News, Developments and Information

Where are your CBA books, you ask?

Members of the Union Bargaining Committee met with Local HR  on Sept. 30th  to resolve outstanding issues in the wording of the CBA.  This was the 2nd such meeting  where your Union has pointed out the mistakes in the CBA wording  which was been different  than what was signed off on in bargaining.

Evraz has agreed to change the wording, in the majority of the mistakes that were pointed out to them but there are still articles remaining where no agreement has been reached.

It has gotten to the point where the Bargaining Committee  has filed a grievance, went through the grievance procedure, only to have the Evraz Lead Negotiator push for an arbitration ruling.

This is where your CBA books are; waiting for an arbitration date and a subsequent ruling.

The Union will continue to have available copies of ratified language to it’s members.   Please use this as an insert into your orange coloured CBA books.  This package was written word for word as to what was signed off at the bargaining table.  We will continue to hold the company responsible to the article changes as well you should.

We will keep copies at the office for pickup and will continue to leave stacks of them in the change room, at the Hilton.

UT/RT Pay

On Sept 25th the Union requested from the company confirmation of dates when our members could see their job class increase and retro pay. On Tuesday the 29th the company response was such, “retro fro the 24 inch was paid on Sept 11, 2015 pay. Rates of pay for ut/rt will be reflected on the October 9th, 2015 pay and employees will receive retro by Nov 6th,2015. Retro was calculated based on the date of ratification.”

The union disputes that there was any agreement made that retro pay only goes back to date of ratification and as such filed a grievance today (September 30th) that retro should be paid to the start of the contract (August1,2014), not the date of ratification.

Safety in Steel Slab Crane

There is a crane on the steel side called the “Slab Crane” which has the main task of transferring slabs from rail cars to the ground then from the ground to the entrance to the reheat furnace. Most cranes that people are familiar with in our plant that carry the operator of the design of having the Cab on one end of the crane bridge. The slab crane is different and has the cab in the middle of the bridge beam.  Because of this placement the cab is more prone to vibration and bouncing around. This is crane arguably the busiest crane in the plant. It runs almost continually.

The crane is over 25 years old and has always had complaints that it was a rough crane to operate. The operators in the last year or so have reported the vibration and ride on the crane has become intolerable. In response operators have lodged and stronger and stronger complaints in an attempt to get the Company to engage in repairs to the crane.

Over the last few months the Company has attempted repairs to remove the vibration and rough ride only after a work refusal but efforts have only been partially successful. Our Safety department had a vibration analysis performed by the Saskatchewan OHS over a two hour period and it reportedly passed.

Since the repair the operators almost unanimously agree that not enough was done to remove the vibration and there is still severe. Three operators have reported that they have sustained injuries they believe are as a result of operating the slab crane and two have requested that they run other cranes as an accommodation until the crane can be fixed.  One Operator refused to run the crane under Section 23 of the Saskatchewan OHS act. The Company has refused to re-address the vibration and rough ride with any more possible solutions stating the repair is good enough.

The Union believes that in response to these accommodation requests the Company has begun a pattern of persecution. One operator was removed from all cranes and forced to work outside of his line of progression and the other moved to another crane in the LOP but is still expected to run the crane occasionally even though it contributes to his injury and pain. Both have sustained a loss in pay.

As a result of most of the operators dissatisfaction of the repair and injuries sustained the Union has intentions of contacting the OHS branch to request another vibration test be done under conditions that are more consistent to actual operation conditions of the crane and for a longer period of time.

As well the Union intends to file grievances and/or contact the Sask OHS branch to address the alleged persecution of accommodation requests and work refusal of the crane. The Union will also grieve that the reduced wages and the violations of members seniority rights regarding lines of progression is a Human Rights Violation as it is not an undue hardship for the Company to accommodate our members injuries.

A message from United Steelworkers District 3 Director Stephen Hunt

In recent times Labour Day has been seen as the last long weekend of the summer, but it should, and it does, mean so much more.  It’s a time to celebrate the sacrifices made by each generation of workers that have resulted in a better life for every Canadian.

By looking back we can appreciate how far we’ve come.  From the very beginnings of our union, Steelworkers have never backed down from a fight.  Emboldened by the strength and solidarity that has been the hallmark of the USW, our union has been at the forefront of every struggle to improve working conditions for women and men in Canada, and around the world.  And we know that our work is far from done.

This October 19th, working people have an unprecedented opportunity to elect a federal government that is truly on our side.  Voters from every part of our country are looking to the NDP like never before and we are set to make history.  We can elect Tom Mulcair as Prime Minister of the first New Democratic Party government in Canadian history.  But it will only happen if we work for it!

I know that Steelworkers are up to the task, so this Labour Day let us commit ourselves as never before.  Let’s talk to one more friend, knock on one more door, make one more phone call, put up one more sign and take one more person with us to vote.  In doing so, we will have honoured the workers that came before us and will have contributed to electing a government that will ensure a brighter future for working people everywhere.

Health Spending Account

As per article 17.10 of  the  collective agreement,for all employees active on the seniority list who have completed 750 hours in the previous year, Evraz contributes $100 annually to your HSA account. With that being said the $100 form this year will expire on December 31,2015.

CBA Proof Reading Update

On Thursday Aug. 20 members of your Union Executive meet with local HR and the lead negotiator for Evraz.   The Union presented the company with our evidence of changes that needed to be made, to the CBA.  The Company was receptive to most changes.  One article remains contentious to both sides, where no agreement has been made to date.  Article 15.01, and who is entitled to the lump sum payments.  Back in January 2015 and again in August 2015, the Union has filed grievances under this article.  Both members on Long Term Disability and Summer Students received no lump sum payments.

 

Evraz has express interest in getting these grievances to arbitration as soon as possible for a decision.  The Union is disappointed that an agreement could not be reached.  Especially, since coming out of bargaining so recently with Evraz.

Evraz has stated they intend to have the Regina edits and response to proposals completed by Friday, September 11th.

UT/RT lines of progression and wage increases

 A 3rd Step Grievance meeting was held on Aug. 21st.  The Union Grievance Committee met with local Evraz Management.  A Union grievance, over UT/RT lines of progression and wage increases was discussed.  Management informed the Union that by Sept. 15 all Tubular lines of progression will be completed, with retro pay to follow.  Please watch your paystubs for wage increases and back pay.  New lines of progression should be posted shortly after.  Please check the list and ensure that your name is in the proper order and line of progression.  Contact a shop steward with any concerns. 

Dallas Houston

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of our Brother Dallas Houston. Dallas will surely be missed by all who knew him. RIP brother Dallas.

 

DALLAS HOUSTON Obituary

HOUSTON, Dallas Edwin
Dallas “Dal”, was born February 25, 1981 and passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 24, 2015 at the age of 34 years. He was predeceased by his grandparents Jim and Betty Houston, Edwin Fraser and cousin Sheldon Houston. Dal is survived by his parents Ron and Cindy; brother Derek “Harvey”; sister Ally (Derek); his fiancé Michelle; his fur baby Thunder; in-laws Lorraine (Rick), Dwight (Dawn), and sister-in-law Amber (Chris); nephew Cruz; niece Alyssa; grandma Carol (Vern); aunts and uncles Bill (Carol), Lionel (Cheryl), Teresa (Al), Tracey, and Tanya (Chris); and numerous cousins, extended family and friends. A CELEBRATION OF DALLAS’S LIFE will be held at Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Those in attendance are invited to ride their motorcycles and are encouraged to wear Harley Davidson or Saskatchewan Roughrider apparel. Donations in memory of Dallas may be made to the Regina Humane Society, PO Box 3143, Regina, SK S4P 3G7. Family and friends are invited to sign the online obituary and tributes page at www.regina-memorial.ca. Arrangements entrusted to

– See more at: http://m.legacy.com/obituaries/leaderpost/obituary.aspx?n=dallas-houston&pid=175649579&referrer=0&preview=True#sthash.YDh8NkrC.dpuf

Overtime in Tubular

On the morning of August 20th members of the executive met with management to discuss overtime opportunities in tubular. These overtime opportunities will be first given to tubular employees and then offered plant wide.If anyone from outside tubular wishes to volunteer for overtime it would be as a finishing helper grinding pipe. This agreement will only be in place from Aug 20th to sept 1st, 2015 and is no way precedent setting.

New Coating Facility

On the morning of Thursday Aug 13th representatives from the local had a meeting with Evraz management where they informed the local that Evraz has entered into a joint venture with a company called WASCO. This joint venture will be for a new coating facility located in the south 40. They informed us the name of this will be Evraz/Wasco Pipe Protection Corporation employing between 50-70 people . These people will be hired by Wasco, as well Wasco will be managing the day to day operations. At this time we are unsure if these will be unionized employees or not but we hope to have more information on that and other concerns by the time they would like to start up in the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2016

Haztech on Site

The Haztech worker ( Becky ) that was our medical contact on Evraz property has been removed. The local doesn’t know why she was removed but wishes her luck in her new position with Haztech.

 

August 2015 Lump sum Payment

Your Aug lump sum payment will be paid to you on Aug 4th/ 2015. Originally the company was going to pay it out on the  Aug 14th pay which would have been incorrect. It is to be paid effective Aug 1st, so Aug 4th will be the first business day following the long weekend.

Retirement Benefits

It has come to our attention that some of the benefit statements have not been naming employees spouse’s on page 5 under the retirement benefits header. After discussion with HR on the matter, everyone this affects is encouraged to call Meghan Fetch at extension 636 and she will get everything added for next years statement.

Union Rewards

By now everyone should have received their “strong rewards” statement from the company. It should be pointed out  that once again it seems the company is trying to make it appear these are rewards that they have just given you and not the pay and benefits you have had to fight for through your solidarity and resolve. Everyone should  remind themselves that these benefits have been negotiated at one point or another and have come from the tireless work of previous brothers and sisters throughout the labour movement in general. We need to build on this solidarity to keep improving  these benefits for ourselves, our families  and future employees.

O&T Pension Statement

It has come to the attention of the Union that some O&T members pension earn back calculations may be incorrect because of an oversight. Evraz management has stated they intend to re issue correct statements to those affected.

Someone is not paying attention to what was bargained

If you are an O&T member of 5890 please check the recent document that Evraz sent out titled “Strong Rewards”
The Union Exec apologizes to all O&T members with less than 10 years pension service because your pension statement is more than likely incorrect if you have lost pension time
Evraz had taken it upon themselves to interpret the pension buyback program to apply differently than bargained. Most of their unilateral incorrect decisions and interpretations were corrected over the past few months.
But one recent incorrect interpretation only came to light when the Union bargained pension and benefit statement or “Strong Rewards” document was mailed to everyone.
O&T members with less than 10 years service are entitled to the 1/2 year per year of service earnback.
Evraz has stated they will reissue the correct documents to the affected O&T members.
Again please check your reissued statements to make sure they are correct.

Tubular OH&S representative

Brothers & Sisters

Ian Gretchen has accepted the role as the new OH&S representative in Tubular. I would like to thank Rob Desnomie for the exceptional work he has done in this role. Rob has been a great asset to the the previous and current executive.  We believe Ian will jump into that role and be  a valuable asset to this executive. Ian knows he has lot’s of work ahead of him to continue the great job Rob did. I know Ian is excited for the opportunity to help out his brother’s and sisters’s. I wish Rob all the best in whatever role he would like to pursue and hopefully that includes staying involved as a strong union brother. I hope that everyone will congratulate Ian and thank Rob .

 

In solidarity

Transfers

On June 16th management came up with what appeared to be their new interpretation of transfer language.

After a meeting this morning with management where your executive pointed out the clear disregard for the collective agreement, out right abuse of the Temp Transfer and Inter-Division Transfer language and seeming disregard for the employees safety, management agreed that they had made a mistake and will do better next time. Next time is unacceptable for us and management agreed to Cease and Desist immediately and the  members were back in the Steel division by noon today.

 

In Solidarity

Correction on recall Letter from EVRAZ

In the last few days many of the laid off members in Steel were mailed a recall notice from the Comp.  It is incorrect in regards to how many days you have to report to work.  The document said 5 days. 5 is incorrect. You do not have to report for 10 days.

You can request more days if you can establish a good reason like employment commitments elsewhere.

The following is the updated language ratified in January

Article 12.06 Loss of Seniority

• If the employee is laid off and fails to return to work when notified to do so or within a maximum of 10 calendar days. If the employee can demonstrate that they have legitimate employment elsewhere and must provide a notice period or in other extenuating circumstances beyond the employee’s control, they may request additional time to return and no reasonable request will be denied. In either case the employee will be notified by the Company by telephone and registered mail to their last known address. A copy will be supplied to the Union.

• Laid off employees are responsible to provide the Company with their current contact information.