OFF THE LINE February 2020 - Volume 31 - Issue 1 - Check out articles on page 18 &19 - Unifor Local 88
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OFF THE LINE
February 2020 - Volume 31 - Issue 1
Check out articles on page 18 &19
Page 1 February 2020
New Phone numbers for
In-plant Reps
Note: To contact the reps below on an in-plant phone use the last 5 digits
FAX Main Plant office 1-226-825-8795
FAX Plant Chair Desk 1-226-825-8796
FAX Benefits 1-226-825-8797
Plant Chair Mike Van Boekel 1-226-825-8531
Coordinator Mike Murphy 1-226-825-8530
Paint/Tr/MH A Jerry Doyle 1-226-825-8521
Paint/Tr/MH C Arnie Small 1-226-825-8522
Paint/Tr/MH B Dan Comeau 1-226-825-8523
Weld/MH B Rob Corbett 1-226-825-8524
Weld/MH A Adam Trudgen 1-226-825-8525
Weld/MH C Ron Zavitz 1-226-825-8526
Assembly/QC B Ryan Roberts 1-226-825-8527
Assembly/QC C Mario Defelice 1-226-825-8528
Assembly/QC A Tom Dunn 1-226-825-8529
EFAP Jeff Ramackers 1-226-825-8705
Human Rights Alex McCoy 1-226-825-8532
Benefits Stephan Cronin 1-226-825-8533
Benefits Rob Gallace 1-226-825-8534
Benefits Jeff Bankes 1-226-825-8535
Skilled Trades Alex Balicki 1-226-825-8517
Apprenticeship Chris Ciolfi 1-226-825-8681
Health & Safety
(Chris Wilson A, Jamie Wright B, Karen Weldon C) 1-226-825-8518
Ergonomics Roger Yaholnitsky(Paco) 1-226-825-8519
Time Standards Rob Hoekstra 1-226-825-8520
To use hyperlinks, click on rep you wish to contact and it will put number directly to your phone (on cell phones)
Page 2 February 2020
Change Change - Not a
We all know change is hard. good way!
Change is hard because your
brain is wired to do the same Unifor Local 594
thing over and over, regardless have been locked
if that activity is good or bad out! Instead of the
for you. We also know how members going to
challenging it can be to go work they are now
through change, but the positive having to walk the
consequence is really awesome! picket line. This
lockout will affect us
I fully believe change is good all if the company is
for you. Even when it seems able to go through
tough, you are learning and with their demands.
growing as a person. Change happens slowly, but it This fight is our fight! Check out their site on FB and
happens. their website.
2020 is a new year and for me, it comes with a couple Unifor National requested we send our members
of changes, so far. to help with the efforts out west. Local 88 sent two
Linda Smith officially retired February 1st, 2020 Flying Squad members to join the lines (Steven Pye
leaving me as sole editor. I look forward to this and Pete McDonald). When they thought a deal was
challenge. Along with this, I have also started a new reached they came home. THEN, Steven Pye went
position in the plant. I have not changed positions in back along with Colleen Wake as the company had
over 8 years and have never changed departments. zero intentions of ratifying a deal. As I write this, they
A new position, a new department and a new shift. I are still there.
have been in Assembly my whole time at Cami and Remember, these Unifor members have been locked
now I reside in Paint A shift as PSG. I have welcomed out!
these changes and realize change is good!
Embrace change. It actually can look very good
Newsletter changes except when a company like Federated Co-op wants
to make changes like they are proposing! SHAME!
You will see a few changes over the next year or
so in the newsletter. Not subtle changes but changes In Solidarity,
none the less. Let me know what you think. Have an Doris Weir,
idea of what will look good? Tell me, reach out. I am Editor,
only but a phone call, text or email away. 519-808-6197
dorisweir88@gmail.com
In this Issue Executive Board Meetings
President’s Report: Pg. 4 Your local union Executive Board meets on the Tuesday prior
Plant Chair Report: Pg. 8 to the last Sunday of each month to acknowledge thank you
Benefits Banter: Pg. 9 letters from the past month, to report on activities from the past
Production Standards: Pg. 11 months, and to review requests and make recommendations to
Environment Comm. Report: Pg. 12 the membership at our next General Membership meeting. If
Ergo Report: Pg. 12 you have a request you wish your Executive Board to deal with,
Human Rights/Employment please submit it by the Friday prior to the Executive Board
Equity Report: Pg. 15 Meeting.
Skilled Trades Report: Pg. 17
Skilled Trade Council Report: Pg. 23 General Membership Meetings
Flying Squad Report: Pg. 18 Our Local Union General Membership Meetings are on
Financial Secretary Report: Pg. 20 the last Sunday of each month at 10:30am. This is your
Retirees Report: Pg. 26 opportunity to participate in the decisions of your local union.
Rec Report: Pg. 26 The membership is the highest authority in our local union.
Letters to the Editor: Pg. 33 You are invited to the next General Membership Meeting:
Contacts: Pg. 39 March 29, 2020.
Page 3 February 2020
By: Joe Graves
Federated December 2019 January 2020
Co-operatives Limited (FCL) 70 DAY Allan (Sammy) Lightheart Steve Harvey
Lockout continues. Caroline Trevitt Wayne Attack
Ted Davis Shelly Longdo
Michael Robinson Todd Harmsworth
Bill Martin
Randy Aeichele
Tim Vuylsteke
Robert Howald
David Pearson
Ron Joyes
Unifor Local 594 and close to 800 members
have been locked out of their workplace since February 2020
December 5, 2019; over 70 days. Their employer, FCL, Dean Vanrootselaar Dennis Uhlik
makes over 3 million a day and is asking their workers
to make concessions to gut pensions and benefits. Gary Vanderbolt Peter Schaefer
Co-op has been flying in scab workers using helicopters Anthony Lycett Gary Geerts
and has not stopped since the lockout. These scabs John Leclair Michel Magee
have a camp which was erected near the facility last Eric Newing William Harwood
October, during the bargaining process. Co-op applied Robert Hibbs Willard Warren
for a permit to build this housing facility weeks before Andrew Hepburn Jeff Gulliford
the bargaining began last January 2019. Co-op has Glenn Stothart James Petit
carefully planned this whole lockout over a year ago Diane Jamieson Paula Plume
and has had no interest in bargaining in good faith with
the workers of Local 594. Our National Union has Kevin Tilson Julie Lindsay
requested Locals send out members to help support Teery Mestaugh Brad Riddell
the fight. Hundreds of members across the country Ian Coutts Scott Sharland
have endured the conditions to support the members Jeff Smith Larry Ostrowercha
of Local 594. Unfortunately, the law really seems to Jeffrey Windsor Larry Kmita
be taking sides with the very wealthy company, FCL, Alan Wingarden Stephen Palmer
and many arrests have been made including President Ed Tryon Brad Nutt
Jerry Dias and his assistant Scott Doherty. As Union Alan Cayford John McCallum
members, we need to be made aware no matter how
good things seem to be, companies are always looking Michael Holmes Dan Gunnel
for more profits and will almost do anything to attain Linda Smith Ken Westra
those profits. To learn more about what is going on Jeffrey Hogg Brian Kunderman
in Regina Saskatchewan with Unifor Local 594 and Kevin Marr Don Brouyette
Federated Co-operative Limited please go to the Glenn Greenfield Maureen McCulloch
National web site for more details. David McDowell Tracey Mawson
RETIREES MEETING
This month's retirees meeting was held on
February 12th. These meetings are held the 2nd Total = 60
Wednesday of the month except July, August and GM Unit 747
December. For all of you new retirees looking for AWC Unit 7
something to do and keep in touch with some of DCT Units 2
your co-workers of the past please plan to attend.
Brian Ginty, Local 88’s chairperson, National 2
will gladly welcome any new members. Total retired workers to date - 758
Here are our most recent retirees: Continued on Page 5
Page 4 February 2020
By: Joe Graves
Congratulations to all the members of Unifor Bylaws Committee
Local 88 who have retired since the last issue of the On February 11, 2020, Local 88’s bylaws
newsletter. On behalf of the Local 88’s Executive, committee met to go over the existing bylaws and
In-plant and Membership, we wish you and your discuss a notice of motion which was read at the
family the best in your retirement years and thank January membership meeting. Mike VanBoekel has
you. forwarded a notice of motion that will ensure a sister
will be on the Bargaining Committee with full voice
Your Future/Pre-Retirement One day and vote for all future negotiations. This motion will
Educational Course be discussed at the February 23rd, 2020 membership
At this time there are no plans for another one-day meeting and when passed the 28% women we have
course to be held but that can change if the interest is working in the plant will have representation at the
there to hold another one in the near future. I would Bargaining Table.
like to suggest is for anyone who may be interested Spring P.E.L. Selections
please contact the Unifor Benefits Office and ask to
be put on a list. Once the list gets over 25 we will The 2020 P.E.L. spring application and selection
start the process of organizing another course. process are now complete and everyone has been
notified by letters on their acceptance or denial. I
To sign up, contact: Unifor Local Benefits would like to thank Brent Tree for all of his hard
Representative Office at: work during this process. We had close to 78
Stephan: 1-226-825-8533 (In-plant Ext 58533) applicants and 71 members will attend the future
Rob: 1-226-825-8534 (In-plant Ext 58534) PEL & HS courses over the next few months. All
of the PEL LOA’s have already been approved by
Jeff: 1-226-825-8535 (In-plant Ext 58535) employee relations except the August ones since
they cannot be approved until June. For those of you
AWC Yard/Office who got denied please do not get discouraged, apply
On January 22, 2020, we held third step grievance again and for those who have been accepted please
meeting with AWC chairperson Mel Bolsterli, keep active within the Local.
committeeperson Paul Branton and AWC General Membership Meetings
management from Oshawa and Ingersoll on various
outstanding issues. The meeting went very well. Our Local Union general membership meetings
are on the last Sunday of each month at 10:30am.
United Way Labour Appreciation Awards This is the time and place for you to participate in
On January 23, 2020, I attended the United the decisions of your local union. The membership
Way Labour Appreciation Awards in London. is the highest authority in our local Union. I invite
On this night awards are presented to those who you to attend our next general membership meeting.
have contributed in many ways to the community
and their workplaces. One of the recipients of the
night was Alex McCoy, Local 88’s Human Rights/ In Solidarity,
Employment Equity Representative. Alex, over Joe Graves,
the years, has spent so much time helping others 519-425-0952 x101,
within our plant. She also volunteers for many Cell- 226-448-2789
outside committees to help and assist people in our joegraves@unifor88.ca
community. United Way Labour wanted to recognize
Alex for all of her work. I would also like to thank
Alex on behalf of the entire membership.
Page 5 February 2020
Congratulations to the over 180 Retirees in 2019
Allison,Mark C. DeGroote,Trevor R Larsh,Donald J.
Anderson,Derek R. Devries,Stan S. Lauda,Edwin V.
Arnold,Robert Diehl,Jim W. Lefebvre,Maurice P
Arnold,Steven E. Dorey,Anne Legacy,George W.
Auld,David Douglas,Mark A Legault,Philippe J
Bailey,Mark Ede,Darrel S. Lemon,Bradley G.
Baker,Robert G. Edmonds,Don A. Leroux,Lyndon R.
Barker,David L. Edwards,James Lightheart,Allan
Beernink,Roger W. Enns,George Lockhart,John D.
Bell,Dawn L. Erdelac,Rick E. Lomack,David A
Berg,David R Fallowfield,Bradley W.R. Lopez,Andre
Berzins,Lisa C. Featherstone,Robert Lord,Shari L.
Blancher,H. Allen Fournier, Andre Mabee,Benita
Blancher,Laura M. Garvey,Ken J. Gee,Robert J. MacDonald,R. Scott
Boogerman,Donald Gillett,Brent A. MacKenzie,Roy W.
Borbely,Joseph Glosnek,Alfred MacKinnon,Donald A
Branderhorst,Michael MacKinnon,Vicki L
Breuls,Paul A. MacLeod,Scott H
Brouwer,Helen MacMeekin,Anne Margaret
Brouwer,Steven Mailloux,Jerome E
Bruce,Lori J. Mallinson,Cathy M
Burgess,David B. Mallinson,William J.
Burrows,Paul McAlpine,Paul D.
Byatt,Linda McDowell,Carl D.
Cameron,Kathy McKim,Tom
Chandler,David McLay,Grant A.
Grimstead,John E.
Chattington,Richard T. Miller,Glenn M.
Gualtieri,Antonio P.
Clark,J Thomas Mitrovic,John W
Guild,Iain
Clayton,Thomas B Montgomery,Matthew
Hagerman,John M.
Coghill,David E Murphy,Wayne A.
Hanley,Linda Diane
Comeau,Michael G. Murray,Steven J.
Heeren,Henry
Conklin,Brian H. Musial,Zdzislaw
Homewood,Bob J.
Cornell,John H. Nieuwhof,Jeffrey R.
Hughes,Kenneth E.
Couperus,Sebastian Northrup,Keith R.
Jennings,Shawn L
Christian Cowan,Sandra L Nutt,Brian W.
Joyes,Bill H.
Cox,Brian J. O'Brien,Jim A
Kerr,Allison J.
Croft,William J. Ostrom,Scott
Kingsbury,Heidi
Dailey,Roy Partridge,Terry
Kingsbury,Kenneth W.
D'Avirro,Nicola G. Pasek,Chris S.
Kroll,Ken J.
Davis,Ted Patterson,Paul G.
Page 6 February 2020
Congratulations to the over 180 Retirees in 2019 (Cont’d)
Pera,Andre Toner,Kevin Walters,Bradley C.
Peter,Jody Trevitt,Caroline A. Walzak,Paul S.
Phillips,M. Gail Tribe,Don K. Wansbrough,Bill T.
Phillips,Paul Ueberschaer,Gerhard Waud,Mark
Pitkin,Kevin Unrau,Paul D. Waymouth,Linda E
Pond,Brian H. Uza,David G. Weir,Don J.
Rachar,Brian P. Van Dyken,John Wesselson,Paul G.
Reaume,Shawn N. Van Noort,Nick G. Wheatley,Chris J.
Reid,Karen Vandendiepstraten,Gerard C. White,Douglas E.
Reystone,Mark Vanderklooster,Mike White,Gerald
Rhind,Marvin Vandermolen,Philip G. White-Harper,Chris
Rigg,Larry D. Vanginneken,Hubert Wilkins,Mark D.
Roe,Darlene P Wilks,Marion I
Sabo,Valerian Willemsvandyk,Ken
Sans,David E. Wills,Michael J.
Schaldach,John H Wilson,Daniel F.
Scholl,Norbert Wilson,Stuart W.
Schram-Smith,Alice A Wilson,Wendy L.
Schweitzer,Karen I. Winegarden,Glen R.
Searay,Phil Young,Kimberly A.
Shaddick,Daniel J. Zemnicky,Marsha
Simpson,Brent E. Zimmer,Gary
Siu,Christine S Zuk,Michael A.
Skowron,Wlodzimierz
Vanos,Joyce M
Smith,Jamie R
Vanrooy,Tony G
Snyder,Dale R
Vansanten,Dave L.
Suzuki,Michael J.
Veenstra,Mindert
Szlachetka,Patricia R
Verzyl,Albert
Tewkesbury,Todd J.
Wagner,Troy C
Thompson,Laurie
Wall,Martin
Tickner,Douglas C.
Tidgwell,Johl H.
Tomlinson,Terry B
Page 7 February 2020
By: Mike Van Boekel
Re-Rate
2020 started off with a negative tone as GM Again, please see your respective union rep if you feel
announced a 10% re-rate for our plant. When the a job has been missed or wonder what happened to it.
dust clears it appears we will be losing approximately We track every retirement and want to make sure
140 jobs across the plant. This also includes the every opening is filled properly, as per the contract. In
annual efficiency gain mandated by GM. Adam 2019 we had 192 people retire. So far in 2020 we have
Trudgen has agreed to jump in as required and had 57 people retire with 10 months still to go.
oversee the entire re-rate so the company has one
main point person. We keep a record of all cuts, Cameras
canvasses and postings directly related to the The company installed new camera’s around the plant
re-rate. Anyone can come to the in-plant office if over the Christmas shutdown period. The cameras are
they are wondering how any moves came to be. being compared to “military grade” standards. They are
motion activated, so during shift changes the cameras
New Union Rep Course are constantly moving around. During slower periods
On February 8th, Mike Murphy and I put on a if the camera detects motion outside the plant, chances
three-hour New Union Rep Course. There were are a camera is zooming in and watching you. A few of
31 people in attendance. We went through every the reps were given a first-hand look at the cameras and
position in the in-plant, including all the Specialty at 3am it still appears as if everything is seen as though
Reps. The day went very good with lots of good it is in broad daylight. The cameras run automatically,
discussions and hopefully everyone has a better and they move based on motion and everything gets
picture of what a Union Rep does. Port Elgin can recorded. If you are going out to your vehicle at 9pm
teach you what a rep does by the book; we gave an or 3am, and just walking or sitting in your vehicle, just
overview of things Port Elgin doesn’t teach. If there smile, because you are being recorded.
is enough interest, we will run the same course in
the fall. Grievances/Disciplines
We have had a very good run resolving grievances in
Postings/Retirment January. Our grievance list has gone from 48 down to
On February 1st we had 46 people retire; 17. We had 10 step 4’s scheduled for March 5th but have
two trades and 44 from production. As per our managed to resolve 8 of them by Feb 10th. This leaves
contract, (and as it was explained very clearly at the two remaining to be resolved or be heard by National
ratification vote), when greater than 15 production on March 5th. We also had taken our terminations
people retire in any one month, the union must down to three with one of those is scheduled to be
pick 15 jobs which will be posted as per our normal heard on March 5th, but I am hopeful we can find a
posting process of one department and two plant resolve and have the person returned prior to March
wide. The remaining postings above 15 will be 5th.
posted, one department and one plant wide. This is
a very tough process with much debate as everyone In Closing
can imagine trying to pick and rate certain jobs over Our family went to Jamaica over New Year’s. My
others. If a person is retiring the company can use wife’s Aunt and Uncle built a house there and we spent
those openings created by attrition to help offset 9 days in the sun and water. There was a commercial
the reductions. We have used retirements to help playing on the radio many times while we drove
us in reductions for 30 years. However, it shows up around touring and seeing different sights. It was a
much more significantly now as we have upwards of commercial advertising a company who specializes in
40 retiring in one month compared to one person safety. Safety at work, at home, wherever your project
every couple month’s years ago. The other issue is was taking place they had everything you needed to
we are posting some of the jobs a couple months remain safe. Their slogan was SAFETY, it starts with
ahead of time. Stamping have had almost 50% “S” and ends with “U”.
of their department leave and they wanted their In Solidarity,
jobs posted well in advance due to training needs. Mike Van Boekel
Page 8 February 2020
By: Jeff Bankes,
Stephan Cronin & Rob Gallace
Steps to Retirement
We have a lot of members who are approaching Retirees’ Chapter
their retirement eligibility. There have been a lot of Brian Ginty has been the chairperson for our
questions being asked about the steps to retirement. Local 88 Retirees’ Chapter for quite some time now
Here are some of the steps to take as you approach and has been a great asset keeping this chapter going.
retirement: With the upcoming increase in the number of retirees,
• You can come up to our office at any point and we Brian has asked if we could mention in the newsletter
can do a monthly pension estimate for you based Local 88 retirees have a monthly meeting at the
on your retirement requests. We can also help you local hall.
figure out your pension time, and earliest date to These meetings are great to just socialize with
retire. friends and coworkers of the past and get up to date
• Six months before you reach your retirement on current events in the union and ask any questions
eligibility, you can request a Commuted Value you may have. The more members who attend and pay
(CV) Estimate. It will include the monthly benefit dues of $2.00/month($24 per year), the stronger the
amount on the estimate you get back. The first one voice of the Local 88 Retirees Chapter will be in their
is free and is from Mercer, the company looking union.
after our pensions. They include the second one
in your actual retirement package after you retire. Orthotics
If you need any more than those, they will cost We’d like to remind everyone if you are looking to
you $300 each. purchase orthotics, it is a covered benefit under Green
• To actually retire: There is a form to fill out to Shield. However, you need a prescription from a doctor
initiate your retirement. This form is to be filled and you need to use a provider on the approved list.
out by you and signed by your supervisor. Once We can print the list off for you, or let you know if
the form is filled out you would submit it to ER. the provider you are looking to use is on the list. You
The company wants this form 60 days before can also access the list on Green Shield online or on
your retirement date, and you must retire on the the Green Shield app. Green Shield, in the past, has
1st day of the month. allowed one-time exemptions, but no longer will.
• Picking your retirement payment option: This So please make sure you’re using a provider on the
doesn’t take place until you actually leave the approved list.
plant. About three weeks after you have actually
retired, you will receive a package in the mail, Green Shield Going Paperless - “On the Go”
outlining your retirement options. This is where Phone Application and Website Services
you will make the decision about whether you
take the monthly benefit amount or the commuted You can download the Green Shield app by going
value. If you take the commuted value, you will to either the AppStore on Apple or Play Store on
want to take your package to a money manager, Android. Green Shield also continues to provide its
to help set up funds. You can bring the package services to plan members on its website. The service
back into our office and we will ensure everything provides you instant access to your claims’ history
is filled out correctly and sent to Oshawa. and helps to answer those important questions. Once
registered, you will have online access to:
Retirement Watches
• Direct Deposit of claims payments to a personal
When initiating your retirement, don’t forget to fill bank account;
out the form on the Local 88 website or forms can be
filled out in our Benefits office to ensure you receive • Explanation of Benefits information;
your Retirement watch. • Personal claims information;
• Claims payment history;
• View eligibility for dental recalls, orthotics, and
glasses/contact lenses;
• Print a copy of your statement for coordination
of benefits or tax purposes;
• Print or view a copy of your Green Shield Card;
• And much more
Continued on Page 10
Page 9 February 2020
By: Jeff Bankes,
Stephan Cronin & Rob Gallace
All you have to do is register online using your Sickness and Accident Claims
unique Green Shield Canada ID number and provide
your email address. You will be mailed a password If you go off on S&A in the near future, here’s
from Green Shield. Once you receive your password, what Sun Life is looking for on the claim forms. Fill
your account will need to be activated and you will out personal information in the employee section and
be automatically required to change your password make sure you put down your last day worked and
before accessing any of the services. Green Shield’s what date you are claiming disability benefits from.
web address is: www.greenshield.ca. Green Shield Where it says GMIN, you can put your Employee
has said they will do random audits and it is very number. If your disability is due to an accident, give
important to keep all receipts for at least 13 months. a detailed description of your accident. On page two
These receipts would need to be provided to Green make sure you have signed and dated the form, so
Shield if you are requested to do so. From all no delays occur with your claim. On the physician’s
feedback to date, this process has been very well section of the S&A form, we have noticed lately some
received by our members. doctors are being very vague with the information
and these claims are being denied or delayed because
Semi-Private Coverage Sun Life is requesting more information. When you
receive your forms back from the doctor ask if any
WE DO NOT HAVE SEMI-PRIVATE clinical notes can be attached to the S&A forms. This
COVERAGE. This is still in the Benefits Book but will help in the adjudication of your claim and will
ceased to be available after October 1, 2010. Please avoid any delays. Have a doctor list all medications
make sure when being admitted to the hospital you and treatments you have been receiving to date and
do not OK Semi-Private Coverage. You will be on any referrals to any specialists. If your doctor can do
the hook for the bill to pay out of pocket. this for you, it will help with the delays and denials
Accumulated Expenditures for Income Security our office has been seeing. Keep in mind, you have
20 days from the date you are claiming to get the
Funds (SUB, SWW, IMP, VTEP, PRIMP, ROA) paperwork handed in.
This fund has a Total
Income Security Fund Union Benefits Office
Maximum Liability of Hours
$290,000,000.00 during
the period from The Union Benefits Office
September 17th, 2017 The Union Benefits is open from 6 am to 4 pm
to September 21st, 2021. daily, Monday to Friday and
A total of $ $1,668.42 Office is open from 6am on Saturdays, if mandatory
has been used from overtime is scheduled. We are
this fund as of January to 4pm daily, located south of the Assembly
1st, with the following
breakdown: Monday to Friday stairs where the bank machine
is located. We are the second
set of doors on your right.
Maximum Liability $290,000,000.00
Expenditure
SUB $9,581.08
SWW $0.00
In Solidarity, In Solidarity, In Solidarity,
IMP $0.00 Jeff Bankes Stephan Cronin Rob Gallace
(226)825-8535 (226)825-8533 (226)825-8534
VTEP $0.00
PRIMP $0.00
TOTAL 9,581.08
Remaining Liability $289,990,418.92
Page 10 February 2020By: Rob Hoekstra
Many changes are taking place throughout the To challenge any process, you must demonstrate
shop because of the line speed reduction. There is so the standard method given and prove it wrong. To
much information to be aware of: fluctuate from the standard method it hides any
issues created because of the changes. The teams
1. Communication of process changes on each shift should communicate and discuss
2. Proving out process changes during trials their concerns with each other to better control
3. Giving feedback and voicing any concerns the outcome of the changes by delivering the same
with the proposed changes message to management. Working together only
4. All changes must be redlined serves us better as a union.
with PFCM number on the work On a side note the phones
instructions numbers in the plant are
5. Hazard assessments must be change with the change over
Working to an IP phone system. The
completed together only new Production Standards
6. Work instructions must be serves us better phone number will be 1-226-
updated as a union 825-8520 or on an internal
7. New start marks, if required phone use Ext. 58520.
8. Station layout to be setup to (E-mail robert.hoekstra@gm.com)
standard method In Solidarity,
Rob Hoekstra,
Question things you don’t understand Production Standards Rep.
and ask for support if needed for trials. Ext: 58520/1-226-825-8520
By: Paco
Hi, once again. It the world of ergonomics, I like the hazard or ergonomically incorrect procedures.
to start off by saying “thank you” to maintenance In letter 39 states:
for their continuous support in my role. It’s been “Ensure ergonomic considerations are factored
very busy this last month with the re-rate and all into changes on the shop floor, the Production
the movement. I’m very busy trying to catch all the Hazard Assessment sheet “WILL” be completed
ergonomic concerns. prior to making the change or moving the work”.
I’m still designing concept tools and protective This information shall be communicated and
gear with all the new changes going on the shop provided to the affected teams in advance of the
floor. Please make sure they're filling out the changes to ensure a smooth transition. This process
hazard assessment cards properly. If you even is getting better but not 100% yet. One of the
think something is not right whether it is TIME, bigger projects in GA was done with team 41 I.P
ERGO or SAFETY, Let your group leader know install.,with modifications to the hoist.
immediately. It’s his or her responsibility for the
safety and wellbeing of the individuals on the With all the new changes, do not hesitate to call
line. Make sure he or she is notified right away of at my new number at 58519. In closing, be safe and
take care.
In Solidarity,
Paco
Page 11 February 2020By: Todd Sleeper At the January General Membership, Linda Smith was honoured for all her hard work on the Unifor Local 88 Environment Committee. Linda has worked as the CAW Earth Day Coordinator, the CAW London Regional Environmental Council, the Cami Joint Workplace Environment Committee, the Local 88 Environment Committee. Linda is also a Discussion Leader in Port Elgin Education Centre for Climate Change and Green Jobs and Environment in our Communities. Linda has inspired many activists within our union. Linda has raised Environmental Awareness within our union and community. Linda is seen here receiving a plaque of appreciation. Thank You Linda for everything you have done for us. Local 88 Environment Committee will be taking orders in April for the sale/pickup of Rain Barrels in May. Rain barrels will be sold for $55. More info and a website will be coming soon. Page 12 February 2020
Page 13 February 2020
Page 14 February 2020
By: Alex McCoy
Inclusion and Psychological Safety Confirmation Bias – Seeking information to
confirm our beliefs or assumptions about someone.
One of the most prominent areas of life where bias We do this because we want to believe we’re right.
can play out is in the workplace. On January 30th
I had the opportunity to participate in a one-hour Group Think – The tendency to just follow along
Inclusion training seminar. During this seminar, with the group of people’s ideas and beliefs.
we discussed bias and how it impacts our lives Psychological safety is known as the single
and those around us. We talked about unconscious greatest correlate with a group’s success. It is being
bias, which is an automatic mental shortcut used able to show one’s self without fear of negative
to process and make decisions quickly. How these consequences of self-image, status or career. There is
opinions are formed is based on things like our a YouTube video was put out by Google called “How
upbringing. Inclusion Google Builds the
is every person being Perfect Team” about
heard, being seen and Project Aristotle. This
To speak up for
feeling like they have was a research team
value. It is important who was assembled
to remember subtle to analyze how teams
assumptions about
people can have inclusion, we need work. What they
determined was who
to speak about
lasting effects, and was on a team did not
slurs upon a protected matter at all, in fact,
class are never team membership
appropriate. There
are several forms of inclusion had no correlation to
team success. What
we had discussed, they discovered was,
and many I had not if there is a certain
thought about before. culture on a team,
This helped make my unconscious bias, conscious; that team will gel; and to achieve the culture, you
which is how we drive inclusion. must have equality in conversational turn-taking
Affinity Bias – This occurs when we see someone and ostentatious listening. They determined if
we feel we have an affinity with. Example: We grew you had these two characteristics it creates what
up in the same town, or they remind us of someone psychologists refer to as psychological safety. When
we know and love. This is the tendency to gravitate a group feels they are psychologically safe with one
towards people who remind us of ourselves. another you unlock their best ideas and their ability
to work with one another.
Perception Bias – When we have formed
stereotypes and assumptions about various groups To speak up for inclusion, we need to speak about
of people. inclusion.
Halo Effect – This is when we see one
great thing about a person and we let the
halo glow of significant thing affect our In Solidarity,
opinions of everything else about the person. Alexandra McCoy
It is also when we assume because someone holds
a certain position or title which defines them as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBBirlVxVsg
having a good character or being a good person.
Page 15 February 2020The Formation of Unions
By: Linda Smith
Quite often you will see a post or hear a comment to the elevators and fire escapes. Those unable to fit
that unions are no longer useful and no longer on the one working elevator, crowded into the shaft
relevant. Before responding to this, one needs to to ride down on the cables. The elevator stopped
know the history of the formation of unions. working because of the weight on top of it and only a
Unions were created because workers everywhere few rounds of people were delivered to safety.
were being exposed to unsafe working conditions, Meanwhile the fire escapes allowed only 20 women
regular speed ups, decreasing pay, no time off or to escape before the stairs melted in the intense
breaks, excessive working hours, and child labour. flames, leaving no other escape route. The fire truck
In the 1870’s workers joined together and fought ladders were unable to reach the women because the
to win a nine-hour day. Previously workers worked factory was on the eight floor of the building.
12 hour days and some as long as 16 hours per day Many of these workers were unable to escape
for six days a week. Activists later coined the slogan: because the doors on their floors had been locked to
"Eight hours' labour, Eight hours' recreation, Eight prevent them from stealing or taking unauthorized
hours' rest". breaks. In total 146 people died. The bodies were so
A major victory was gained when Sir John A. disfigured that loved ones could not identify their
Macdonald passed the Trade Unions Act on June 14, family members. There was a public outrage towards
1872, which gave workers the right to associate in the owners of the company, who were charged with
trade unions in Canada. Prior to this, it was illegal 1st and 2nd degree manslaughter.
to join a union. The tragedy at the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire led to
Skilled workers in Britain formed craft unions that many labour reforms that created better conditions
urged calm negotiation and respectability. Later, for labourers.
industrial unions combined skilled and unskilled Birth of the United Auto Workers
workers into one bargaining force. This was better The United Auto Workers formed in 1935. In 1936,
for bargaining because all of the agreements expired the Flint General Motors Plant was occupied for 44
at the same time leading to all workers co-operating days. Workers stood their ground even through tear
when one union went on strike. gas, freezing temperatures and police assaults. In
The Knights of Labour rallied over 2000 Hamilton the end, GM recognized the United Auto Workers.
men and women, skilled and unskilled, to become Local 195 became the first Canadian United Auto
unionized. By 1887, activism of the Knights rose Workers local when they formed in 1936. Nine days
with their slogan proclaiming "An Injury to One is later, Local 199 in St. Catharines was chartered.
an Injury to All." In April of 1937, 4000 Oshawa General Motors
Many factories employed lots of workers in small workers went on strike. They simply wanted an
spaces for low wages, all so that production could 8-hour day, better wages and working conditions, a
go up. This led to the formation of the International seniority system and recognition of their union, the
new United Automobile Workers.
Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). In 1909,
New York City garment workers went on strike. The Strikers were portrayed by the media as
owner of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory still refused un-Canadian communists.
to improve the safety of the building and maintained Premier Hepburn recruited 300 “sons of Mitch’s”
a 59-hour work week. to combat the strikers.
On March 25, 1911 tragedy occurred. There was Forces were instructed to shoot at the knees. The
no proper fire safety equipment. The buckets with mayor of Oshawa would not allow the forces to
water that were put there for stopping fires were not enter the city. The 15 day strike remained peaceful.
filled with enough water and the fire hose was rusty Women, community members and other workers
and old. On top of this, the fire escapes were flimsy all supported the strike. They won most of their
and of the four elevators only one was working. They demands including less hours of work, better
soon ran out of water. wages, seniority rights, a grievance procedure, rest
periods, production standards and no discrimination
When mass panic broke out people rushed towards and union membership.
the one door only to find it locked. Then workers ran
Continued on Page 17
Page 16 February 2020By: John Arthur
Skilled Trades headcount There could be opportunity for electricians
in other non-mandatory shops to
211 trades: replace those needing a Saturday off.
I will be circulating around the shops gathering
• 85 Millwrights feedback. After collected all the possibilities and
• 5 Millwright Apprentices hurdles, our skilled trades members will vote at the
• 90 Electricians next skilled trades meeting on outstanding issues
• 6 Electrical Apprentices with the proposal as well as its acceptance.
• 8 Tool & Die CWB weld training is going strong as well as
• 13 Stationary Engineers the certifications of the plant. Those who have
• 2 Stationary Engineer Apprentices taken the course, please give your shop training
• 2 Pipe Fitters coordinators reviews and recommendations for
further opportunities. This training was negotiated
Since the last publication of “Off the Line” there so remember to fill out your proposal sheets and
have been 6 trades retire and two more filed for more certified welder opportunities could possibly
their paperwork. Unfortunately, at the time of this be negotiated in the future.
submission, there have been no new hires nor posting Congratulations to the two successful robot
to fill those vacancies. The electrician shortfalls will trainers Gord Hole and Brad Parmeter. Next step
be back filled by the nearly graduated electrical is to provide our trainers some specialized training
apprentices. However, mechanical apprentices are and work on the program itself. Once established
still a few years away from graduation. The good we will rotate MAs through and provide training
news is that everyone I speak to tells me in reference and instruction to maintain high level skill base
to retirement, “you should get some it’s fantastic”. We workforce. Once again thanks for all the applicants
wish our brothers and sisters well in their next stage and congratulations Gord and Brad.
of life. With the plant’s reduction, there have been
Currently, I am gathering information and periods of downtime. Please make sure adequate
feedback on the MSO (Mandatory Saturday time is allotted for the task, pm or repair. It is very
Overtime) replacement program. To get us all up important that hazard assessment and pre-task plans
to speed on this issue, some departments are still are implemented for these jobs so we are working in
mandating electricians on Saturday all three shifts. a safe manner.
In Solidarity,
John Arthur,
Alternate Skilled Trades Rep
Continued from Page 16
Check out the video below for a comical but true
Workers everywhere are still being exposed to look at what unions have done for us.
unsafe working conditions, regular speed ups with https://youtu.be/iObqguaNDdA
decreasing pay, no time off or breaks, excessive
working hours, and in some countries there is still
child labour.
In addition to all of these, companies are also
moving work to jurisdictions with no health and
safety protections, no environmental legislation, and
starvation wages. In our workplace and many others
around the world, workers and their unions continue
to struggle to fight production standards violations,
health and safety issues and discrimination.
Page 17 February 2020By: Steven Pye
On January 19th, Pete McDonald (Executive enough trucks in and out, including a big food
Liaison to the Local 88 Flying Squad) and myself truck for their scab camp. It was then, and only then
(Chairperson of the Local 88 Flying Squad) went to they informed the union they had zero interest in
Regina to support our sisters and brothers of Local anything we proposed to them and left the table.
594.
Consequently, the gates were closed once again.
Since then it's become a police state as Regina Police
Service has been acting as company goons blocking
access to public streets only allowing Co-op vehicle
down as well as towing away cars, cubicles, porta
potties and equipment in place to support Unifor
members and their right to protest this lockout.
These Unifor members who have been locked out As Unifor members representing Local 88 in
of their workplace at the Co-op Refinery by their support of the refinery workers we have been
employer since the early part of December. to Carseland Alberta, Saskatoon (twice), and
Hundreds of Unifor members, retirees, members of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and have racked up thousands
other unions and labour organizations have arrived of kilometers so far. As of this morning( Feb.10th),
here to support these workers. Their employer has and while writing this report, I'm sitting at our
decided they want the pensions of these workers. newly erected blockade of a diesel storage facility
Make no mistake about it, this employer has no just outside of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan.
intentions of bargaining with Unifor. Co-op had We must hold strong and preserve the pensions for
built a scab camp with bunk houses etc. long before these Unifor 594 members, or every other employer
they locked these workers out. They've been flying in Canada will be looking at coming after the
the scabs in and out by helicopter, plus they fly negotiated pension plans of the workers.
management members in and out as well. They are In Solidarity,
running processes without a lot of skilled workers, Steven Pye
which if not done properly could cause an explosion
with the potential to destroy a huge part of the north
east end of Regina, adversely affecting the local
population.
Many things have happened over these weeks
including the arrest of Jerry Dias, the president
of Unifor, along with several other high-ranking
members.
Regardless, we locked down the gates there so no
trucks could get in or out, as well as two other Co-op
operations in Alberta and Manitoba.
On January 31st we removed barriers to allow
trucks into the refinery as the FCL/Co-op said
they would come to the table and negotiate. We
did this in good faith. After many hours of delay
and wasting time, they decided they had gotten
Page 18 February 2020An open letter from locked out workers of Unifor Local 594
Dated February 6th, 2020
As we enter this third month of the most bitter • Last Friday, we took down the blockades and sat
and divisive labour depute in recent history, we, the down at the bargaining table with the intention of
730 workers locked out by FCL CEO Scott Banda, resolving the dispute.
want to share the facts with our fellow residents of • Friday afternoon, FCL presented an offer that
Western Canada. mirrored its November 2019 proposal and demanded
We thank Premier Scott Moe for his offer to four additional concessions:
appoint a Special Mediator. › Removal of 36 operations staff from
Unfortunately, mediation only works when there bargaining unit;
are two parties interested in a fair deal. What has › Elimination 256 maintenance jobs;
become clear in recent days is that Scott Banda is › Compelling tradespeople to do jobs for
not interested in negotiating in good faith. He has which they have not been trained; and
repeatedly “moved the goal posts” when we try to › Shortening notice for schedule changes.
find common ground with the company’s position.
We can’t negotiate with ourselves—we need a
willing negotiating partner. Scott Banda has proved
he’s not it. He has shown nothing but contempt for
his own workers, the collective bargaining process,
and cooperative values.
It has become clear the only way to bring an end to
this lockout is binding arbitration. It is certainly not
our first choice, but we are prepared to accept the
results of an impartial arbitration process.
Scott Banda has already rejected calls for
arbitration, putting his ego ahead the community
and the 730 refinery workers who want to get back
to their jobs.
A significant source of Western Canada’s fuel
For example, last Friday we made the most supply now relies on Premier Scott Moe to get both
significant concession during these negotiations, parties to the table through an arbitration process
offering to meet him more than halfway by proposing to finally end this dispute. The community and the
to contribute 6% out of pocket to the pension plan economy are waiting.
(a savings to the Co-op of $20 million). We were Respectfully,
told that Scott Banda has “zero interest” in this offer.
To be clear, this offer was rejected at a time when The families of Unifor Local 594
Scott Banda’s refinery is making record profits
($3 million per day to be exact).
These are the facts:
• In November, FCL presented us with a package
that would have gutted our pensions:
› Increasing employee pension contributions
from 0% to 11%;
› Reducing retirement benefit; and
› Removing indexing.
• On December 5th, Scott Banda locked out 730
workers.
• On January 21st we removed our conditions for
resuming negotiations. We agreed to put pensions
back on the table. For more articles, etc, check out
• Last Tuesday, we presented an offer which www.unifor.org
included pension choice. We expressed a willingness www.facebook.com/unifor594/
to discuss contribution percentages.
or www.unifor594.com
Page 19 February 2020By: Linda Leyten
Let’s Talk Financial Security • Completed audits are submitted at the next
It’s shocking when we hear about fraud in a small General Membership meeting for membership
community. Cami is certainly a microcosm of a approval
small community. • Completed audits are sent to the Unifor National
Recent events have shone a light on how financials Accounting Department for further review
are handled in small organizations, not dissimilar to • Each year our financials are also sent to our
Local 88. accountants MW & Co. for examination and
publishing of professional financial statements
How do we ensure fraud doesn’t happen to our • The spending of the local must be reported out
Local’s money and to our union dues? and approved by both the Executive Board and
Unifor and Local 88 have several checkpoints to the membership at monthly meetings for things
ensure this doesn’t happen. such as travel to conferences and councils and
donations
• As per the Unifor constitution and Local 88 • The financial reports are presented at every
bylaws, each financial transaction must have Executive Board and General Membership
3 signatures (One by the President or Vice meeting for approval
President, one by the Financial Secretary • The financial Statements are also published in
and one by the Recording Secretary or their the Off the Line newsletter
alternates) • Cash transactions for events and collections
• If any of these people have questions about a are counted by at least two people and verified
transaction, they will question each other before being handed off to the Financial
• Each cheque must have two signatures and each Secretary. They are then reverified by the
cheque is accompanied by a voucher, which has Financial Secretary and the person handing off
three signatures the cash
• Four times a year we have three elected trustees • Cash payments generate a receipt to the payer
who audit the financials of the local. The from the accounting system
trustees ensure each voucher and cheque have
the requisite signatures. They also ensure the
financial reports balance and if not, that there Local 88 President Joe Graves and I welcome any
is a reasonable explanation as to why they don’t. questions from any Local 88 member about the
The most common reasons they might not Local’s finances.
balance is usually due to GIC interest payments, If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or
purchases or redemptions, stale-dated cheque stop by the union hall office.
reversals etc.
In Solidarity,
Linda Leyten,
Financial Secretary,
lindaleyten@unifor88.ca
(519) 425-0952 ext. #102
Page 20 February 2020INCOME STATEMENT
'JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2019
REVENUE COMMITTEE EXPENSES
Dues-GMCL 1,745,490.46 AWOC Committee Expenses 2,543.13
Dues-RETIREES 1,980.00 Community Services Committee Expens 2,580.12
Dues-UNIFOR 5,675.59 Recreation Committee Expenses 24,810.08
Dues-AWC 12,570.45 IWD OXFORD 503.95
Initiation- Local 1,500.00 Retired Members Committee Expenses 5,288.44
Jacket/Hat/Gen. Clothing Income 6,049.03 Retired Workers Chapter Expenses 35,352.99
Reimbursments 144,667.01 Unit Fund Committee Expenses 841.91
Interest Income 9,220.42 Communication Committee Expenses 957.37
Other Income-Local 88 4,444.20 Human Rights Committee Expenses 250.00
OPERATING REVENUE TOTAL 1,931,597.16 Women's Committee Expenses 12,073.76
Environment Committee Expenses 1,285.18
COMMITTEE REVENUE Memorial Bursary Committee Expenses 3,000.00
AWOC Committee Income 6,000.00 Skilled Trade Committee Expenses 4,349.55
Education Committee Income 5,006.16 Young Workers' Cte Expenses 1,570.00
Community Services Cte Income 3,600.00 Flying Squad Expenses 211.49
Recreation Committee Income 36,644.17 COMMITTEE EXPENSES TOTAL 95,617.97
IWD Oxford Income 3,066.75
UPC Committee Income 6,000.00 BUILDING FUND EXPENSES
Retiree Committee Income 10,392.76 Hall Repair Expenses 30,801.93
Retired Workers Chapter Income 35,581.43 House Repair Expenses 590.80
Unit Fund Income 3,000.00 Land Repair Expenses 16,264.95
Communication Cte Income 34,053.36 Mortgage Interest Expense 11,026.79
Human Rights Cte Income 4,400.04 Heat & Hydro Expenses-Hall 13,907.76
Women's Committee Income 17,142.72 Property Tax Expense 17,530.46
Environment Committee Income 5,405.04 Legal Fees Expense-Hall 64,781.64
Elections Committee Income 39,999.96 Hall Supplies Expenses 5,181.68
Memorial Bursary Income 3,000.00 Bar Liquor Stock Expenses 14,806.57
New Member Income 500.00 Bar Non-Liquor Supplies Expenses 3,771.66
Young Workers Cte Income 10,394.88 Cleaning 437.07
Flying Squad Income 3,000.00 Rounding-Gains/Losses 8.21
Constitution & Bylaws Income 3,999.96 Office Equipment Expense-Hall 1,207.17
COMMITTEE REVENUE TOTAL 231,187.23 Insurance Expense-Hall 18,517.52
Miscellaneous-Hall -133.34
HALL REVENUE Depreciation Expense Hall Assets 26,136.24
Building Fund Income 15,530.78 BLDG CONSTRUCTION EXPENSE 409.00
Hall Rental Income 15,002.46 BUILDING FUND EXPENSES TOTAL 225,246.11
Bar Sales Income 17,229.00
Food/Snack Income 33.42 LOCAL 88 OPERATING EXPENSES
HALL REVENUE TOTAL 47,795.66 Cami Inplant Lost Time 38,818.87
Executive Lost Time 105,427.69
TOTAL REVENUE $2,210,580.05 Councils/Convention Lost Time 99,270.04
Standing Committees Lost Time 21,108.36
EXPENSES AWC Lost Tiime 218.59
Other Lost Time 32,087.26
PER CAPITA TAX Total Lost Time Expenses 296,930.81
Per Capita UNIFOR National 1,078,292.18 Telephone/Fax Expense 21,310.25
Per Capita UNIFOR Council (London) 19,805.36 Registration & Delegate Fees 5,710.35
Area Retiree Council 42.00 Heat & Hydro Expense-Office 3,822.30
Per Capita UNIFOR/GM COUNCIL 2,793.30 Advertising Expense 1,129.54
UNIFOR AUTO INDUSTRY COUNCIL 2,563.30 Postage/Freight/Courier Expense 6,228.91
Per Capita P.O.E.M. Council 283.99 Travel Expenses GMCL 111,513.30
Per Capita UNIFOR Rd Transport Cncl 71.00 Travel Expenses AWC Yard 2,248.54
PER CAPITA TAX TOTAL 1,103,851.13 Bank Charges 740.73
Office Supplies Expense-Local 88 4,642.60
PAYROLL EXPENSES Office Supplies Expense-Inplant 2,968.91
Wages: Local 88 26,186.56 UAT Expenses 2,678.83
EI Expense 489.65 Jacket/Hat/Clothing Expense 10,745.89
CPP Expense 877.38 Interpretive Service Expense 423.23
WCB Expense 355.63 Sporting Entry Fees Expense 2,060.00
Garnishment Expense -264.77 Membership/Subscription Expense 9,806.89
Union Dues Expense -64.46 Donations Expense 109,832.38
TOTAL PAYROLL EXPENSES 27,579.99 Promotional Material Expense 16,024.66
Strike Fund-Expenses 1,035.71
Arbritation/Legal Expenses 277.19
Office Equipment Expenses 15,358.42
Childcare Services 320.00
Rent Expense 963.60
Per Diem & Out of Pocket Expenes 56,248.79
Depreciation Expense Office Assets 199.80
Depreciation Expense InPlant Assets 207.24
*Net loss due to disposal of the former house/offices * Gain/loss on disposal of assets 110,257.11
on the union hall property and removal from the books. TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 793,685.98
In Solidarity, TOTAL EXPENSES $2,245,981.18
Linda Leyten
Financial Secretary NET LOSS -$35,401.13
Page 21 February 2020Page 22 February 2020
Unifor National Skilled Trade Council (UNSTC) Report
London, February 2020
The most recent council we attended was held on
February 7- 9, 2020, at the Four Points Sheraton,
London, Ontario. As the host council, our London
Area Skilled Trades Council (LASTC) members
were very busy setting up and preparing for this
conference.
The charity selected for this council was Diabetes
Canada (Banting House) in honour of the 100-year By: Carlos Zuzarte & Ray Hamel
anniversary of discovery of Insulin. The charity was
generously given a total of $7,500 with the addition In BC the Trades situation is a mess as the Labour
of a draw which was conducted for a television set members of their advisory committees were all
which generated $1,500 and a generous donation removed from the committees and in addition the
from Ontario Regional Council of $2,000. The compulsory trades were all removed years ago. Many
winner of the television set Mike Kehl, a member reports have been submitted on the completion
of the Brampton, Guelph, Milton, and Oakville rates of Apprentices in BC in comparison to other
(BGMO) Council then generously donated the prize provinces. Worse, are the safety records that BC
to Banting house. For those of you who may have not has within the Trades. In one report the BC injury
visited Banting house it is a worthwhile visit to see rate was 4 times that of Trades in Ontario. The
and learn about the Scientist Dr. Banting. Government has finally recognized this and has
The meeting was very informative on many of the tried to put in place changes to correct this. Due to
issues surrounding skilled trades changes in both various political issues Unifor is fighting to get more
Ontario and BC. recognition on these committees in BC. We recently
In Ontario of course there is currently concern adopted a new resolution to address these issues and
regarding the future of bonafide, certified trades have forwarded this to the BC Regional Council.
as the current government is very interested in It is interesting to note that BC tried the deregulation
modularizing the Apprenticeship program. This is route and are now struggling to get things back
a fight worth fighting as we do not want a number in order, yet here in Ontario the government is
of certificates, for each part of the trade, to enable interested in deregulation of the trades.
a person to perform a portion of the work. The The delegates also heard many details on the
apprentice must be allowed to learn all aspects of the struggles of Local 594. These workers were locked
trade in order to receive the certificate of completion, out and were given the ultimatum to give up their
then ultimately write for the C of Q. We need to defined pension plan or stay out and have SCABS
ensure the Apprentice is a registered Apprentice or brought in, by helicopter, to perform their work. The
Qualified Journey person in order to work in the Co-Op refinery has had record profits and is just
trade. It is interesting to note, this government is the looking to cut their plans. It is a terrible situation that
first to make any changes without having any trade has been enabled by the lack of antiscab legislation.
boards involved. Our Skilled Trades Department and Many other Unions have joined Unifor in this fight
UNSTC executive are meeting and lobbying to fight and hats off to the members who have attended to
these changes. Ontario Regional Council adopted assist.
our Resolution to fight these changes and have been
involved to date. Our next meeting will be held in Vancouver in
May.
In Solidarity,
Carlos Zuzarte ~ Paint,
Ray Hamel ~ Stamping
Page 23 February 2020You can also read
