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.

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.

Health Spending Account Deadline

As you may or may not be aware the original bargained monies of $375 for the new Health spending account expire on December 31, 2013. The Company released the following memo today explaining the HSA and outlining the plan.

Employees who are actively at work and eligible for benefits on March 31, 2012, would have received $375 in their Health Spending Account.  Under Income Tax guidelines Health Spending credits must be used on eligible expenses by the end of the following year in which they are granted.  This means that the initial $375 must be used prior to December 31, 2013.  If it is not used any outstanding amount will be forfeited from your account.  Attached is a copy of the original memo introducing the program.

 Eligible expenses are defined under the Income Tax Act and can be utilized for yourself and your eligible dependents. These are reviewed by CRA on a regular basis and are subject to change.  Attached is a summary from the CRA website showing what currently eligible expenses are.  You can also visit the website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca and type in eligible Health Spending expenses to get the list. 

 You may claim through the Health Spending Account by completing a medical claim form or submitting a claim online. Please review the user guide to web claims that is attached, you will need to contact Standard Life to set up a user name and password, if this is your first time submitting online.  

If you have questions on your Health Spending Account balance you will need to contact Standard Life.  The number is 1-800-499-4415.  You will need to know your certificate number (Evraz ID# with 3 zeros at the end) and your policy number (15037).

As well please read these documents.

Eligible HSA ExpensesUser Guide Web claim

VIP Room – Claims Submissions Direct Deposit and Health Wellness

Standard Life Medical Claim FormStandard Life Medical Claim Form

Happy Labour Day

The local union executive would like to wish all our members and their family a safe and happy Labour Day. As workers this day is for us. Take a moment to reflect, celebrate and be thankful. Lets remain mindful, that the struggle is still very real for many workers. So it remains, that there is still much work ahead for all of us.

Solidarity Forever!

Corey Liebrecht, President.

The labor movement was the principle force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of it’s bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old age security, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.

The captains of industry did not lead this transformation. They resisted it until they were overcome. When the wave of union organization crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole of society.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Steelworkers Contribute $125,800 to Lac-Mégantic Recovery

Lag-Meg-Donation4-1

Lac-Mégantic QC- The United Steelworkers (USW) has contributed $125,800 to recovery efforts in the devastated community of Lac-Mégantic, the largest donation ever made by the union in Quebec.

The USW contribution was presented to the Red Cross in Lac-Mégantic by an emotional Daniel Roy, the Steelworkers’ Quebec Director.

“Like all Quebeckers, we were deeply affected by this tragedy which took the lives of dozens of people, many in the prime of their lives, and which decimated the community’s historic downtown,” Roy said.

“One of the victims was a Steelworkers member and two more of our members lost their spouses. This tragedy also is especially difficult for our members who work at MMA and who witnessed the horror first-hand. We rallied together these past few days in an effort to help the victims of this devastating event.”

The $125,800 contribution came from funds donated by Steelworkers local unions in Quebec, as well as the Steelworkers Humanity Fund and other USW sources.

The Steelworkers Humanity Fund, which is supported by USW members across the country, provided $25,000. The USW international union contributed $30,000 and the union representing Steelworkers staff donated $10,000.

The USW represents approximately 5,000 workers in the rail industry in Canada, including 75 employees of Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA), which owned the train that exploded in Lac-Mégantic.

“The Steelworkers family is in mourning,” Roy said. “One of our members, who was employed by Portes Lambton, is among the victims, along with his spouse. The spouse of another of our members at Portes Lambton, who worked at Musi-Café, also lost her life.”

The USW represents workers at Portes Lambton, a door manufacturer near the community of Lac-Mégantic.

The Steelworkers Humanity Fund supports development projects and emergency aid in developing countries around the world, and assists Canadian communities in crisis. Steelworkers members contribute to the fund through clauses negotiated into their collective agreements.

USW Communications

The CAT Is Prowling

Our local has established a Communications Action Team (CAT). You may have already met a member over the last week handing out flyers during shift changes. Seen one of those flyers on a lunch room table or posted on bulletin boards throughout the mills and offices.

CAT is a group of Brothers and Sisters that have volunteered their time to provide a network of communication between local union leaders, the bargaining committee and the membership as a whole. Cat members are responsible for bringing the unions message past the gates of the plant and right onto the shop floor, lunchrooms and offices. This gives the membership a direct link to important, factual information on issues that concern you and the workplace that will be communicated straight from the executive or bargaining committee.

It is also a way for you, as a member of this local to have your voice heard. To ask the questions you may have. Point out a concern or make a suggestion. It’s about ongoing communication that can be trusted. If you would like more information about CAT or becoming a CAT member. Please contact a Brother or Sister listed below.

CAT Leaders: Dana Faul (Steel) – Mike Smith (Pipe)

CAT Members (Steel): Tory Sand, Marcus Zieglar, Al Majore, Tim Kachaluba, Jon Jackson, John Forster, Bryon Folk.

CAT Members (Pipe): Les Horvath, Nolan Brenner, Brian Askin, Rob Desnomie, Garrett Rosko, Brent Henninsen, Quinn Miller, Aaron Fisher, John Asmay, Doug Demin, Scott Mackie, Joshua Kretschmer, Rosey Shiels.

CAT Member (O&T): Kim Roberts.

IF YOU DON’T GET INVOLVED, NOTHING CHANGES. 

In Solidarity!

New Local Treasurer

Through an executive vote in accordance with the Local Union By-Laws. Sister Dana Faul has been selected as Treasurer. She is the first sister in the local’s history to hold a top officer position. On behalf of the membership, the executive would like to welcome Sister Dana as she transitions into her new role. We look forward to working with her.

Solidarity Forever!

Corey Liebrecht, President

CBA Expiry Date One Year Away

What will the next year bring for the members of this local? After yesterdays announcement of 0.00% profit sharing. Layoffs in the last quarter. The clamp down on overtime in recent months and the lack of preventative maintenance in the mills. All apparent cost cutting measures we are witnessing and feeling, are glaring examples of just a few of the band-aid solutions the company is using on the backs of our members because of it’s mismanagement and continued financial troubles.

What’s in store for us as a union? As the company dreams up more cost cutting measures for our next CBA?

One thing is for certain Brothers and Sisters. A year from now, we cannot not and we will not, allow ourselves to even think of accepting anything but a fair and decent Collective Agreement. Don’t tell me that some executive share holder didn’t receive stock dividends this last quarter on your back breaking work. Remember a year from now Brothers and Sisters, remember. We are a world class workforce, that deserves a world class contract.

We will not submit

We will not lie down

We we not roll over

We will not comply without question

We will not go quietly

We will not shut up

We will not sit down

We will stand Up! Fight back!

Solidarity Forever!

Corey Liebrecht, President

 

Second Quarter Profit Sharing

The news was not good today as the company announced the results of the second quarter profit sharing which has resulted in a zero payment to the plan. Management says the decrease was been attributed to a 3% decline in steel flat rolled products. A decline of 12% in small diameter pipe due to low drilling activity in Western Canada. Increased imports and stoke optimization programs launched at their North American Facilities. Large diameter pipe production in the Spiral mills remains strong and at full capacity. The company expects an increase in the output demand of steel, both flat and tubular in the third quarter.