News, Developments and Information

Protect Yourself By Reporting Injuries & Filing WCB Claims

It has recently come to the attention of your local Executive that members who have sustained an injury on the job are being advised by certain Company representatives not to file or they do not have to file a Workers Compensation Claim or WCB claim that they are commonly referred too. This is misleading and against your rights! Continue reading Protect Yourself By Reporting Injuries & Filing WCB Claims

Weir Wins Regina–Lewvan NDP Nomination

b6c7f304a1c6681a21ee1ecea5451a51

June 23 – A meeting of 500 New Democrats yesterday afternoon at the Orr Centre nominated economist Erin Weir as the NDP candidate for next year’s federal election in the new riding of Regina–Lewvan on the city’s west side.
“I’m excited about electing New Democratic MPs from Saskatchewan for the first time in a decade and helping to replace Stephen Harper’s Conservative government with a progressive government led by Tom Mulcair,” said Weir. Elections Canada reports that the NDP would have won Regina–Lewvan had it existed in the last federal election.
Weir grew up in the riding and completed his first degree at the University of Regina. He campaigned in 2004 as a federal NDP candidate in Regina and ran last year for leader of the Saskatchewan NDP. He has gained national experience working in the federal public service and trade union movement.
“I am honoured to be chosen as the federal NDP candidate in Regina–Lewvan and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I encountered on doorsteps throughout the riding,” said Weir, who has an extensive track record of research, writing and advocacy for quality public services, strong social programs, fair corporate taxes, workers’ rights and a clean environment.

“Erin has demonstrated his abilities on the national stage as a sharp and insightful progressive economist in both official languages,” said Linda McQuaig, a national best-selling author and recent federal candidate. “He is a brilliant addition to the federal NDP team who will help it shape a progressive economic vision for our country.”

Steelworkers Support Erin Weir:

May 2014 – Erin Weir is seeking the federal NDP nomination in the new riding of Regina–Lewvan on the west side of our city.

I campaigned in 2004 as a federal NDP candidate in Regina and ran last year for leader of the Saskatchewan NDP. After joining the federal public service through the Treasury Board Secretariat, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office, I also worked in both official languages as an economist for the Canadian Labour Congress, the International Trade Union Confederation and the United Steelworkers.

I am running to provide a progressive voice in Parliament on issues that matter to Regina. We need an MP with the conviction to push back against the Conservative assault on our values and to articulate policy alternatives. I would be honored to have your support for the nomination and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy.

You can also share your ideas, ask a question or volunteer by calling my cell phone: (306) 541-3746. Together, we can make Regina’s progressive voice heard on the national stage.

Yours truly,

Erin Weir

 

Locals 5890 & 6673

Bargaining Up-Date

STRONGER TOGETHER

A tentative date of June 18, 2014 has been set for a meeting in Regina to exchange non-monetary proposals between the company and both Locals 5890, Regina and Local 6673, Calgary.

Your Bargaining Committees are committed to keeping you informed.

 
In Solidarity!

Your Bargaining Committee

Steelworkers Mourn Lynn Williams

B821602370Z.1_20140505095607_000_G5H1814HL.4_Content

Steelworkers across the continent today are mourning the passing of Lynn Williams. One of North America’s most influential and respected labour leaders of the 20th century, Williams, 89, died Sunday in Toronto.

Williams served as International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) from 1983 to 1994. He was the first Canadian labour leader elected president of a major international trade union. He led the Steelworkers union through one of its most difficult and turbulent periods, amidst dramatic industrial restructuring and upheaval in the 1980s and 1990s. He developed new bargaining techniques and played a leading role in the structural readjustment of the North American steel industry.

Lynn Russell Williams joined the Steelworkers in the late 1940s while working at the John Inglis factory in Toronto. He rose through the union’s ranks and served more than two decades in elected positions on the USW’s International Executive board, including Ontario Director and International Secretary. He was the first union leader to hold executive leadership roles with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

During his tenure as USW International president, Williams founded the Steelworkers’ Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) to harness the power and influence of union pensioners. SOAR has grown into a force of labour, political and social justice activism in Canada and the U.S.

Williams was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005. In 2007 the City of Toronto named a street in his honour, in the redeveloped former industrial neighbourhood where he began his career.

A private funeral service for Williams’ immediate family is planned. A date will be announced in the near future for a memorial service for friends, union members and the public.

Local 5890/6673 Bargaining Up-Date 2014

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

The Bargaining Committees of Local 5890, Regina, and Local 6673, Calgary once again gathered for two days in Regina this week. At the conclusion of those meetings, both committees have now finalized their local and common non-monetary proposals. As the process continues to move forward, as a whole, the committees focus will now be on preparing monetary proposals. With three months remaining until both collective agreements expire, the committees are on schedule and committed to bargaining strong, fair agreements.

 
Your Local Bargaining Committees are committed to keeping you informed and updated.

In Solidarity!

Bargaining Committees 5890/6673

USW Statement on Western Forest Products Tragedy

30 APRIL 2014 | STATEMENT

“On behalf of United Steelworkers members across the country, Director Stephen Hunt and I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of the two workers killed and the two workers seriously injured at Western Forest Products today in Nanaimo, B.C.,” said Ken Neumann, USW National Director.

“We are shocked and saddened by this terrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured and in hospital today, as we struggle to understand what happened,” Neumann said.

“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters at the sawmill, members of United Steelworkers Local 1-1937, as well as to the entire Nanaimo community. We should not have to mourn again so soon after recognizing all workers killed or injured on the job, as we did on Monday, the National Day of Mourning,” said Hunt, USW Western Canada Director.

The United Steelworkers Emergency Response Team is on the scene, responding to this tragedy and offering support to the workers, families and community.

Local 5890 Statement:

On behalf of this local and it’s members. I want to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, our Brothers & Sisters at the mill and the community who are grieving after this troubling and senseless act of violence in the workplace.

Corey Liebrecht, President

Profit Sharing Q1 2014

The 1st Quarter, 2014 profit sharing amount resulted in a payout of $1.31 per eligible hour
and it will be deposited into your bank account on April 30, 2014 or sent to Great West Life
to be deposited into your designated account based upon your election.

National Day Of Mourning

In recognition of Canadian workers who were killed, injured or disabled on the
job during the past year.

Every year, more than 1,000 Canadian workers are killed on the job. Thousands more are permanently disabled. Hundreds of thousands are injured. Thousands of others die from cancer, lung disease and other ailments caused by exposure to toxic substances at their workplaces. On April 28th the United Steelworkers mourn with the rest of the nation and pay our respects for these victims of workplace accidents and disease. It is a day to remember the supreme sacrifice they and their family have been forced to make in order to earn a living.

These deaths and injuries should not be in vain. We should use this day as a day to review the pressure we are putting on governments for tougher occupational health and safety standards. A day to rededicate ourselves to the goal of making Canada’s workplaces safer.

Please join us in a service to remember these workers that will be held on Monday April 28th in front of the Regina City Hall, Queen Elizabeth II Court at 5pm.

Local 5890 & 6673

 Respecting Our Past, Securing Our Future

Bargaining Up-Date 2014

Dear Brother/Sister,

 The Bargaining Committees of Local 5890, Regina, and Local 6673, Calgary gathered for two days in Regina last week to continue to discuss and prepare for bargaining with the main focus for the group being proposals.

 Some excellent discussions were held between both locals as we work towards building on a Collective Agreement that will continue to be strong and fair once the bargaining process has been completed. Again, we are asking for your full support of both Bargaining Committees and for our issues that we will be brought forward during this process. At this point and time, there has been no specific date set for bargaining to begin.

 Also taking place early last week, members from both of the Local’s Communication Action Teams (CAT) held a one day training session in Regina. There was a high level of energy, participation and sharing of ideas between the CAT teams. This will certainly be very beneficial to all of us as these members will play an important role during the upcoming negotiations. 

 You’re Bargaining Committees are committed to keeping you informed and updated.

 In Solidarity!

 Local Bargaining Committees 5890/6673

Steelworker Humanity Fund Helped In Calgary Flood Relief

April 4, 2014
COREY LIEBRECHT
USW Local 5890
395 Park St, Unit 26
Regina, SK S4N 5B2

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Re: 2013 Western Canada Flood Relief Appeal

It has been almost nine months since heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding in southern Alberta and parts of British Colombia. Over 100,000 people were displaced from their homes, and damage is reported to have been $5 billion. Last week, it was reported that last June’s watery disaster ranked third highest in the world in disaster insurance claims in 2013.

Steelworker members and their communities were among those affected. The Steelworkers responded with a local union appeal and with a pledge of support from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund. The contribution from your local to the Steelworkers Humanity Support Fund, together with other local unions across the country, and with the individual on-going contributions of thousands of individual Steelworker members to the Humanity Fund, enabled the Steelworkers Humanity Fund to contribute $58,000 to flood relief. Thank you to your local union, SOAR chapter and its members for responding to the Flood Appeal and for your contribution of $1,000.

Steelworkers’ solidarity with individuals and families affected by flooding was shown by:

Support for families and individuals – 20 individuals applied for and received
cheques or gift cards valued at $1,500. One individual received $1,000 for a total
of $ 31,000.

Support for the community – Bowwest Community Support Services Society
received a cheque for $22,000. Bowwest was part of a coalition of community
organizations that monitored the flood and coordinated relief assistance,
directing funding to areas where it would be most effective.

Additional food bank contributions – Because the most vulnerable in our
communities are least resilient and have the hardest time recovering, additional
food bank contributions were made in Calgary and Elkford for a total of $5,000.
Thank you again for your support and solidarity in providing much needed assistance to our members and their communities in a time of need.

In Solidarity,

Ken Neumann, National Director for Canada
Steve Hunt, Director for District 3

Quarter Century Club Dinner

The company is once again hosting the Quarter Century Dinner to be held on May 23, 2014 at the Turvey Center. This years dinner is in recognition of all employees and retirees that have reached their 25 years of service as of December 31, 2013. If you have not received your invitation for you and a guest, contact Nicole Brown at 306.924.7700 or email Regina.Switchboard@evrazna.com by May 5, 2014.

To all the Brother & Sisters that have achieved this milestone, congratulations!

Corey Liebrecht, President

Recent Habitat For Humanity Donations

A special thanks to the following for their support of the Habitat for Humanity “Steelworker House”.

Saskatchewan Joint Board of RWDSU Regina – $1000.00

Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3967 Regina – $500.00

CUPE Local 8443 Saskatoon – $100.00

United Steelworkers C/O Randy Rudachek – $100.00

United Steelworkers Local 189 Saskatoon – $250.00

United Steelworkers Local 5917 Regina – $4500.00

United Steelworkers South Sask Area Council – $5000.00

“Steelworker House” Steak Night Fundraiser

Date: May 24th, 2014

Location: The Last Straw Brew Pub 127 Albert St. N.

Time: 4pm to 11pm

Price: $20.00 per ticket

Door Prizes: Throughout the evening

Tickets are available now at the Local 5890 office located at 26-395 Park St. Regina between 8am – 4pm Mon – Friday or by contacting Corey Liebrecht, Vasco D’Almeida, Mike Smith or Dave McAlpin.

Please come out and support this great project!

Membership Survey & Meetings

On behalf of the Executive and Bargaining Committee, I wish to thank the Sisters and Brothers who participated in the membership survey that was recently distributed and those who attended one of the three meetings that were held. We received a lot of important feedback and are currently in the process of going through all the information our members supplied to us in regards to bargaining later this year.

As we move into this process, I would like to say how proud I am of this local and it’s members. Along with your bargaining committee, I know we will work tirelessly in an effort to bring to our membership a contract that you can be proud of. What will be of key importance in obtaining that, is for the membership to continue to stay involved and participate in what is essentially your future. You are the ones that will make the changes that you have asked for. The bargaining process is about you Sister and it’s about you Brother. Whether your a probationary employee, senior employee nearing retirement or anywhere in between, bargaining a strong collective agreement is about us standing together as one.

Solidarity Forever!

Corey Liebrecht, President

 

 

 

Locals 5890 & 6673

 Bargaining Up-Date

 STAND UP-FIGHT BACK

 

The Bargaining Committees of both Locals 5890, Regina, and Local 6673, Calgary spent a few days in Regina last week discussing and preparing for bargaining later this year.

 USW District 3 Director, Steve Hunt was with us for the first day and Staff Representatives, Keith Turcotte and Sonny Rioux work with us as well.

 Our bargaining committees participated in a bargaining training session along with some great discussions, which conclude with each LOCAL UNION pledging SOLIDARITY well into the future.

 As we progress and get closer to meeting the Employer, at the bargaining table, support for your Bargaining Committees and for our issues will contribute to our success. In addition, some of you may be called on to assist your Local union during the bargaining process. We look forward to working with all of you.

 Your Bargaining Committees are committed to keeping you informed.

 Remember Solidarity Works

 In Solidarity!

 Your Bargaining Committee

 

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