Life a few days to process the company's request, so if any claims are denied over the first few days, re-submit them.  Remember;  After the company broke the confidentiality rules, last year, our advice is that ALL DOCUMENTATION BE FILED WITH STANDARD LIFE DIRECTLY.  DO NOT USE THE COMPANY HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE.  The snail mail address for Standard is on the claim form.

STRIKE PAY:  Upon hearing that our membership would be without income until January, International President Leo Gerard, in conjunction with the Union's Executive Board & District 6, approved the continuation of Strike Pay until our recall takes effect.  These payments and a $100 Christmas Bonus will be paid to qualified picketers only (If you qualified for strike pay on December 14th you will get these payments).  Mike will be at the USW office at 2445 Eagle Street North on Monday, December 21st (10am - 2pm).  He can inform you then regarding the following week.

CLEAN UP:     The strike trailer and porta - potty will both be gone by the end of Friday.  If you have personal belongings in the trailer or on the line, please remove them before then.  Thank you.   

Yesterday marked the end of our seventh month on the picket line, during the worst recession since the dirty thirties.  Despite the bargaining committee's recommendation, the membership voted 72 - 93 to accept this contract and end our strike.

For seven long months our membership stood up to a multinational corporation with $1.4Billion at it's disposal.  We have provided Gerdau Ameristeel with hundreds of millions of dollars in clear profit, over the years.  Instead of dealing fairly with us and respecting us, they thanked us by bullying us and beating us into submission.  Now we know exactly what the words "Corporate Ethics" really mean. 

On behalf of the bargaining committee, I want to thank our membership for standing as strong as you did for as long as you did.  We know that this vote does NOT endorse this contract.  This vote reflects a need to collect a paycheque, to feed and clothe our kids.  Our family values and ethics remain intact.

In Solidarity

After three days of discussions with the Company, talks have come to a stand still.  The Local Bargaining Committee has decided to call a general meeting so the whole membership can vote on the company's latest proposal.  This will take place, at the Royal Canadian Legion,  Branch 126 (Preston), 334 Westminster Dr. N on Tuesday, December 15th at 10:00AM.

Copies of the proposal will be available Monday at the BBQ.

It is extremely important that ALL members attend Tuesday's meeting.

THE BARGAINING COMMITTEE STRONGLY RECOMMENDS REJECTION OF THE PROPOSAL 

CHRISTMAS DANCE     Regardless of the outcome of this weeks talks with the company, we will be holding our Christmas Dance on Saturday, December 19th at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 272 (Hespeler).  Winston Butler, a proud member of the Hespeler Legion & USW 8918, booked the hall, located at 26 Schofield Street, in Cambridge (Hespeler), on our behalf.

Chuck Buckwell is going to bring his sound system, so there will be a wide variety of music, through the evening.  Entry is on a first come - first serve basis and is free of charge.  We ask each member to bring only one guest so as many of our guys as possible can attend. The dinner format is Pot Luck.  If you or your better - half would like to bring a dish please contact Winston at 519-654-9512.  He will co-ordinate the meal.  He is very busy so leave a message and he'll return your call.

CHRISTMAS PICKETING     If the strike continues through the holidays, the following schedule will apply:     Normal picket duty will continue until 4:00PM, Thursday December 24th (Christmas Eve) and will resume at 8:00AM Saturday December 26th (Boxing Day).  Those whose normal duty would fall on one of those five shifts must still do their picket duty but can move it to another day in the week.  The time shifted duty must be arranged with Eser Oner & Mike Sauve.

NEW YEARS PICKETING:     This week sees a repeat.  Normal picket duty will continue until 4:00PM on Thursday December 31st and resume at 8:00AM Saturday January 2nd.  Again, those whose shifts fall in the break must still do picket duty but can move it to another day in the week.  Again, the time shifted duty must be arranged with Eser Oner & Mike Sauve.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  HAPPY HOLIDAYS  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There have been a lot of questions about the perceived hush hush over the December 2nd meeting with the corporation.  To be honest, we've been a bit surprised by it.  To ensure that your concerns are dealt with, here's an outline of what happened & when.

On Friday, November 13th, Gary Schick (GA Tampa) called Marie Kelly (USW D6) and they set a meeting for December 2nd.  Before 10:00AM that morning the information was sent via email to our local.  I had the computer with me, in Colombia and didn't get internet access until Sunday (Nov 15).  You can bet that Gerdau knew I was out of the country.

When I picked up the emails, I sent the info out to our committee.  I wanted to be sure we handled it properly.  After all, the meeting date was still two and a half weeks away.  Then I got the email from CTV-news.  The company had contacted them and announced the December 2nd meeting date.  POOF!  It's public knowledge.

So, most of you knew about the meeting before we (the bargaining committee) even had a chance to discuss the information, let alone manage it.  Does this sound familiar??  It sure looks to us like Gerdau hasn't changed their approach at all.  They still want to go around the Union instead of bargaining with the Union.

STAY STRONG BROTHERS!  NO CONCESSIONS!!

Today is election day for the International, National & District offices of the United Steel Workers.  Almost all of the positions were acclaimed.  There are, however two candidates for the position of District 6 Director.  So the membership will have a choice to make;  Incument, Wayne Fraser or challenger, Tony De Paulo.

Local 8918 will open the polls at 2:00PM at the Steel Workers building at 359 Lawrence Street, in Cambridge (Preston).  The polls will close at 6:00PM and the votes will be tabulated immediately thereafter.  The results will then be reported to the International office in Pittsburgh, PA.

The truth about company profits and losses:  In it's financial report, for the 3rd quarter of 2009, Gerdau Ameristeel records a net loss of US$116M, for the first nine months of 2009.  Sounds like they are in trouble doesn't it?  Might even make you think that a Union trying to DEFEND IT'S CONTRACT should cut them some slack...right and try to help poor gerdau?

However, the report states interest expense of over US$105M and a foreign exchange loss of more than US$30M.  They also CHOSE to spend nearly US$12M to reduce debt (recorded as a loss).  A good decision, given that servicing their debt cost them more than double their net operational loss of US$47.6M.  Part of that number is the US$115M cost of closing our sister plants at Perth Amboy, New Jersey and Sand Springs, Oklahoma.  USW Local 9473 and USW Local 2741 respectively.  Still feeling for poor gerdau??

To confirm these numbers follow the link and see for yourself.  Pg 6 of report (pg 8 of document)

http://www.gerdauameristeel.com/Equicom/docs/Gerdau%20Ameristeel%20Q3%202009%20Report.pdf

So...maybe if they had kept those locations working and we assume an operating loss of US$4M for that decision and hadn't leveraged themselves so badly to buy more steel mills they would have turned a profit of about US$100M.  Thats in North America but how is South America treating poor gerdau???    

In an Item published November 5, by Bloomberg News, Gerdau SA reports higher than expected profits.  On top of that they expect that the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games will create huge demand in Brazil for infrastucture improvements (& that means steel).

Follow the link below to the web page to see for yourself.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a19FI_4p4cFM

OUR STEELWORKS WAS COMPETITIVE!  IF THE PENCIL PUSHERS GET OUT OF OUR WAY, IT WILL BE AGAIN!  STAY STRONG BROTHERS!

In support of our striking workers, an International Day of Action will take place
at all unionized Gerdau plants, world wide. We are asking our members to come out and
show solidarity and unity in our fight to secure a fair agreement with the company.

Join us on the picket line on Wednesday, November 18th at 10 a.m.

Yesterday morning CTV Kitchener came to our picketline to do a story on the six month anniversary of the strike.  Here is the link to the clip that ran on last night's news.

 http://www.southwesternontario.ctv.ca/news.php?id=6220&PHPSESSID=b01a342a81ea245b9051fa91308e4bb9

USW 8918 has purchased a twenty inch wreath at Branch 126 (Preston) of The Royal Canadian Legion.  President Trevor Scurrah will have the honour of placing the wreath at the Cenotaph in Preston, on behalf of the local and it's members.

The Cenotaph is located at King and Argyle, in the center of Preston (Cambridge).

If you can't make it to Preston, we recommend that you attend a ceremony at your local cenotaph.  At the very least, please observe two minutes of silence at eleven o'clock to reflect on the sacrafices that were made and are still being made, and be thankful for the hard won freedom we enjoy as a result.

LEST WE FORGET

Ontario New Democratic Party Leader, Andrea Horwath, will pay a visit to our picket line on Tuesday, November 10th, at about 4:15PM.

The Ontario NDP introduced and supported the Anti-scab Bill, at Queen's Park.  That proposed legislation died at second reading, on October 8th, because the Liberals and Conservatives voted it down.  Notable for their absence are the Liberal and Conservative representatives from Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, where a lot of our members live.

Thank you to Ronny and Dave for bringing the UFCW Local 1977 BBQ to our picket line earlier today.  We appreciate the support.

IN SOLIDARITY

United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 1977 are coming to the picket line on Monday, November 9th.  They've offered to bring coffee and host a BBQ in a show of support and solidarity.  The UFCW - 1977 events trailer will be at the line from about noon to around 3:30PM.

WE WELCOME THE MEMBERS OF UFCW LOCAL 1977  

The candidates for District 6 Director will debate one another at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club on Dunbar Road, this Thursday, November 5th.  Challenger Tony De Paulo and incumbent Wayne Fraser will square off, on the issues affecting our district and our union, starting at 6:30PM.

The election will take place on November 24th.  Our local will conduct balloting at 359 Lawrence Street from 2:00PM to 6:00PM.

SEE YOU ON THURSDAY.

Last Week, The Union sent me to Santiago to address the Gerdau Global Workers Committee.  Under normal circumstances, only Denis Kavanagh would go as he is the rep for Canada to this committee.  The Union decided it was improtant for the committee to hear first hand about the strike at Cambridge, so there I was.

I had planned on posting a lengthy report on the outcome of the meeting but the IMF has already done that for me.  Here's the links to their articles.  Have a look for yourself.

First Article

http://www.imfmetal.org/index.cfm?c=20952&l=2

Second Article

http://www.imfmetal.org/index.cfm?c=20946&l=2

While your there you can save the IMF website to your favourites.

This Thursday will mark the end of the fifth month of the strike at our mill.  Many of us have watched our savings dwindle.  Some of us are having difficulty keeping the wolves at bay.  A few of us have lost that fight and are facing bankruptcy.  The cold weather is creeping in and there seems to be no end in sight.

As a union local, we are exploring ways to help the families of our hardest hit members.  We've never been in this situation before, so we don't have all the answers.  We have asked the picket captains to collect from our own members to help one or two individuals.  We will look at any and all possibilities.

Meanwhile, our National and International offices are ramping up the war machine.  The Humanity Fund (Canadian National Office) is sending 8918 President Trevor Scurrah to Chile this week to address the Gerdau Workers World Council.  With the help of Jorge Garcia-Orgales, President Scurrah will explain the history and issues surrounding the strike at Cambridge.  Support for and from our South American brothers & sisters will increase the pressure on Gerdau to come back to the table and get serious about bargaining a fair contract.

It doesn't stop there.  On Wednesday, Jim Stewart, the USW's head negotiator for Gerdau's unionized mills in the U.S.A., will meet with USW 8918's bargaining & executive committees.  He and Melinda Newhouse coordinate the efforts of the USW's Gerdau Unity Council.  While here, Stewart and the Union Local will continue to develope strategies, that can be used across the continent, to convince Gerdau to negotiate equitably at Cambridge.

Like the graphic in the last Unity Council Newsletter says, it may not seem like there's much to be thankful for if you work for Gerdau in Cambridge but I'm reminded of an old working man's saying... "DON'T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN!"

Remember, they only have the bottom line.  We have our families, our friends and each other.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY.

Newspaper Article:    http://news.therecord.com/Business/article/606854

The United Steelworkers Gerdau Unity Council met this week at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 (Preston) in Cambridge.  Officials representing workers, from Gerdau's USW mills, across Canada and the United States, delivered reports on actions and circumstances at their respective locations.

The main topic was the strike at Cambridge.  Local 8918 screened a presentation that outlined the background at the plant and laid out the issues that led to the strike.  The inescapable conclusion was that Gerdau Ameristeel clearly wanted a strike at this location and set their bargaining agenda to ensure that the Union had little choice but to hit the bricks.

The Unity Council, working with the Union's Humanity Fund, the Canadian National Office, and the International Office, developed a plan of action to "Take The Fight Global".  Leafletting and Information Pickets will begin as soon as October 5th.  Later in the month the Gerdau Workers International Council will discuss the Cambridge strike, when they meet in Chile.  The overwhelming thought is that the Cambridge Fight is Everybodies Fight. 

The other big topics were the two year idling of the Sand Springs Plant (work in progress) and the decommissioning of the Perth Amboy steelworks.  This was, sadly, the last time representatives from USW LU 9473 attended Unity Council, as delegates.  In future they will attend as guests.

Thanks to the volunteers that drove our guests to and fro.  Thanks to District 6 Office for buying lunch for the council both days.  Special thanks to the Preston Legion, who donated the meeting space and the lounge for the social evening.  Thanks, also, to the Legion's Ladies Auxilliary, Branch 126 for the great food.  Solidarity.

The Union is asking our membership to step up and help out.  We need people to establish secondary pickets at locations other than the plant and people to provide transportation from the airport for Unity Council members next Tuesday and back next Thursday or Friday.

These actions are on a volunteer basis and will NOT count towards your picket duty.  I suspect that Unity Council members will offer drivers some money for airport runs, likely a similar amount to what they would have paid for a taxi or limo.  That will be at their discretion.

To volunteer for any of these actions emial the Union at uswa8918@sympatico.ca, include your name and which action you are willing to take part in.  You can also phone Trevor or Eser.

In Solidarity

The next General Membership Meeting will be held on September 23rd at 6:00PM at The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 126 (Preston).  We will handle the regular business of the local union.

The elections for district, national & international offices will take place in November.  Nominations, for these positions, must be made at the September meeting.  Names of nominees must be submitted, in writing, to the recording secretary, Jim Chambers, not less than 48 hours before the meeting.

During the strike, one of our members, Gary Thiessen, has been volunteering at a local charity to fill some of his time.  The organization he's with is taking part in a fund raising event called "RIDE FOR REFUGEES".  Gary will be part of the four man bicycle team the group will enter in the ride.

The ride will take place on October 3rd.  The details are posted in the strike trailer.  We are asking for a samll donation to be collected through the picket captains.  If everyone throws in a Toonie, we could raise more than $300. for this worthy cause.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2009

Ruben Garrido of the CTA, in Argentina, will visit the picket line this morning.  The CTA is the central labour body in Argentina, the equivalent of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).  He brings a message of support from our brothers & sisters in Argentina.

Replacement checks for those that bounced are written & signed.  Mike will make them available on the picket line today.  He has commited to recover any losses suffered by our members because of this incident. 

Treasurer Mike Sauve called today.  The bank provided him with a list of bounced checks.  He can write replacements and have them ready once he gets all the authorizing signatures on them.  With some luck it will only be a day or two.

The company will allow strikers on the property to collect personal effects (tools etc) on Thursday, September 10th from 9:00AM - 11:00AM.  Report to the guard shack.  a company representative will walk through with you.

The next General Membership meeting will be held at The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 126 - Preston, on Wednesday September 23rd at 6:00PM.

Labour Day has traditionaly been a celebration of the achievements of workers.  This Labour Day, USW 8918 is in the middle of week 17 of the strike against Gerdau Ameristeel's concessionary demands.  Our struggle, against a corporation that just doesn't care, continues.

While we are not exactly celebrating, we pause today to remember the successes of those who have gone before us.  In the Post War era Unions succesfuly negotiated wage and benefit improvements that built a healthy economy with a large and prosperous middle class.

Neo conservative policies have attacked Unions and the middle class they created.  In the process they have handed the world the worst recession of our lifetime.  We have not seen the likes of this since the great depression (also caused by unfettered capitalism).

Our Union is NOT opposed to the profit motive.  We are opposed to flat out GREED.  We know that our Unionized mill has made a profit of more than $30M per year for at least the last three years.  We are convinced that the Cambridge mill continued to be profitable even in the worst of the economic downturn.

Despite this the company insisted on concessions that they knew the Union could not accept.  This extended strike is the result of Gerdau Ameristeel's unswerving greed.  The Union remains commited to resolving the strike by bargaining a fair and equitable contract for all of our members.

WE MUST KEEP OUR RESOLVE

Late in the week, we got word of a bounced check.  Soon it was more than one.  It seems there was a hold on the account that shoudn't have been there.  The CIBC has aplologized for the error.  In the meantime we may have upwards of 40 checks that were returned NSF.

Some of our people have indicated that they have been charged a fee for the returned checks.  According to the CIBC there should not be a fee for the Charge back as it was not the fault of the individual.

If you have had a returned check, please contact Mike Sauve (519-648-2262) or Craig Gosse (519-632-9798).  They will need to issue you a replacement check and will work with the CIBC to try to recover any losses you may have suffered.  The Union regrets the inconveniece this has caused.

We are saddened by the news that Pat Nichol passed away on Tuesday afternoon.  Pat was our brother Dave's wife and our brother Paul's mother.  Please join us in offering our sympathies to them and the rest of their family.

All arrangements have been made at Lounsbury Funeral Home, 1766 Franklin Blvd.  Visitation will be Monday September 14th 2 -4PM and 7 - 9PM.  The funeral will be held Tuesday, September 15th at 11AM.  There will be a reception afterward at the funeral home.

In a series of emails to one of our members, over the last few days, HR manager Karen Gingrich confirmed that payment in full on computer loans will NOT BE REQUIRED until an individual's recall rights expire.  She also confirmed that the company will NOT CHARGE INTEREST in the meantime.  The Corporation has softened it's stance to "Please send what you can... while you are on layoff."

The Union found itself unable to provide legal advice to the individuals involved because the Computer loans are not covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  We were able to raise questions regarding the legality of the penalty clause in the loan agreements & we advised our people to seek independent legal advice.  We think this may have helped.

IN SOLIDARITY 

J.R. Hipolito Rivera, President of USW Local 9473, phoned today to express the gratitude that his membership feels towards ours.  "What a nice bunch of guys you've got up there." he said.  "Your guys packed our web site with letters of support.  That means so much to our members, it was overwhelming.  Please let them know how much it means to us."

As we continue our struggle, some of us felt that our brothers & sisters at Perth Amboy deserved to know that we were thinking of them, as well.  We asked the membership to send emails in support of 9473.  We aren't able to change the fate of the Perth Amboy plant.  The Corporation has sealed that.  What our guys did was just a small gesture but one that clearly made a difference for our brothers & sisters in New Jersey.

WE WILL REMEMBER USW 9473 - - NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN

Earlier this week some of the laid off workers got letters from the Company demanding full payment of their outstanding computer loans.  The letter claims that the demand is in accordance with the Loan Agreements signed by the employees.   We have sent a copy of the loan agreement to our legal department for advice.

In the meantime, the Union has taken the position that since the workers are still employed by the Company, until their recall rights expire.  They don't have to repay the full loan amount until that time.  We informed the Company of our position via email.

Paying the loan now may still be the best option.  When the legal department gets back to us, we'll know better how to advise our people.  The Union is dedicated to the principle that the worker has the right to decide for himself which option is best for him and his family.

IN SOLIDARITY

Yesterday and today, August 24 & 25, every Union Local representing workers at Gerdau - Ameristeel plants distributed hard hat stickers demanding "CONTRACT FOR CAMBRIDGE NOW".  From Iowa & Texas to New Jersey & Manitoba, this simple and strong message has been sent to Gary Schick, Mario Longhi and the rest of the management team at Tampa. Florida.

The effectiveness of Unity Council action was crucial in ending the seven month lock out of USW Local 8586 at Gerdau's facility in Beaumont, Texas.  Since then the management at the Beaumont mill has been completely changed.  Ricardo Anawate, who cut his teeth here at Cambridge, now heads up the Beaumont management team.  Prior to the strike at Cambridge, USW 8586 President, Pete Savoy, reported that labour - management relations at Beaumont had "...never been better than they are now." 

We beleive that a small demonstration of Unity Council support for USW Local 8339, in February, helped them secure a three year deal at Gerdau's plant in Jackson, Michigan.  That Collective Agreement includes wage increases of 2% each year as well as improvements to pensions and benefits.  When the exchange rate is factored in, the wage scale and benefit package are similar to those at Cambridge.

Now the weight of the Council will be brought to bear, here at Cambridge.  The sticker campaign is just the latest salvo in our war against corporate greed.  We are expecting confirmation soon that visitors will arrive from USW Local 8581, Wilton, Iowa and USW Local 7263, St. Paul Minnesota, likely in the first week of September.  Furthermore, the United Steel Workers Gerdau Unity Council will convene at Cambridge on September 30th and October 1st.  STAY STRONG BROTHERS!

IN SOLIDARITY

The Company has agreed to another time slot for people to get their personal belongings, tools etc. this WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26TH, 10:15AM - NOON.  If you can't use this opportunity but still want to get your stuff, please contact us and we'll try to arrange something for you on a personal basis.  uswa8918@sympatico.ca  519-588-8918

In Solidarity

The Union received a letter from the Company's lawyers, Mathews Dinsdale, alleging violations of the consent order that governs the strike line protocol.  We have posted a copy of the letter in the strike trailer.

The company claims that, on a number of occasions vehicles were held for longer than the ten minutes allowed by the order and that picketers have made threats or taken aggressive action against those crossing the picket line.

They also say that further breaches of the protocol could result in them seeking "legal remedies".  This could include charges against those in contempt of the order and more restrictions on picketing, like even less time for vehicles or a limit on the number of picketers.  WE DON'T WANT THIS!

We know it's frustrating to hold a truck for only ten minutes, then watch it go through our line but it would be much worse to see it go through after only five or two.  Even worse would be to have more truck drivers going through the line than picketers manning it.

Right now, we can hold rallies & bring visitors to our line.  These might include our wives or girlfriends, kids, guests from sister locals, supporters from our steel workers area council and other labour groups.  WE WANT TO KEEP THIS!  

Please maintain self discipline for the benefit of the entire membership.  We've got too much invested in this now, to blow it because we lose our patience.  In Solidarity. 

On September 7th (Labour Day), the lay offs that took effect January 5th become classified as "Permanent" under the Employment Standards Act.  This does NOT mean your employment with the Company is severed.

You have two options:

1/  Sign for option A, take any severance pay that you may be entitled to but surrender your recall rights.  Your employment with the Company WILL BE SEVERED.  THE UNION DOES  NOT RECOMMEND THIS OPTION.

2/  Sign for option B, any money owed to you will be put into a trust fund.  You remain an employee of the Company and retain your recall rights (24-36 months depending on length of service).   THE UNION RECOMMENDS THIS OPTION. 

NOTE;  If you do nothing option B is assumed and you keep your recall rights.  If you choose to sign for optoin B, we recommend you keep a copy of the signed form for your records.  If you want to, you can file one with the Union as well.     In Solidarity.

The Company has NOT contacted the Union.  They have our email address & phone number and are aware that we are always willing to meet.  Stay strong brothers.

Please check the picket schedule in the strike trailer for upcoming changes.  In Solidarity.

NO ANSWER:     Eight days ago the membership backed their bargaining committee, once again rejecting the Company's concessions.  The Union delivered the result of the vote by telephone that evening.  Earlier this week, the Union local sent an email to the Cambridge Management's entire Negotiating Committee and Gary Schick, stating that we are willing to meet any time.  To quell rumours, we then copied that email out to our membership.  Despite our efforts, the Company remains silent.

CONFERENCE CALL:     On a conference call yesterday (Thursday), Pete Savoy of USW 8586, said "This is exactly what they did to us in Beaumont.  It's union busting.  They've admitted that and they apologized for it but now they're doing the same thing to you in Cambridge."  Other comments confirmed the coprorate nature of the concessions GA wants to impose on Cambridge.

UNITY COUNCIL:     Union brothers from several of our sister locals have come to Cambridge to demonstrate support for our strike.  They know that our fight is their fight.  As the campaign to support USW 8918 begins to ramp up, we expect more visitors in the near future.  Also, the Unity Council will meet at Cambridge near the end of September, whether the strike is settled or not.

ENJOY THE CIVIC HOLIDAY.

District 6 Assistant To The Director, Marie Kelly told the Company's lawyer, Mark Contini, that the Union is willing to meet any time to resume talks.  Other than a polite thank you after receiving the vote result, the Company has not given us a response.  We beleive the vote, delivered by the membership, sends a clear message.  We sincerely hope that the Company will remove it's concenssionary demands from the table and get serious about getting a deal done!  Our members want to go back to work but not at any cost.

Thank You to USW Local 8586, Beaumont, Texas:     President Pete Savoy delivered a donation, to our strike fund, from LU 8586.  The $1000.USD became $1048.CDN when Treasurer Mike Sauve deposited it this mornig.  Special thanks to Pete, who emptied his pockets of Canadian currency, before he left for home, donating another $95.86 to the cause (also deposited this morning).

IN SOLIDARITY

THE VOTE:     Last night (Thursday), the membership voted to reject the company's latest offer and gave the bargaining committee an even stronger mandate than before.  The latest version of Gerdau Ameristeel's offer was turned down by a count of 120 - 46.  Picketing resumed shortly after the meeting closed.

BEAUMONT VISIT:     We have guests from our sister local, USW 8586 in Beaumont, Texas.  President Pete Savoy and Vice President & Grievance Chair Roy Williford, arrived this evening for a two day show of support.  They presented us with yet another banner of support that we will display beside the existing ones from USW 9473 Perth Amboy, New Jersey and USW 5442 Selkirk, Manitoba.

FOR THE BOVAY FAMILY:     Once again USW Local 8918 has shown her heart and made us proud. The collection last night for Dave Bovay's family raised just over $412.  The money will be deposited in the bank account provided by Dave's nephew, Dan.

THE BARGAINING COMMITTEE THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.    

MONDAY:     The Executive and Bargaining Committees decided to call a General Membership Meeting to disperse information and quash rumours.  We contacted the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 (Preston) and booked the hall for next Wednesday (July 22nd).

TUESDAY:     We posted the meeting information on the web site, so that everybody could see it, well in advance.  We wanted to make sure as many of the membership as possible could attend.

WEDNESDAY:     We met with the Company and, for the first time, their proposal contained an expiry date; July 22!  At the end of the day, we told the company that we were willing to meet into the night or come back to the table the next day.  They declined, saying they'd get back to us on Monday to set dates.

THURSDAY:     The bargaining Committee met at the Eagle Street office to prepare our next response to the Company.  While working on that, we got word that the Company had leaked a one page summary of their latest proposal, "through the fence" to our picket line.  Now we know why they wouldn't meet us this day.  We contacted Marie Kelly at the District 6 office and although she agrees that this was a despicable act when the bargaining table is still open, she informed us that, under the law, it does NOT qualify as "Bad Faith Bargaining."

FRIDAY & ON:     We are trying to have a member of the Bargaining Committee at the picket line at or near the shift changes to talk to as many of you as we can and deal with the half-truths in the Company summary.  We suspect that it may be coming to your house, in the mail.  If it does, please bring it with you to the meeting on Wednesday.  It is more important than ever for the membership to get behind the Bargaining Committee.

SATURDAY:     The Memorial service for Dave Bovay will be held at 1:00PM, at the SALVATION ARMY 51 Eglington Street Lindsay, Ontario (705) 324-9511.  The collection at the Membership meeting on Wednesday will be donated to the Bovay family.  

The Union met with the Company all day today (Wednesday, July 15).  Once again, the Union prepared and presented a comprehensive package aimed at ending the impass.  Once again, the company did not change their basic position.  At nearly 6:00PM both sides agreed to consider their positions and make contact on Monday (July 20) to set dates to continue.

The Union asked the Company to pay the outstanding Lump Sum Bonus (Job Stability).  After some discussion the Company agreed to pay the $500 bonus to those who qualify.  There is no set date for this but it is expected within a reasonable time frame.  

WEDNESDAY JULY 22ND, 6:00PM, PRESTON LEGION (UPSTAIRS)

Once again the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 have provided us with the meeting hall upstairs at 334 Westminster Dr. N. Cambridge (Preston).  Again, the Legion have given us the hall free of charge.  We will place the box by the door and ask you for an exit donation, just like last time.  There will be normal business to take care of and we will address your concerns surrounding bargaining.  SEE YOU THERE.

To our American Brothers and Sisters:

We wish only the best for you and yours, on your country's 233rd birthday.  Happy 4th Of July.  Keep up the fight for the Land Of The Free and the Home Of The Brave.  From your brothers at 8918 Cambridge, Ontario, in the True North Strong and Free.

May God bless both our nations.  In Solidarity.

Our Negotiating Committee met yesterday with representatives from the company.  Through the day, it became very clear that THEY WERE NOT SERIOUS about getting anything done.  Gary Schick was NOT present, because of the American independence day holiday.  As far as we can see, the local management committee was given orders to STALL!  There was NO REAL CHANGE to their position.

Even more disturbing, is the fact that the company stance MAKES NO SENSE.

First;         They keep telling us that this is not a Corporate Agenda, that it is locally driven.  Yet, Union officials from our sister locals react as if the things we're telling them have come off a script that they've all heard before.

Second;     They say they're not taking advantage of the recession.  Yet they don't  intend to implement most of the job combo & two tier options during this contract.  So why is it on the table NOW?

Third;        They insist they need two tier to address wage compression, then they want to combine jobs which would compress the wage scale EVEN MORE.

Fourth;     They say they need lower wages at the bottom end of the scale but propose combinations that would INCREASE COSTS in that very area.

Make no mistake:     This is a coprporate agenda, driven by Tampa, U.S.A.  aimed at weakening the Canadian Locals, starting with 8918 Cambridge.  Stand strong brothers.   

142 Years ago, a group of white anglo-saxon colonists signed a charter that created THE DOMINION OF CANADA.  Since then, our country has grown across the continent and become a multi-cultural mosaic that is the envy of the world.

On this day, we pause to give thanks for all of our blessings.  We remember the principles and the sacrifices of those who gave us our great nation.  Looking forward we make this promise...

OH CANADA, WE STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE.

The Union and the Company have scheduled another bargaining session to take place this Friday, July 3rd.

FRIDAYS MEETING:     Talks resumed yesterday, (June 26) but were not very productive.  The Union and the Company remain apart on Seniority(job combos), C.O.L.A. and Two Tier wages & benefits.   The Union and the Company have agreed to hold more meetings, possibly Thursday or Friday (July 2,3).

WI CUT OFF LETTERS:     We are asking that any of our members who were on Weekly Indemnity (Short Term Disability) bring us the letter informing you that you will no longer receive your benefit.  We will copy them to our legal department so they can determine if we are able to help you.

STRIKE LINE SOLIDARITY:     The company is listening to everything you say on the picket line.  It is extrememly important that you send the right message.  Be mindful of what you say.  Our membership has gotten stronger over recent weeks and that has greatly encouraged us.  Support for your Bargaining Committee has never been more important.  Keep up the great work!

DON'T GET YOUR HOPES UP!  IT'S ONLY DISCUSSIONS.

On Monday Wayne Fraser & Gary Schick arranged for a meeting this Friday to discuss outstanding contract issues.  Both men will join the local bargaining committees (for the Union & the Company) to see if enough common ground can be established to re-open contract negotiations.

On Tuesday, the Cambridge management contacted local 8918 to arrange a meeting prior to Friday.  Our position, all along, has been that we are open to talks any time any where.  So, the negotiating committee met with them today (Wednesday).  Discussions centered around the company's proposals regarding Job Consolidation, COLA & Two Tier.  Once again, we explained our objections to each item and offered alternatives where we felt some were available. We re-stated our position that since the Company broke off negotiations it is up to them to prepare a response to restart the process.

We believe that we delivered a clear message and hope that management are working to prepare a response that brings them toward that common ground but there really is NO WAY TO KNOW.

IN SOLIDARITY

Representatives from USW 5442, Selkirk, Manitoba and USW 6571, Whitby, Ontario, will join the strike line erected by USW 8918 in Cambridge, Ontario today.  President Pete Mandryk and President Denis Kavanagh and others will arrive at about 11:00AM and stay until mid-afternoon.  President Mandryk presented our local with a banner displaying his local's support for our cause.  It now stands beside the banner brought by President Riveira of USW 9473, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.A.  International support for this strike continues to grow.  At the birthplace of Gerdau's venture into the North American market, all three Canadian locals will stand together in defence of the contracts that generated so much wealth that Gerdau was able to expand across the continent.  See You There, Today.

A number of emails have gone out to try to communicate with the membership.  Several addresses keep coming back as "undelivered".  It could be just a small error in transcribing the information from your handwriting to our typing.  The fastest way to fix it is to send us an email, blank or otherwise, to the address above.  Please include your name so we can confirm your info.  Once you contact us, we can copy & paste your contact info into our file.

Stay Strong Brothers, Scrap prices remain low & Finished Steel prices are climbing.   

Yesterday, about sixty or seventy of our members were able to attend the meeting at the Preston Legion Hall.  Once again, for those of you who could not attend, we apologize for the short notice.

District 6 Director Wayne Fraser spoke about the importance of the membership sticking together as we confront a corporation that will exploit any weakness it can find to achieve it's goal of increasing profits at the expense of workers.  Following this, Brazilian trade unionist Jose Zagallo, of the CUT, delivered a message of solidarity from our brothers is South America.  His message was well received and appreciated.

In the Q & A session a lively debate arose and all members were afforded time to express their opinions.  In any democratic organization all voices must be heard.  Our different thoughts and ideas are what make us strong.  However, as we look to the future, solidarity at all levels, is the only way we can hope for a sucessful resolution to this labour dispute.  Stay strong brothers.

Special thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126, Preston, who gave us the meeting hall free of charge.  We are proud to announce that USW Local 8918 showed it's true heart, as the exit collection raised about $100 for this branch.

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE BEG

On Monday, June 15th we will be having a barbecue at the strike trailer. Starting at around noon we will be serving hotdogs, hamburgers and cold drinks.

Hope to see you there!

Today in Provincial Court an order was signed by the Judge, which immediately places limits on how we conduct strike line pickets at the plant.  The Court Order does not restrict the number of Picketers allowed to attend the line but we are only to hold vehicles for no longer then ten minutes in total from the time they are stopped.

A copy of the Court Order is posted in the Strike Line Trailer and outlines the details. Failure to abide by the Court Order could result in Contempt of Court charges not only against the Union Executive but also individuals who violated any of the items listed in the Order.

Any questions regarding the new restrictions should be directed to your Picket Captain.

Starting on Monday June 8th, cheques will be available to Members who participated in picket duties the week before and who qualify for strike pay.  Mike will be at the trailer starting at 10am and will make every effort to ensure all the cheques are distributed in a timely fashion. At this time, every Monday will be when the cheques will become available.

Should this arrangement change, we will notify you as soon as we can.

On Wednesday, June 3rd, the Union and Company met with the Waterloo Regional Police to discuss a strike line protocol. With the Police Representatives facilitating the discussions for over an hour, no agreement was reached as to how long the vehicles going in and out of the plant would be held.

In the spirit of compromise we are asking that our Members attending the picket line only hold the vehicles at the line for no more than thirty minutes. We believe that this period of time is fair considering the number of people crossing the picket line, as well as the types of vehicles going in and out of the plant.

May 16   Cambridge steelmaker hit by strike

May 18    Steelworkers on strike in Cambridge

May 19    Workers Go on Strike as Gerdau Tries to Take Advantage....

May 22   No talks set between 200 striking workers and Gerdau Ameristeel

As we start the week (as well as a new month) we have nothing new to report at this time. The Union and the Company have not been at the table since May 14, when the Company ended talks. We are hopeful that the Company will change their mind and return to the table to negotiate a fair and equitable contract.

Now in our third week of the strike, those who have participated in picket duties for the first two weeks and have been present for their scheduled hours, qualify for a food voucher.  Please see your Picket Captain to receive your food voucher.

Once a member has completed three weeks of picket duty as scheduled, they will then qualify to receive strike pay on a weekly bases as long as they continue to participate on the line when required.

It is very important to show a strong presents on the picket line and your attendance when scheduled ensures that this can be done. It’s great when members can come out to the line on their days off and show their support. Please remember that those hours cannot be used to count towards qualifying for strike pay. Only your scheduled shift hours will be used when determining whether you qualify for strike pay. It is very important if you are unable to make your shift that you make arrangements to switch with someone else and inform your Picket Captain as soon as possible, so the schedule can be adjusted.

If you are scheduled to cover a picket line shift and you do not attend , you will not get paid!

Any questions about picket duties should be directed to your Captains.