The Own It! Campaign and Project: Community have partnered to host all-candidates debates on Crowns and public services in Moose Jaw, Regina, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon.
All parties were invited. Only the Sask. Party issued an outright refusal to participate in any of the debates.
The Sask. Party: they’re just #NotListening.
For details on the debates, visit:www.notlistening.ca/events.
The SFL represents over 100,000 working people across the province in Sask.
The CPI figure for January 2016 was released on February 19, 2016. As per the Collective Agreement the following calculation will apply.
January 2016 131.0
October 2015 131.7
Difference -0.7
(Divide by .063 per each 1 cent) = -$0.11
Effective with the first pay period after the release, COLA will be $0.31 per straight time hour worked as it was previously $0.42.
The Union is checking these calculations as sometimes they have been incorrect in the past.
On Friday April 29, 2016 the South Sask Area Council will be holding it’s general meeting at the Union Office {#26-395 Park Street}.
AGENDA
*Issues of the council
*Financial Report
*Direction for the next 3 years
*CLOSING OF NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION OF positions for President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Financial Officer.
Anyone wishing to run for a position or nominate someone please email m.day@usw5890.com or call 306-569-9663.
If you are a patron of Best Western Seven Oaks please boycott this hotel until the lockout is over or forever.
You’ll see why if you watch the video.
http://larryhubich.blogspot.ca/2016/02/the-owner-of-best-western-7-oaks-hotel.html
The bargaining committees from USW Local 5890 & 6673 met in Regina on February 1, 2, 3 2016 to discuss and prepare for collective bargaining coming up. Discussions were held in regards to collective bargaining and we all completed a USW course on bargaining. Dates were also set for future meetings for the committees and our membership.
As always collective bargaining is an important process for all of our members and their families. Your bargaining committee is committed to keeping all of our members informed so watch for further communications to be provided. Meetings are being set up that involve pension education for our members and previewing bargaining proposals.
Your solidarity is important in everything we do. We would like to remind the membership that these bargaining updates come directly from your bargaining committees. Our next chain meeting between the bargaining committees will be held on March 16, 17, 18 2016 in Regina.
Support Your Bargaining Committee!
Remember
Solidarity Works!
November 22
A grievance has been filed with the Company to get the CBA printed.
November 10
The 2 outstanding articles from the last contract have been agreed to by both the company and the union. Lump sum payments have been awarded to members who were on W.C.B and summer students at that time. The second article was the language around the dates for the Health Spending Account.
The proof reading of the Collective agreement is now completed by the Union and we fully expect new C.B.A’s to be printed for each member as was stated to the company at the proposal exchange meeting in May.
February 15
The Union has been fielding a lot of questions around the current state of the last CBA. We the Local Union Executive want to keep you, the members, as informed as possible. We have proof read the CBA 3 times, pointing out errors and corrections that needed changing. Evraz has agreed to correct all the errors that we pointed out. Except one, “Lump Sum Payment”, Article 15.01. Below you will find 2 different interpretations of Article 15.01, as it has appeared before the Union;
1st– Evraz’s interpretation as shown to the Union, in the CBA proof reading document.
2nd– The original document that Evraz and the Union signed off on.
This is how Evraz has presented the “Lump Sum Payment” in the proof reading of the CBA.
Article 15.01
The Union disagrees with what the company has inserted into the CBA.
What was presented to the Union during Monetary Bargaining?
Below you will find exactly how it appeared on the original document that the Bargaining Committee signed off on Dec/2014.
II) Compensation:
A) Lump Sum Payments in Lieu of Base Wage Increase:
As you can see, there is a difference between what was signed off on and what Evraz is trying to insert into the CBA.
The Union takes 2 positions;
At no time during bargaining “Lump Sum Payments” did Evraz ever bring up any sort of restrictions/requirements to receive this money. The Union is currently waiting on the Legal Department of the USW to review the evidence collected by the Local Union. Upon the review of all the evidence an arbitration date will be set. We are disappointed in the position that Evraz has taken but we will continue to challenge Evraz on the agreements that were made during Bargaining 2014.
March 15th is fast approaching. This is the date that you have to submit your vacation plans for approval for May 1 2016 to April 30 2017 based on your seniority under the CBA.
After March 15 vacation requests are approved on a first come first serve basis.
The Saskatchwan Federation of Labour is currently seeking volunteers for counselors for the SFL Summer Camp on August 7-13.
For more information please visit http://www.sfl.sk.ca/events/summer-camp
Dear Brothers and Sisters: It is fast approaching one month on the picket line at Seven Oaks Best Western Hotel in Regina for members of UFCW 1400 with an employer who has dug his heels in on concessions for a collective agreement. Managers have intimidated workers, many of whom are vulnerable, with threats of termination, blackballing and misinformation about the strike. This employer will go to any length to convince these workers to scab their fellow employees, including raising their wages. UFCW 1400 has filed and continues to file unfair labour practices with the SLRB.
In addition, the employer has recently hired the services of a national labour relations solutions company with expertise in surveillance and security for employers involved in a strike. They operate high tech cameras and microphones monitoring our picket lines, and private investigators to record our activity. A Calgary law firm who advertises expertise in employer labour relations has been secured by the employer as legal counsel.
This employer has thousands of dollars for professional services to break the solidarity but no legitimate offer to provide these workers with wages and benefits that will keep them close to a living wage.
The line has been strong and with the assistance of affiliates from across Saskatchewan the message from the labour movement is being heard. This strike is not just a UFCW 1400 cause, but the cause of all workers in Saskatchewan. The mistreatment and abuse of workers in this hotel must end. We are prepared to go the distance.
Picketers are finding that some residents in Saskatchewan and neighboring provinces are unaware of the strike. Once again, we request that affiliates inform their membership and the Seven Oaks Hotel that their union is supporting the striking workers.
Union members can visit our website for a link to a support letter at UFCW1400.ca, or check our facebook page and add some likes. …2 Page 2 In addition to the picketing at the hotel, UFCW1400 has begun secondary information lines at other Ricky’s and Best Western Hotels locations in Saskatchewan. Affiliates who can offer assistance with the information lines anywhere in Saskatchewan, please call UFCW’s Saskatoon Office (Craig Thebaud) at 306 384 5787 or Norm Neault at 306 222 1931.
With much appreciation to all the affiliates for their donations and support to date, your help walking the line is much needed…this show of solidarity is the best morale booster. Coffee and donuts are good too; union shop gift cards are even better.
Please make cheques payable to: UFCW 1400 Strike Fund
Mail cheques to: SFL Office
#220 – 2445 13th Avenue
Regina SK S4P 0W1
The USW summer school dates are out. June 5th to 10th, 2016 in Kimberly BC. Membership has approved up to 10 to attend. If you are interested in going please contact Mike Day at 306-569-9663 or m.day@usw5890.com.
The Regina &District Labour Council is hosting it’s 4th annual Equity and Human Rights Conference in Regina on February 19th & 20th. Membership has approved up to 6 people to attend. If you would like to go please contact Mike Day at 306-569-9663 or m.day@usw5890.com. There will be a panel discussion with Carol Landry who if you are unaware is the USW International Vice President.
In solidarity
It has come to the attention of the Union that false facts are being provided to members of 5890. They are being told that there is an agreement between the Union and the Company that if there is hot metal still in process when members shifts end without relief (ex. Layoff) that they are required to work overtime to process left over hot metal.
There is not an agreement of any kind regarding Hot Metal Process. Under Article 9.01 all overtime is voluntary. You do not have to stay after your scheduled shift to finish melting or casting steel. You are not required to tell anyone you do not have relief. You may clock out at 6:00 AM or 6:00 PM when your shift ends without notifying anyone that you are leaving.
If your supervisor tries to convince you to stay past your shift on overtime because of this alleged agreement he is either misinformed or outright lying.
“The official start of Bargaining 2016”
What is this for?
Your Bargaining Committee is requesting your participation and attendance. We want you to show up and tell us what you want to see in our 2016 Contract Negotiations.
We understand that 44% of you rejected our last contract. This is your chance to voice your opinion on the changes/improvements that you want to see in 2016.
75% of all respondents from our Post Bargaining Survey stated that they would participate in “Special Meetings” regarding bargaining issues.
Please understand that the idea’s and statements that you, the membership, make at these meetings will turn into written proposals that will be presented at the bargaining table, later this year, with Evraz.
If you don’t show up and voice your opinion, the Bargaining Committee will not be able to turn your opinion into a proposal.
Your Bargaining Committee is committed in doing the best possible job that they can do, for you and the all the members of USW 5890. But we can’t do it without your participation. We understand that everyone has a busy schedule. So this is why we have set up these meetings over 2 days, hopefully giving everyone a chance to attend.
This is your chance to affect the next “Collective Bargaining Agreement”
Meeting Dates;
January 25th, 7:30pm — Eagles Club — 1600 Halifax St.
January 26th, 7:30am & 7:30pm — Eagles Club — 1600 Halifax St.
Brothers and Sisters,
Your executive would like to remind everyone that all employees have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. If you have any questions about the process please look at article 1.01 and Appendix “G” of the collective agreement.
Harassment can be defined as any action {verbal,psychological or physical} on a single or repeated basis which humiliates, insults or degrades and is known or thought reasonably to be known to be known to be unwelcome by the victim of the harassment.
Harassment can include but is not limited to; unwanted comments, slurs, racist or sexist jokes, pictures or posters, bullying or intimidation, graffiti,physical contact of any kind, remarks about a person’s appearance or personal life, unwelcome sexual advances or demands, suggestive looks or gestures.
We can’t make people like each other. But we can, through concrete action, promote mutual respect for one another. Let’s all work together to show one another respect.
In Solidarity.
Members of the Job Evaluation Committee have agreed to the following changes for Tubular and Steel Cranes.
CURRENT JOB CLASS PROPOSED JOB CLASS
Spiral Mill Crane 11 16
Steel Tap Crane 18 20
Steel Charge crane 12 15
Steel Scrap Crane 9 13
Steel Slab Crane 12 17
We have been advised by payroll that they expect the reflected changes to include retro completed for the Dec 18th pay.
In Solidarity
We are deeply saddened to inform you that brother Darrell Deck unexpectedly passed away on Friday. Darrell was not only a great union brother who represented the members of USW Local 6673 and 5890 through chain bargaining for many years. He was also a great friend to many of us who had the privilege of knowing him. Darrell was first and foremost a loving husband to his beautiful wife and the proud father of his wonderful children in which he loved very much.
Darrell’s passing has left a huge hole in our hearts, but also Darrell has left us with many wonderful memories and stories that will continue to put a smile on our faces for a lifetime to come.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Deck family
Rest in peace my friend.
Solidarity Forever
On January 15th there is a Labour Law conference to be held at the Queensbury Centre here in Regina. The membership has approved up to 15 people to attend. This is the put on by the GRJ {Gerrand,Rath & Johnson}Law firm. Shop stewards wishing to attend please contact the office or email m.day@usw5890.com.
We also have an OH&S level 1 course scheduled for January 27th &28th in Regina. Anyone interested in attaining their level 1 also please contact the office or email m.day @usw.5890.com
In Solidarity
Members from your local Bargaining Committee were in Calgary on Nov 9th &10th to meet with the Calgary Bargaining team{usw 6673} and Evraz management. The 9th was our first chain meeting between the 2 locals. It was good to get the 2 locals together and put together a rough timeline of all the work that we will need to complete to be fully prepared for bargaining. We talked about what was effective and what needed improvement through the bargaining process and have identified some things we hope to change.
The second day had us in meetings with Evraz management to discuss Long Term Capitol Investment/Corporate Contracting Out. Management talked about the ongoing expansion in both Regina Steel and Tubular divisions. It was good to hear them say they look at the investment in the Steel division as a 25 year investment. On the downside to that though they are predicting a lower output but hope to be running full by Jan 2017. For the Tubular division, orders look good for large diameter. The 2 inch mill will still be at a high level of uncertainty. The company is still fighting the reduction on Imports and the ability for us to make the steel is advantageous for us.
Discussion then moved on to the Contracting out and the issues around that. Though some issues between Calgary and Regina were similar the biggest common concern was the Apprenticeship Program and the fact that no new employee’s have been joining the program.We also laid out issues we have with the new Mill 5 expansion,Finishing 2 project, Dj expansion and maintenance contracting out. All of the talks seemed to fall on receptive ears from the company and hopefully they will give us responses to the issues in a timely matter.
In Solidarity
A few members have arranged a gathering for for retirees and former employees. It is open to all retirees and former employees as well as anyone who wishes to visit some former co-workers.
This will be an informal gathering starting at 6 PM on Friday November 13 upstairs at the Turkey Center.
The photo printed with the headline “Tory Candidates Laud Pipeline Industry” (Oct. 9) was carefully staged to show pipe produced at Evraz stored outside the fence of Tesco Mechanical, the company hosting this Conservative campaign stunt.
The story did not mention that Tesco itself uses pipe imported from China, which does not support employment at Evraz in Regina.
It did correctly report, “The candidates did not make any new announcements in regards to new projects or investments.” Certainly, the Conservative government has not done anything to prevent Chinese steel producers from exploiting unfair competitive advantages by undercutting internationally
The new trans-Pacific trade deal negotiated by Conservatives in secret during the election campaign will facilitate importing pipe from Japan and Korea, as opposed to manufacturing pipe in Canada.
NDP leader Tom Mulcair has consistently supported a west-east pipeline, subject to a proper environmental review process. Unlike proposals running west or south from the Alberta oil sands, a pipeline going east would have the capacity to transport Saskatchewan oil and keep refining jobs in our country.
The Conservatives offer nothing but photo ops and empty rhetoric about pipe manufacturing jobs. By contrast, the NDP’s fair trade policies would limit the dumping of steel from offshore into the Canadian market, encouraging the use of pipe produced in Regina.
The NDP has better policies to support good Canadian jobs and is the only party that can replace Conservatives in Regina.
Ken Neumann,
United Steelworkers Canadian National Director and former IPSCO employee
TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2015 – NDP Leader Tom Mulcair is the only federal party leader to come forward to support a national campaign to enforce Criminal Code provisions that hold corporations, their directors and executives accountable for workplace deaths and injuries, says Ken Neumann, United Steelworkers (USW) National Director.
“Our Canadian directors signed a letter to all the party leaders and their campaigns to ask for their commitment and leadership on addressing the shameful enforcement record of a law that was unanimously passed by Parliament in 2003,” said Neumann, referring to Criminal Code amendments known as the Westray Bill.
“The law is not being properly enforced across Canada, despite the workplace deaths of more than 1,000 workers every year,” Neumann said. “That’s 1,000 families every year for whom justice has not been served.”
Only Mulcair responded to the plea by Neumann, USW Ontario/Atlantic Director Marty Warren, Quebec Director Daniel Roy and Western Canada Director Stephen Hunt.
“The government’s failure to enforce the provisions of the Westray Bill has been an absolute disgrace,” said Mulcair. “A New Democratic Party government will enforce the full provisions of the Westray amendments to protect workers and hold corporations to account.”
The campaign, called Stop the Killing, Enforce the Law, has been endorsed by dozens of Canadian municipalities, police associations, First Nations, and has been addressed in annual meetings of federal-provincial-territorial justice ministers.
“What has been lacking is federal leadership in ensuring that provincial and federal enforcement agencies investigate workplace deaths as potential crime scenes,” said Neumann. “Only the NDP has given that assurance.”
