News, Developments and Information

26th Annual SFL Youth Summer Camp

Once again the local has three (3) openings to sponsor your son or daughter at this camp. Please review the details below and return the application form to the USW office at 26-395 Park St. Regina SK. ASAP. *Spots are not guaranteed and fill quickly for this. We encourage you to act fast to secure yours*

This six day camp focuses on issues relevant to young people. The SFL
Summer Camp addresses challenges facing youth including social justice and equality issues. It combines learning with cooperative recreation activities and lots
of guaranteed fun!

Young people between the ages of 13-16 who are daughters and sons of union
members are eligible to attend.

Continue reading 26th Annual SFL Youth Summer Camp

Stronger Together

Our union has a proud history and is forged in tradition that we are all privileged to carry on. 
The past few years have been among the most exciting — and the most challenging in our 70 plus years. 

We’ve come through a lot. We’ve accomplished a lot. And we have so much more to do. 

Through it all — the good times and the bad times — one thing has been proven over and over: we are stronger together.

http://vimeo.com/87817737

Steelworker House Donation

A huge thank you to the members of the Rocanville Potash Employees Association who recently made a $5000.00 donation in support of the Habitat for Humanity “Steelworker House”. Outstanding!

Bullying At Work Is Harassment

Bullying is real, unwanted aggressive behavior that involves real or perceived power imbalance and is a occupational hazard that can affect your health and make your workplace toxic. Workplace bullying includes (but is not limited to) social isolation, rumors, personal attacks, verbal or physical aggression, over-monitoring of ones work and even withholding information necessary for work.

Are you experiencing or have witnessed harassment and/or bullying in the workplace?

Stand up and say something. It is the responsibility of everyone who experiences bullying to SPEAK UP and STOP IT! Make it very clear to the bully that their actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Report any incidents to your immediate supervisor. It is their responsibility to take action and respond immediately to any complaint.

Contact your local Union Anti-Harassment Rep. These are members that have been trained to facilitate confidential dialogue in a safe, respectful manner. They can discuss what is happening, providing advice, support and options on how to take action.

Filing a formal complaint is not pleasant but a reality at times. Human Rights Code based discrimination complaints (e.g., harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, race, age, disability) would proceed through the employers internal complaint process as laid out in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Members have the right to Union representation throughout the complaints procedure. If the complaint is not resolved satisfactory or there is inaction, then a grievance can be filed by the Union.

*There can be no retaliation or reprisal against any worker who brings forward a concern or complaint.

Local Anti-Harassment Reps:

Ned Donaldson – Mike Smith – Corey Liebrecht – Ed Racette – Mike Day

In Solidarity!

 

USW District 3 Partners For Life Program

This year the USW District 3 HSE Committee is pledging to donate a minimum of 100 litres of blood. You can help.

To join our Partners For Life Team and have all your donations count towards our annual lifesaving goal of 100, please go to:           

www.blood.ca/joinpartnersforlife  and use PFL ID# UNIT 013969

 Fun Fact to share: Every blood donation saves three lives because each donation is split into its three components – red blood cells, platelets and plasma – so a single donation will go to three hospital patients. When you consider that one person can have such a huge impact, it’s easy to imagine what the entire District 3 team can do!

 *Individual Booking Process:

Please call 1.888.2.DONATE (1.888.236.6283) to book an appointment, and review questions and eligibility inquires.

Did you know that one in two Canadians will need blood in their lifetime?

Donating Blood

By donating blood, we can help cancer patients, premature babies, accident/injury victims, people undergoing surgery and transplants, as well as those suffering from blood diseases, burns and shock. A patient suffering from cancer can use up to eight units of blood a week in their treatment! The need for blood never stops, and you, and your team, can help.

 Donor Eligibility

 Canadian Blood Services has screening criteria for all blood donors, in place for the safety of the blood system.

 Basic Requirements for Donating Blood

 1. First time donors must be between the ages of 17 and 61

2. Donors must weigh at least 110 lbs

3. ID is required

4. You must wait 6 months to donate after having a piercing or tattoo

5. If you’ve travelled outside of North America within the past year, please call our toll free line, and speak to a clinic nurse to make sure you did not travel to what we consider a ‘malaria risk area’. 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283)

 For additional eligibility questions, please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or visit www.blood.ca

 

Union Meeting

Reminder to all Brothers & Sisters,

Monthly union meeting tonight at 7:30pm sharp, Regina Union Center 2709 12th Ave. Downstairs using south side entrance. 

Agenda:

Communications
Grievance Reports
Financial Reports
Committee’s Reports
Staff Rep. Report
Initiation of new members
Unfinished/New Business


Stay informed and be involved in your local.

Tubular Division Layoff Update

The union has been informed by management that the pending layoff for January 20th will be extended by one week to January 27th as a precautionary measure in accordance with Article 12.12(b) of the current CBA. Rail cars are now arriving daily with CP and CN rail assuring continued supply for demand. We are cautiously optimistic that shipments will no longer be interrupted and hopeful that members will not experience any layoff through this period. The local will continue to keep information current and accurate as we move through this process. 

In Solidarity!

3 Day Layoff Update

Tubular Division – Management has confirmed late this afternoon that an anticipated 3 day layoff planned for January 13th-16th inclusive for the Spiral Mill has been cancelled. Notice for the January 20th indefinite layoff is still in effect.

Steel Division – Management has notified the union that due to a lack of proper scrap material, they are preparing to implement the 3 day layoff clause that will effect members in the Rolling Mill on January 11th & 12th. Members working in the Melt Shop will be effected January 13th & 14th with operations resuming to full capacity in both areas on January 15th. Some members will remain working during this time to assist with maintenance projects.

Possible Layoffs Coming In Tubular Division

A conference call was held this morning with the local at the request of Amit Baghel, general manager of the Tubular division. Our discussion centered around the rumor of pending layoffs in the division. Here is what we have learned.

Shaw pipe that is coating and shipping the current spiral order is having difficultly obtaining rail cars. The apparent reason for this delay is that the rails cars are held up due to winter storms that have hit the eastern part of Canada and the United States. As a result, management is considering a couple of options. A three day layoff in the near future. The possibility of an even longer layoff later in the month or both. Depending on the length and timing of layoffs, this could effect approximately 80% of our members currently working in the Spiral and 24″ mill lines and finishing departments.

Mr. Baghel would not confirm or commit to us any further plans except to say that members can expect to receive a 14 day notice of a pending layoff some time in the coming week. He has told us that more information will be made available to the union and membership on Monday January 6th when management will begin meeting with all the crews.

Fact: There is currently 510 members working in the Tubular division.

Can You Imagine Your Employer Shredding Your Pay Stub?

As most if not all of our membership is aware, the company has decided to start using an Epost system that you must register for in order to obtain your pay stub and T4’s. The only other option they have left available to you is a 21 hour window to pick up a hard copy of your pay stub before each pay day. As well, it is the Union’s understanding that this will be the last year that the the Company will have a hand delivered copy of a T4 sent to your home. Even more disturbing and outright mind boggling is the fact by confirmation earlier today fromthe payroll department, that any remaining pay stubs left in the company’s possession after each pay period will be shredded. That’s right…SHREDDED!

We have a number of obvious concerns and issues related to how the Company is handling and handcuffing you on what we believe is a right to have basic access to your personal work related information, especially concerning a record of your payroll information. The Local is weighing it’s options on how to best respond to this and defend our rights collectively. We will take all actions available and necessary in making sure we protect our members.

In Solidarity!

Arbitrator Holds Evraz to Issuing Fair Discipline

The local was successful at arbitration regarding discipline for Proznick that involved almost all aspects of the definitive KVP decision from 1965. Please read an overview of guide to the 6 rules of  The KVP Award on Company Rules . A three day suspension was removed.

Hopefully this decision will illustrate to Evraz  and its management team that they cannot act in an arbitrary, discriminatory or unreasonable manner when implementing policies and enforcing them.

Here is the decision regarding Mr Proznick      Evraz USW Proznick dis.KVP

Please take the time to read both documents.

Steelworkers House Donations

A HUGE thank you to…

USW Local 5917 Regina, SK – $500.00
USW Local 6717 Weyburn, SK – $500.00
USW Local 7458 Cory Mine, SK – $500.00
USW Local 7689 Allan Mine, SK – $500.00
Rocanville Potash Employees Association, SK – $500.00
USW Staff Rep. Sonny Rioux who challenges all other staff reps. Regina, SK – $100.00
USW 5890 VP Vasco D’Almeida who challenges all other VP’s. Regina, SK – $500.00
USW 5890 President Corey Liebrecht who challenges all other president’s. Regina SK – $250.00

We’re that much closer to the first ever Steelworkers House. Your donation supports the reality for a family to create the foundation that they can make their home from. As members, locals and a community, please give generously.

5890 Habitat for Humanity Committee