top priority

LO CAL 23
01
2301
Kitimat Smelter & Kemano
Power Operations Workers
www.caw2301.ca
MA
Y / JUNE 2009
MAY
HEALTH & SAFETY
TOP PRIORITY
UNSAFE
WORK &
INDUSTRIAL
DISEASE
NO!
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
MAILBAG
Thanks From Local Food Banks
The
May / June 2009
CAW Local 2301
235 Enterprise Avenue
Kitimat B.C. V8C 2C8
This acknowledges with thanks, your very generous
donation. Your generosity in helping out our Food Bank
is much appreciated.
These funds will be put to good use in our endeavours
to help those in need in our community.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and
generosity in this worthy cause.
Sincerely,
Dennis Brewer, Treasurer
Terrace Church’s Food Bank
250.632.4611
250.632.6308
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.caw2301.ca
Designed by:
Gord Lechner
Editorial Board:
Sean O’Driscoll
Luis Diaz
Sincerely,
Luella Froess, Secretary
Kitimat Food Bank Society
Published bimonthly by:
The Executive of
CAW Local 2301
President:
Vice-President:
Financial Secretary:
Recording Secretary:
Trustees:
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Guide:
Retirees’ Chapter Rep:
Business Agent:
Union Safety Rep:
Gary Warren
Ed Abreu
Cam Wiebe
Jim Robertson
Karen Jonkman
Marty McIlwrath
Andrew McLaren
Willie Knox
Mike Szmata
Ron Fossl
Bill Garvin
Sean O’Driscoll
Mike Schmidt
Kitimat - Terrace
& District
Labour Council
Publication Copyright ©2009
Canadian Auto Workers Union Local #2301(CAW 2301)
2
The 2008 Kitimat Christmas Hamper Appeal would like
to say thank you to the executive and members of CAW
Local 2301 for your ongoing support of our Food Bank
and for your generous donation to the 2008 Hamper
Appeal. It is the continued support of your organization that helps make the Christmas Hamper Appeal
such a success.
Thanks again for your continued support – we could
not do it without you. All the best to all of you and
your members for 2009.
May / June 09
Editors Note: The above letters were received at the beginning
of the year, after the Jan/Feb Hotline went to print.
Deadline for
Scholarships
The Executive would like to remind
everyone of the CAW Local 2301
Scholarship as well as the Ross
Slezak Memorial Scholarship that are available to
students proceeding from Grade 12 to a post-secondary
institute.
The recipient of must be the son, daughter or legal
ward of a CAW Local 2301 member in good standing.
Applications are available at the Union Hall and must
be returned to the Union Hall by the deadline
Tuesday, June 16th at 12 noon.
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
@ The Hall
O
n May 27th the outgoing Executive had the pleasure of swearing in the new CAW
Local 2301 Executive Board. Best wishes go to all of the outgoing members along
with thanks for the many years of valuable service. Welcome to all of the new members.
CAW Local 2301 Executive Board 2009 - 2012
Back Row (Left to Right): Jim Robertson (Recording Secretary); Mike Szmata (Sergeant-at-Arms); Cam Wiebe
(Financial Secretary); Sean O’Driscoll (Business Agent); Mike Schmidt (Safety Rep); Andrew McLaren (Trustee)
Front Row (Left to Right): Willie Knox (Sergeant-at-Arms); Ron Fossl (Guide); Ed Abreu (Vice-President); Gary
Warren (President); Marty McIlwrath (Trustee); Bill Garvin (Retiree Rep); Karen Jonkman (Trustee)
May / June 09
3
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
KKOHS&E Dedicates Memorial
Bench To Long-Time Union
Activist and Safety Advocate
O
n Wednesday, May 27th, members of the KKOHS&E
Committee gathered in Radley Park to present a
park bench dedicated to the memory of the late Brother
Ross Slezak.
Radley Park was the chosen site for the bench as it
was a favourite fishing spot for Ross, both on the banks,
and while drifting the river. In fact, he caught his first
Chinook there.
Brother Slezak’s widow, Donna, his daughters Amy
and Jenny, his son-in-law Scott, and his grandsons
Seamus, Jonas and Gavin were present for the
dedication. Also in attendance were members of the
CAW 2301 Executive, union retirees and Kitimat Mayor
Joanne Monaghan.
A special thanks to Brother Reg Roy, who was
instrumental in making this project a reality.
In loving memory of Brother Ross Slezak - may
his dedication and passion never be forgotten.
4
May / June 09
Inscription on memorial bench for Brother
Ross Slezak. The bench is located in Radley
Park, beside the fish smoking shack.
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
MAILBAG
Rest in Peace
Thank-you to Membership
I would like to thank the members who supported me in the last executive election. Your
support was much appreciated.
I would also like to thank the rest of the membership who took the time to vote and participate
in our union.
In solidarity,
Jim Peers
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of several
of our members in the recent months.
These brothers and sisters will be sadly missed by all who
were privlidged to know them. Our condolences are expressed on behalf of the membership, the Retiree Chapter,
and myself, Bill Garvin, to all the family circles who have
experienced loss these past few months.
Manuel Andrade
Thank-you For Support
I would like to thank all of the members for their
support in the recent CAW 2301 Executive
elections.
As Trustee, I will work hard on behalf of our
members of CAW 2301.
In solidarity,
Marty McIlwrath
Brother Manny was always a very quiet gentleman who
only wanted to get his job done so as to get home and be
with his family.
Julio Couto
Brother Julio Couto was a Kitimat Pioneer. He was one of
the first group of workers to come in from Portugal in 1956.
He was a very quiet, dignified gentleman who it was
always a pleasure to chat with.
Jacinto DaCosta
Brother Jacinto was well known at the plant. He was a
conscientious worker and liked by all of his workmates.
Kathy Guy
Donation Benefits Art
Workshops
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Kitimat
Museum & Archives we would like to thank the
CAW Local 2301 for its generous donation to the
“Museum in the Classroom” Art Workshops
2009. This money will be of direct benefit to our
Museum in the Classroom Art workshops.
Once again Museum in the classroom Art
Workshops 2008 was a great success. Over 95
classes participated, including children who are
home schooled, and over 1,991 children were
served by this programme.
To date, the Art Workshops 2009 has over 62
classes participating and over 1,331 children
served.
Your continuing support is much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Kitimat Museum & Archives
Sister Kathy worked in Casting for many years. She was
well liked and respected, not only by her fellow workmates,
but by all those who knew her.
Kim Guy
Brother Kim Guy was a Millwright with Crane Maintenance.
He was one of the nicest guys you could know, always
laughing and joking and enjoying life to the fullest.
Although not actively involved in the union, he always
kept informed of goings on when you met him and had a
chat.
Roy Hill
Brother Roy was well liked by those of us who were
priviledged to know or work with him in the plant.
Gerry Knaus
Brother Gerry, along with his dear wife regularly attended
our retiree socials. Gerry will be greatly missed by our
retiree group, and myself in particular as I always enjoyed
our little talks.
Roger Turner
Brother Roger was a Millwright with Crane Maintenance. He
was well liked and respected by everyone who was
priviledged to know him and will be missed by all.
May / June 09
5
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
President’s Report
by gary warren
Health & Safety Number One
F
irst off I would like to thank all the members who put
their names forward for the 2009 Executive elections.
Congratulations. Thank you to the members who came
out and voted for the candidates of their choice.
I would like to thank Ross Slezak
(in memory), Brent Morrison and
Rick Belmont for all of their years of
service as Presidents. The membership has voted for change and I will
do my best as President to help out
in any way possible.
Prior to being sworn in on
May 27, 2009 as president, I
started to immediately take
action after the election results.
I believe the health and safety
of every worker is and needs to
be number one.
On the next page is a list of
fatal and non-fatal accepted
industrial disease claims by
the BC WCB. It does not include the many denied, contested or unreported cases.
Starting May 8th, I have
attended on my own time, crew preshift meetings where the topics were
Health & Safety first, and K.M.P. for
the following:
• Lines 1&2 A-shift
• Lines 1&2 C-shift
• Lines 3-5 A-shift
•
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•
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Lines 3-5 D-shift
Lines 7&8 A-shift
Lines 7&8 B-shift
Steam Plant D-shift
Garage (2 times)
Central Electrical
Bldg 130 Crane Maintenance
Bldg 122 Casting Maintenance
Potlining
A-Casting D-shift
A-Casting Services
Ingot Finishing D-shift
Gas Skirts (2 times)
Concrete Crew
Stores / Warehouse
226 Potshell Repair
Wharf
If I’m going to be able to help the
members as a whole, I believe I need
to get out and talk to the workers.
The members have raised issues,
for example:
• Death benefit needs to be
increased
• Union OHS&E Reps and Shop
Stewards need to be identified
whether by different coloured
hard hat or vest, etc. and be
held accountable
continues on next page...
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May / June 09
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
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...continued from the previous page
Occupation
Type of cancer
Exposure
1986
1987
1987
1987
1987
1988
1988
1988
1988
1988
1989
1989
1990
1990
1991
1991
1991
1992
1992
1992
1992
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1994
1995
1996
1996
1997
1998
1999
1999
1999
1999
2000
2000
2001
2001
2001
2001
2002
2002
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Millwright
Operator
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Scrubber
Potroom worker
Potliner
Millwright
Millwright
Potliner
Cell operator
Mmillwright
Millwright
Welder
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potliner
Serviceman
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Carpenter
Potroom worker
Carpenter
Potroom worker
Cell operator
Cll operator
Gas Skirts
Casting Op
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Welder
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Millwright
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Potroom worker
Co Cal Op
Mesothelioma
Skin
Bladder
Bladder
Bladder
Bladder
Lung
Bladder
Bladder
Bladder
Bladder
Skin
Mesothelioma
Skin
Skin
Bladder
Mesothelioma
Lung
Lung
Lung
Lung
Lung
Lung
Bladder
Bladder
Bladder
Bladder
Mesothelioma
Lung
NonHodgkin’s
NonHodgkin’s
Kidney/Renal
Lung
Lung
Bladder
Lung
Bladder
Lung
Lung
Lung
Mesothelioma
Lung
Lung
Bladder
Lung
Lung
Asbestos
Coke dust
Tar fumes
Tar fumes
Tar fumes
BSM
Tar fumes
Tar fumes
BSM
BSM
BSM
Coal tars
Asbestos
pitch
Tar fumes
BSM
Asbestos
PAH
PAH
PAH
CTPV
Asbestos
PAH
BSM
BSM
BSM
BSM
Asbestos
BSM
BSM
BSM
BSM
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
Asbestos
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
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A farmer’s donkey
fell into a well. The animal cried
piteously for hours as the farmer tried
to figure out what to do.
Finally, he decided the donkey was
old, and the well needed to be filled
up. It just wasn’t worth it to save the
donkey.
He invited his neighbours to come
over and help. They grabbed shovels
and began to fill in the well.
The donkey realized what was
happening and cried horribly. Then, to
everyone’s amazement, he quieted
down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer
looked down the well. He was
astonished at what he saw. With each
shovel of dirt that hit his back, the
donkey would simply shake it off and
take a step up.
Eventually, the donkey stepped up
over the edge of the well and trotted
off.
The lesson is that when life shovels
dirt on you, the trick to getting out of
the well is to shake it off and take a
step up. We can get out of the deepest
wells by not stopping, not giving up.
Shake it off and take a step up.
Later the same day, the donkey bit
the farmer who had tried to bury him.
The wound got infected and in the end
the farmer died in agony from septic
shock.
The revised morale of the story is
when you do something wrong and
try to cover your ass, it always comes
back to bite you.
Internet/ CALM
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The Vice President Brother Ed Abreu will be filling in for me while
I’m on vacations. I know there are a lot of issues and we will work
our way through them SAFELY.
I hope each and every one of you and your families have a safe
summer vacation.
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skirts workers, maintenance personal, electricians,
millwrights, etc.
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Get Out of
The Well
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• Potroom exposure plan for all workers; potroom workers, gas
May / June 09
7
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
Business Agent’s
Report
by sean o’driscoll
Member’s Involvement Necessary
F
irst off, I would like to thank the membership for its
support in electing me to this position. At the time of
writing it hasn’t even officially been a week yet.
However, I was fortunate enough
to have been afforded some time
immediately following the elections
to spend in the office with Brother
Lechner getting acquainted with the
new surroundings and being
brought up to speed on some of the
ongoing business.
I must say that Brother Lechner
was extremely helpful as, like an
inquisitive five-year-old, I asked
millions of questions, all of which he
patiently answered; I wish him all
the best in his new position with the
BCFED, although I still have a few
million questions more.
I have already begun to work on
the WCB cases which required
immediate attention. Not unlike our
grievance procedure, the steps
which a claim goes through are
time-sensitive, and it is imperative
that these time limits be adhered to.
Just as important in injury or
illness cases is the weight of
supporting medical evidence. If your
doctor or a specialist cannot provide
information which corroborates the
claim you are making, then your
chances of success are diminished
significantly.
Again, not unlike the grievance
procedure, regardless of how
impressive the arguments sound, a
decision can only be made based on
the facts and evidence relevant to
the case.
In all cases, a member’s
cooperation in gathering the
required documentation is
paramount.
On the benefits front, I sat in on
the Benefits Committee meeting on
May 26th from which a few items are
worth noting here. The pre-retirement workshops, which have been a
fixture in the fall over the past
number of years, are not being
scheduled this year due to poor
attendance last year. Many folks
registered but did not attend.
If there is an increase in demand
and commitment to attend these
workshops they could be scheduled
for next spring.
Members will notice some changes
when dealing with Oracle Financial
Services as cost-saving measures are
implemented.
Firstly, for retirees’ questions
regarding pensions benefits or
payroll issues, retirees will be
directed to call the Pensioner Call
Centre in Montreal. The company
unilaterally made this decision to
take the local service away from our
retirees – more information on this
to follow.
continues on next page...
8
May / June 09
www.caw2301.ca
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
Ask Not What Your Union Can Do For You
The world is a bit of a confused place lately. We are
brainwashed into believing in the universal benefits of
rogue capitalism, anything-goes-free-trade and personal
over-consumption, and now we are being conditioned to
accept welfare for corporations and frugality for the
citizenry.
If there is any Marx-Leninist literature that avoided
being burned a few years ago, we
should be getting it out for some
good quotes to confuse the issue
all over again. Most of us have
read enough history books and
newspapers to realize that, out of
the millions of experts speaking
every minute, none know anything more than anyone else
about what works, what makes
the world go round, and what
people are going to do with their
lives and societies.
It is somewhat discomforting
perhaps to finally be aware we
are not being led or guided by
some kind of devine wisdom, but
rather fumbling along day by
day, pretending we are all experts.
For the most part it works. Global shakeups have been
with humankind from the beginning. There is a collective faith that tells us somewhere that when we hit rock
bottom, we will thankfully get going again.
In the midst of all the turmoil, the one thing you can
count on is your union. As organized workers we don’t
care whether we are dealing with capitalists or communists. The union is one force that works for all people
equally. Like any entity devised and run by humans,
unions have their share of human folly, but they are
generally more realistic.
Unions have done more for working people and their
families than any other group - political,
religious,utopian or nihlistic. Organized labour has
done a great deal, and it continues to fight for us every
day. The issues never go away.
When the idea of abolishing
slavery was first considered in
England, the chamber of commerce
fumed and fought against it. They
said it would cause untold damage
to the economy - the 19th century
equivalent of $6 bucks sucks.
The principles of unionism are
simple and they work. We continue
to hear phrases like an injury to
one is injury to all or united we
stand, divided we fall.
The power of unions comes only
from the level of support of the
membership. Whether it is a
worker-operated union or a
business-agent type, union power
exists only in relation to the level
of commitment and action of its members. Someone
might say, “Yes, I am a union supporter,” but that is the
minimum commitment. The union needs active members, people who will take the leadership roles at whatever level they can. Your union is your greatest strength
in the workplace.
We will face the same issues over and over again. As
frustrating as that may be, unions and their members
must stand up and fight the good fight every day.
Sean Reel/Leaflet/PPWC/CALM
...continued from the previous page
Secondly, some time ago Oracle stopped filling out
medical claims forms for members. This was a service
Oracle had provided at their cost, which was not a part
of their contract with Alcan, but this proved to be too
time consuming.
However, some members have expressed frustration
at this to the point of being rude. We ask that all
workers be treated with dignity and respect.
In the coming months I look forward to visiting
members in the plant to discuss their issues. In the
meantime I will continue to ascend the steep learning
curve which comes with this position, so as a “newbie”
I ask for your forbearance, for a little while at least.
In closing, I would like to once again thank the
membership for offering me the opportunity of this
great challenge.
May / June 09
9
N
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
Vice President’s
Report
by ed abreu
Moving Forward With New Leadership
I
would like to start this report by thanking my fellow
brothers and sisters for giving me the opportunity to
serve as your Vice-President for the next three years.
I will continue to work as hard
over the next three years as I have in
the past.
I would also like to congratulate
all of the Executive officers that were
elected or re-elected into their
positions. Many thanks to the
outgoing Executive members for
their hard work and I encourage
them to keep up the fight as
stewards, safety reps or whatever
committee they become involved
with.
On behalf of the membership I
would like to thank Brother Rick
Belmont for all the years he
dedicated to this union and all that
he has taught me over the last six
years. I wish him well.
I would like to welcome Brother
Gary Warren who you, the
membership, voted as your
President. When I first got involved
with the Grievance Committee some
six years ago it was Brother Gary
Warren who dedicated many hours
of his time to teach me the ins and
outs when dealing with grievances
and arbitrations. He taught me well
and I look forward to working with
him as your Vice-President.
Since taking over as President,
Brother Warren has been spending a
lot of his own time going in to safety
and pre-shift meetings in the plant
to listen to your concerns. I applaud
him for his dedication. I’ve always
said that we as senior officers in this
union must spend as much time in
the plant as possible in order to hear
and address your concerns.
Brother Warren will be on
vacation for the month of June and
I’ll be stepping up on his behalf. I
welcome the challenge and don’t
hesitate to contact me with any
concerns. Our union can only
survive if its members see it as their
own.
N
Got a way with words? Enjoy a good read? We need you!
New
slette
r
10
The Hotline is looking for any members who would like to join in the production
of the newsletter by proof reading future editions before they go to print.
If interested, please drop by the union hall, or send us your name via e-mail.
May / June 09
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
Fund the D**N CBC!
Everyone’s got an opinion
about the CBC. There is
probably no other national
institution that sparks as much
discussion from Rimouski to Rankin
Inlet to Red Deer - in English, French and at least eight
Aboriginal languages. Even the people who profess to
hate the CBC seem to love to talk about it.
However, Canada’s most important cultural institution is often treated as little more than a wedge issue by
many of the parliamentarians responsible for it. They
try to make points with their constituents by telling
them what they think they want to hear.
Parliament should be providing money to the CBC as
part of its economic stimulus plan. Information and
ideas are more important than ever. Improving public
infrastructure that supports the exchange of said information and ideas should be a no-brainer.
Some facts
The CBC’s budget has hovered around $1.4 billion,
including advertising revenue, for many years. Every
year, it has to pare back internal budgets to make up for
inflation to run its 79 radio stations, 28 conventional TV
stations, four cable channels and websites. Services are
in both official languages, and a Northern service offers
programming in eight Aboriginal languages.
Private broadcaster Canwest spent about $1.7 billion
last year running its all-English-language daily newspapers (15, including the free ones), conventional TV
stations (14), cable channels (21) and
canada.com website.
On February 25, a spokeswomen for the
Heritage Minister commented: “We expect the
kind of belt-tightening at the CBC as we see
with other broadcasters.”
Back in 1990-1, the CBC received just under
$1.1 billion from Parliment. In today’s dollars,
that would be $1.5 billion. What is the CBC
set to receive this year? - about $1.1 billion.
Back in 1991, when there was no Worldwide
Web, there were budget cuts, and after that
came new media. All of the dot-ca production
has been done since the broadcaster got much
leaner.
After those cuts in the mid-1990s, the CBC
made the decision to ease back on local TV.
Something had to give and the easiest thing to
do with less money was to centralize operations. In
2007, the decision was finally reversed and the local
stations went back to full-hour local TV news programs
over the supper hour - with no additional resources.
The parliamentary Heritage Committee finally recognized reality. A year ago, the committee recommended
that the government sign a seven-year memorandum
with the CBC regognizing all of the important services
the public broadcaster provides and including a funding
increase from $34 per Canadian per year to $40.
It hasn’t happened so far. The belts are so tight in those
local stations that there’s little room left to breathe.
We need those local stations more than ever. Recently,
private medial companies have announced scores of
layoffsin TV adn newspaper newsrooms, as well as
plans to shutter stations altoghter. CTV is closing
stations in Brandon, Manitoba, as well as Wingham and
Windsor, Ontario. Canwest is trying to sell its five E!
stations in Montreal, Hamilton, Red Deer, Kelowna and
Victoria and says that if no buyer is found the stations
will likely just close.
For many people, the CBC is the only hope they have of
hearing their town or city’s name on a newscast, barring
a freak tragedy. There are fewer and fewer options for
people to find out what’s happening at their city council
and school board, or what’s going on with the local
businesses and services they rely on.
CMG/CALM
May / June 09
11
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
Summer/Fall 2009 Paid Education Leave (PEL)
Applications are now being accepted for the Summer/
Fall 2009 One-week and Four-week Paid Education Leave
Programs.
This education is conducted by our national union at
the Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ont. Local
2301 has limited entitlement opportunities to this program, however openings re-occur annually every spring
and fall.
You can find out more information about available
courses, and pick up and drop off applications forms at
the front desk at the union hall.
The deadline for applications is July 3, 2009 at 12
noon. If you have applied in the past and were not
successful, please consider applying again.
ONE-WEEK PROGRAMS
TWO-WEEK PROGRAMS
Course Name
Course Name
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Women Activists
Women in Leadership
Building Strong Local Unions
Women in Collective Bargaining
Grievance Handling & Workplace Leadership
Collective Bargaining
Health & Safety
Human Rights
Environment - Community
Environment - Workplace
• Aboriginal & Workers of Colour - Week 1
Week 2
FOUR-WEEK PROGRAM
The 4-week PEL program focuses on critical thinking
around five key themes (the union, workplace, economy,
politics and human rights) and is the most
comprehensive trade union program offered anywhere
in Canada. It has been described as “transformative”
and “fundamental to our Union”, and truly is the heart
of our Union.
CAW LOCAL 2301 APPAREL
CAW Local 2301 apparel is now available at the Union hall. There are a
number of different items, including a Grey T-Shirt for $27, a Navy Blue Golf Shirt
for $28, a Blue Denim Shirt for $28 and a Brown Sweater for $36.
All items are on display at the Union Hall. Come in and see all of the various
items we have available.
Blue Denim Shirt $28
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Navy Blue Golf Shirt $28
May / June 09
Grey T-Shirt $27
Brown Sweater $36
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
OPINION
The HOTLINE is an Open Forum for the Membership of CAW Local 2301 to discuss and explore issues of
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Mr. Scrooge and
his Cronies
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One week while going through the plant, I came
across a bulletin put out by the company that
disturbed me a little. It started off saying that the company
believes the BBQ held at the tracks on the way in to the plant was
assumed to be in response to the “re-org” (if you can even call it
that). I noticed that once again the company goes ahead without
listening to what the members have to say. Be it similar to what
happened with the re-org, if they just listened they would have
known it was just a group of brothers and sisters gathering to
enjoy a birthday party. Pretty sad state when you get flak for
having a birthday party.
Now further in the bulletin it goes on to say that we all need to
work together. “Wow!” was all that ran through my head. I mean,
when did this come into place, this working together? When we
had the meetings for the re-org there was no working together.
There was the company saying we need to work together (the
smoke) but really they were just going ahead with their agenda
with no union input (the mirrors). It makes you wonder what
validity is in these company bulletins.
At the recent company presentations it was said that this re-org
and all these money saving ideas would hurt hourly and staff
equally.
Now here’s a rundown how the hourly are hurt. Not only have
we been running short manpower for quite some time with the
excuse that the 7&8 lines shutting down would cure all manpower issues plant wide, now they want to cut out even more
good hourly jobs which I believe at the same time is putting a
health and safety risk on our current employees.
Now on the other side of the coin we’re
seeing some great cost savings for this tough
current economic crisis. Yeah, I mean staff
receiving a substantial production bonus
must be really rough. At least it’s fair and
equal that we feel the cost saving effects. So
it’s really good to see that our working
together is paying off. Well, for some more
than others anyways.
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Working Together
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our union, workplace, social structures, and general environment. Members’ questions, letters and manuscripts
are encouraged.
Signed letters and articles appearing in the HOTLINE express the views and opinions of the author, and
do not necessarily reflect the policy of CAW, nor the views of the Editors or Union Officers.
Well, now we have heard it all.
Someone in their lack of wisdom in Rio-Tinto
Alcan made the momentous decision to cut the
subsidy for recreational activities for retirees
and active members living in Terrace/Kitimat
in half, from 40% to 20%.
This momentous decision by some dimwit in
the “Ivory Tower” is unbelievable. It boggles
the mind.
To use the excuse that it’s because of economic conditions worldwide makes this
decision even more stupid. I guess if it really
helped the economy the Northwest retirees
could help RTA by donating a dollar each to
the cause.
When you look at all the financial waste in
the smelter, i.e. corporate health and safety
programs like Kiazan even though there is a
very good joint health and safety program in
place and will work given a chance, as well as
all the overtime now being worked instead of
creating good paying permanent jobs, it makes
one wonder what kind of brain figured this
idiotic decision out.
Come on RTA, if you need money this bad,
try cutting costs at the CEO and Board levels,
who get the exorbitant wages
and bonuses to put the economy
in the condition it’s in.
Let’s get real people.
Yours truly,
Bill Garvin, Chairman
Local 2301 Retirees Chapter
The Portuguese Ninja
May / June 09
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CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
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“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail
instead of his tongue.” - Anonymous
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Late For Work
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Dog Bones
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“Dogs need to sniff the group; it’s how they keep abreast of
current events. The ground is a giant dog newspaper,
containing all kinds of late-breaking dog news items, which, if
they are especially urgent, are often continued in the next
yard.” -Dave Barry
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“Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant.” Anonymous
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“Cat’s Motto: No matter what you’ve done wrong, always try
to make it look like the dog did it.” -Anonymous
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“Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad
at you? But when you take him in a car his sticks his head out
the window.” -Steve Bluestone
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“Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain’t the lead dog, the scenery
never changes.” - Lewis Grizzard
Internet/CALM
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“I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing
in his water bowl.” - Penny Ward Moser
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Clear Instructions
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A teenager who wanted to earn some extra money decided to hire
himself out as a handyman and started canvassing a nearby well-todo neighbourhood for jobs.
He went to the front door of the first house and asked the owner if
he had any odd jobs that needed doing.
“Well, I guess I could use somebody to paint my porch,” the owner
said, “how much will you charge me?”
The boy quickly responded, “How about $50?” the man agreed and
told him the paint and everything he would need was in the garage.
The man’s wife, hearing the conversation, said to her husband, “Does
he realize that our porch goes all the way around the house?”
Her husband responded, “That’s his problem, isn’t it?”
A short time later, the teenager came to the door to collect his
money. “You’re finished already?” the husband asked.
“Yes,” the boy replied, “And I had paint left over, so I gave it two
coats.”
Impressed, the man reached into his pocket for the $50 and handed
it to him.
“And by the way,” the teen added, “it’s not a Porsche, it’s a Lexus.”
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Internet/CALM
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For thirty years, Johnson never missed a
day of work and was never late. He always
got to work at 9:00 am on the dot.
But one day, nine o’clock came and went
and Johnson hadn’t arrived. Everyone in
the office was concerned and eventually
they all stopped working.
Sensing a disruption, the boss came out
of his office, looked at Johnson’s empty
cubicle, then at his watch.
An hour late, Johnson finally showed up.
His clothes were dusty and torn, his face
was scratched and bruised, and his glasses
were bent.
He limped to the time clock, punched in
and, aware that all eyes were upon him,
said, “I tripped and fell down two flights of
stairs in the subway station. I nearly killed
myself.”
The boss walked over to him and said,
“You took a whole hour to roll down a
flight of stairs?”
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Internet/CALM
May / June 09
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
Grievance
Committee Report
by ed abreu
Committee Awaits Decisions
A
s of the writing of the report the committee is waiting
for the decision of our arbitrator on a termination
case of a long service employee, presented by myself and
Brother Belmont, who assisted me.
Grievance Committee
Ed Abreu -
250-632-4611 or
250-639-6039 (cell)
Jim Robertson - 250-639-8436
Ken Hewson 250-639-8417
Willie Knox (Alternate)
We are also waiting on a decision
that involved a case where the
arbitrator reduced the discipline an
employee received, thereby reducing
the amount of days the employee
should have missed work. We feel
this means the employee would
have been available for overtime
and therefore is entitled to overtime
pay for the shifts he was not called
for. This part of the award is still not
known yet.
The Contracting Out Committee
has just finished presenting the
“Maintenance and Repair” bundle
to the arbitrator over a 10-day
period. This was spread over April
and May. Final argument of this case
will be done in Vancouver on June
15, as this option was deemed most
cost efficient for all parties involved.
On the second stage front, the
committee has been hard at work
trying to resolve many outstanding
issues.
A great deal of time is still spent
arguing overtime grievances. Why
the front line supervisors still
cannot figure out how to call our
members in properly is very frustrating.
There are also several discipline
cases that are being scheduled to be
heard at second stage. Hopefully the
committee can have these heard
quickly as summer is approaching.
As we know all of a sudden management becomes scarce over the
summer months, which means
grievances start to accumulate,
because there is no one to hear them.
If you have a grievance in the
system, please contact your chief
steward to find out the status of it.
There is an upcoming election for
the Grievance Committee as well as
the Shop Steward Council Executive.
All of these positions are for a threeyear term. Available on the Shop
Steward Council are Chairperson,
Vice Chairperson and Recording
Secretary.
On the Grievance Committee there
3 members and one alternate. The
alternate will be awarded to the
person with the fourth highest
number of votes.
Chairperson for the Grievance
Committee will be decided by the
three-person committee, once
elected.
Nominations for all of the above
positions will close at the June 18,
2009 Shop Steward’s meeting, where
the voting will also take place.
May / June 09
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CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
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May / June 09
www.caw2301.ca
www.caw2301.ca
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
May / June 09
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CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
IN THE NEWS:
Canada Post Not Deregulating
Thanks to Fight-back Campaign
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers welcomed the
recommendation of an independent advisory panel that
told the government not to deregulate public postal
services.
With their report, the Canada Post Corporation
Strategic Review - a government-appointed advisory
panel categorically rejected the deregulation of Canada
Post. The report states: “There appears to be little public
support for the privatization or deregulation of Canada
Post, and considerable if not unanimous support for
maintaining a quality, affordable universal service for
all Canadians and communities.”
“The public and postal workers said no to deregulation and the panel listened. This is a real victory for the
people’s post office,” said CUPW president Denis
Lemelin.
The advisory panel received hundreds of sumissions
from individuals, businesses, community organizations
and municipalities. An overwhelming majority of them
opposed the deregulation of Canada Post.
The advisory panel examined the international trends
of other postal administrations around the world before
it recommended that Canada Post not be deregulated.
Preserving rural and small-town service remains a
concern. The panel recommended the current moratorium of post office closures in rural and small towns be
replaced with new rules and procedues, including the
ability to replace public post offices with private outlets.
“There will be a huge public outcry if this happens,”
says Lemelin. “Private outlets would weaken service
and destroy some of the better paying jobs in those
communities.”
It’s now up to the federal government to decide which
recommendations it will adopt. But it will be very
difficult for the Tories to deregulate Canada Post in light
of the panel’s recommendation against deregulation.
CUPW/Public Values/CALM
Boycott Against Old
Dutch Snack Foods Ltd.
The Canadian Labour Congress has endorsed a National
Consumer Boycott (excluding the province of Quebec)
against Old Dutch Snack Foods Ltd. The boycott is at the
request of the united Food and Commercial Workers
International Union (UFCW) and is in support of 170
locked out members of UFCW Canada, Local 401 waiting
for Old Dutch Snack Foods Ltd. to negotiate a fair and
equitable collective agreement.
On March 29, 2009 the company locked out 170 members of UFCW Canada, Local 401 in Calgary, Alberta.
The collective agreement for the workers at the plant
expired more than a year ago.
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May / June 09
The company did not agree to have all union members
pay dues, and they refused to negotiate a Rand formula
as part of the collective agreement with the union.
The products UFCW is asking be boycott are all “Old
Dutch Products” and the following private labels:
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President’s Choice – Western Grocers
No Name – Western Gorcers
Great Value – Wal-Mart
Compliments Value – Sobey’s
Safeway Blue Bags – Safeway
Co-op Krunchie – Co-op
Cyclone - Overwaitea
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Rep’s
Report
by mike schmidt
Right to Refuse Explained
I
would like to start out my report this month by first of
all thanking all of the membership who came out to
vote in our recent general elections.
I would especially like to thank
those who supported me and allowed me to continue on in this role
as Safety Rep.
Confusion Over Right to Refuse
Full-Time Safety Rep
Plant Office
Mobile
Mike #
250-639-8411
250-632-1645
778-876-8411
I would like to get right into a
concern I have that has popped up
several times over the last couple of
months. The concern is that there
seems to be a lot
of confusion over
employees’ Right
To Refuse unsafe
work. This is a
right that every
employee has to
protect themselves and potentially others
around them from
harm. If you do
not feel safe or
you are unsure
about a job or
equipment you
are using you have the right to
refuse until such time as the situation can be made safer or the process
can be explained to your satisfaction.
There are WorkSafeBC regs that
clearly define your rights and the
fact that the company cannot
discriminate against you for exercising these rights. (Section 3.12 1-5
and Section 3.13 1&2). Within our
Joint Safety Program we also have
Right To Refuse clearly outlined in
section 1.07 along with the form for
following through on the procedure.
There is also article 20.09 of the
collective agreement that states
your right to refuse.
The last point I will make is to
remember that the right to refuse is
an individual right and if done by
an individual there can never be
discipline as a
result of it. So if
you come across a
situation, do not
hesitate to question it and make
sure you are
comfortable with
it before proceeding - it is your
right.
Pop Cans
Prohibited For
Good Reason
Another subject I need to touch on is
our plant policy on pop cans in the
plant. As summer is getting closer
we must all remember that they are
not allowed on site. A pop can in
Casting or the Potrooms is a ticking
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May / June 09
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CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
HEALTH & SAFETY
Watch Out For Behaviour-Based Safety
Companies across Canada and the U.S. have introduced
reward programs to curtail injuries and cut down on
compensation claims. Score boards outside industrial
establishments that record the number of days passed
without a lost-time injury.
Companies often reward
workers who report no
injuries with jackets, food
coupons or cash incentives.
This practice creates an
enivornment where workers
don’t want to report injuries
for fear of retribution by their
colleagues. It creates bad
blood between co-workers
who do report injuries and
those who want the incentives. It also creates an environment where not reporting
workplace injuries becomes
the norm.
Anecdotal evidence from companies in the U.S. has
shown that the level of reported workplace injuries
drops significantly when these types of programs are
introduced. They argue that these plans promote
healthy peer pressure that increases everyone’s focus on
safety and even discourages fraudulent reporting.
Non-reporting of workplace injuries does reduce
compensation costs for the employer, but at what cost?
Workers who do not report
injuries are not afforded the
protections that the workers’
compensation system affords.
Although the compensation
systems are not perfect, they
offer some protection for
benefits, job entitlement,
entitlement to retraining and
non-economic losses.
Workers cannot always sue
an employer because of a
workplace injury. Workers
who do not report injuries run
the risk of jeopardizing their
entitlement to a job, sick leave
gratuities and pension to
name a few. Safety programs that encourage workers
not to report injuries can come at many costs.
Update/OSSTF/CALM
...continued from the previous page
bomb that could have catastrophic results. Over the last
couple of months pop cans have been showing up in
various locations in the plant. There will be a renewed
awareness campaign coming out of the KKOHS&E to
remind all employees of the need to take this plant rule
seriously. The union is fully on board with this as a pop
can in the wrong place could have tragic results.
Let’s Keep Summer Students Safe
I would also like to remind everybody that summer
students are now in the plant and that we need to be
aware that as young workers they are a high-risk
group. We must remember that these students are here
to make money for their education and that all of us
should help them out to make sure they return to school
the same way they arrived.
Memorial Bench Now Installed
On May 27th the KKOHS&E committee honored long
time member Ross Slezak with a memorial bench to
remember his contribution to the health and safety of
the membership. The location is at Radley Park next to
the fish smoker shack. If you are in Radley Park take the
time to visit it and remember Ross and what he meant
to us all.
Remember that no job is so urgent or so important
that you can’t take the time to do it safely!
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May / June 09
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
HUMAN RIGHTS
Human Rights
Report
by karen jonkman
Committee Bids Farewell to
Long-time Member
I
am regretful to announce that Ray Raj, one of the most
tenacious advocates for human rights ever has stepped
down from the committee due to health reasons.
Ray has been on the committee
since the beginning, and has worked
hard to protect your human rights
over the years. I wish to extend a
grateful “thanks” to Ray for all of his
hard work and dedication. His
involvement in the workplace and
in the community to further education and awareness of human rights
will never be forgotten.
Conference Increases
Knowledge and Awareness
I attended the Human Rights and
Accommodation Conference presented by Lancaster House in
Vancouver April 1st and 2nd. The
conference was interesting, and
informative. It is always helpful to
attend these events to increase
knowledge and awareness of issues
that may arise involving our members.
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Last Call for 72-Hour Emergency Kits
The 72-hour ready kits are available to the entire
membership, as well as retirees living in the Pacific
Northwest.
The CAW 2301 Executive would like to remind
any members who have not yet received theirs they have until June 23 to
come to the union hall and pick one up! This will be a final reminder.
May / June 09
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CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
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May / June 09
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Balancing Act Tougher
For Women
Although all working people report they are
suffering from more stress related to balancing
responsibilities at work and at home, the greater
burden is falling on women.
Statistics reveal that women bear the brunt of
duties assigned with childcare, are the primary
caregivers for aging parents and are responsible
for the majority of household chores.
Now with an economic crisis of global proportions occurring, additional stressors will be
placed on women. Studies show that during
economic downturns, women suffer higher degrees of stress and often suffer more financial and
employment consequences of a depressed
economy.
It is no surprise that women are reporting the
highest levels of stress, stress related illnesses,
burnout and depression ever recorded. The
impact of the situation reaches far beyond the
workplace, home and personal well-being of
women.
As demands increase, it becomes extremely
difficult for women to find the time to volunteer in
their community, get involved in their union or
run for political office. Many union women report
they would be more actively involved in their
locals or run for office if they had more time.
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The topics presented by the panels were:
• Identifying Mental Illness in the Workplace – Recognizing the signals, reaching out to the employee
• Responding to Mental Illness in the Workplace – defining the issues, accommodating the need
• Taking a Hard Look at Undue Hardship – Where does
the Duty to Accommodate end?
• Handling Medical Information: Reconciling privacy
with the need to know
• Meeting the Challenge: Accommodation in a multiunion environment
• Coping with Drug and Alcohol Problems: The medical
ins and outs of testing and treatment.
• Addressing Cases Involving Both Misconduct and
Disability: balancing discipline and accommodation
• Confronting Workplace Violence, Threats, Bullying and
Harassment: Exploring legislative initiatives, examining
new case law remedies.
The topics were well presented by union and employer
council, arbitrators and expert speakers. Some familiar faces
on the panels included Dr. Bob Wilson, who provided EFAP
services to many of our members over the years. He spoke
about mental illness in the workplace and how unions and
employers can be helpful and supportive to employees.
John Steeves, arbitrator who has traveled to Kitimat to hear
arbitrations for CAW/RTA (Alcan) was on the panel discussing privacy in regards to medical issues in the workplace.
Dr. Ray Baker, addiction medicine physician, who some of
our union members have been referred to by the company
was on the panel discussing drug and alcohol issues and
testing.
Interestingly enough, both John Steeves and Dr. Baker were
here in Kitimat the day after the conference ended to attend an
arbitration for one of our members.
Human rights issues between our members
continue to come forward. I cannot stress enough
the need to report human rights issues to your
union committee members. The sooner the better!
These situations rarely (if ever) solve themselves.
Come and see us before things get out of hand.
I have to commend those of you who have come
forward with issues that you have observed with
co-workers that you, yourself are not directly
involved in.
We have intervened and assisted members in
these situations. It’s all about looking out for your
brothers and sisters, and making sure that everyone is being treated with dignity and respect. Hats
off to you!
Take care of yourselves and each other.
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...continued from the previous page
NUPGE/Calm
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
Trades Training Trust Fund Report
he Kitimat/Kemano Aluminum Trades Training Trust
Fund was established to provide new / refresher
training courses for Trades members in their respective
trade field. At the beginning of each calendar year the
fund is topped up to $200,000.00 by RTA.
If you are interested in a particular training course
that is covered under the mandate of the Trades Training Trust Fund, contact Michael Jeffery, Central Electrical, Bento Pedro, Main Garage, or Clarence Riggs,
Pipeshop for more information.
Courses that were offered through the Kitimat/
Kemano Aluminum Trades Training Trust Fund in the
2008 training year included the following:
Doble Testing – June 9 – 12, 2008
Hydraulics Level 1 – February 04 – 08, 2008
Maintenance training for system level troubleshooting
and service for on site Cattron equipment delivered by a
Cattron rep. instructor. Thirty-four people in all attended this training, comprising of eleven (11) Casting
Electricians, thirteen (13) Central Electricians, three (3)
Shift Electricians and seven (7) Instrument Mechanics.
The training was spread out over four days to accommodate all the participants and to customize the training to overall and trade specific needs.
Course evaluations were excellent, each individual
department and occupation noted that the training and
information was pertinent to task applications on the
equipment.
T
Eight (8) millwrights attended the Hydraulics Level 1
training presented by Bosch Rexroth.
The instructor, Franklin deWarrd, received excellent
evaluations on his teaching capability as well as on the
presentation material. Course held on site.
Mobile Hydraulics – February 11 – 15, 2008
Ten (10) Mechanics and one (1) Millwright attended the
Mobile Hydraulics training by Franklin deWarrd from
Bosch Rexroth, who once again was an excellent instructor with very relevant material. Course held on site.
Asbestos Hands On and Asbestos Awareness –
March 4 - 6, 2008
Five (5) carpenters, three (3) pipe fitters and two (2)
fabricators attended an Asbestos Awareness course and
the three (3) pipe fitters continued on for the Asbestos
Hands On session. The training was done by ACM
Environmental Corporation out of Vancouver.
The overall evaluations were good on the training
material, with some complaints about the training
venue and seating.
MicroSurvey CAD2008 Training – April 21 - 24,
2008
The surveyors attended a four-day MSCAD training
session in Westbank, BC for an update on software
related to the equipment they use on site.
The evaluations came back excellent commenting on
the broadening of knowledge for the work related
applications.
Doble Engineering from the Vancouver, BC branch
delivered a three-day theory and one-day hands on
testing program for three (3) Substation and Rectifiers
Electricians on Doble equipment that we have on site.
The group experienced some equipment problems and
did not complete the whole hands on program with the
Doble rep., but the Power Ops tech/engineering department will be able to complete the program during an
equipment outage at a later date.
Evaluations for the theory portion were positive.
Cattron – Theimeg
PAT LMI – June 16 – 18, 2008
RW Sales & Service hosted a PAT/Hirschmann three-day
training on systems troubleshooting, wiring, diagnostics and sensor calibration session on the DS350G/GW
LMI system, including a DS 350 Modular simulator.
The training was held in Coquitlam, BC and evaluation results by the (2) two Mechanics posted knowledge
gained as very pertinent to their daily tasks on relevant
site equipment.
AMS ValveLink & Diagnostics for Fieldview –
Data Interpretation
Two (2) instrument mechanics attended a three-day
diagnostics training course in Edmonton, Alta. at Spartan Controls Ltd. on Valvelink & Diagnostics 1759 to
gain capability to use the Valvelink software to scan the
valves in Casting and to interpret the scan data.
Excellent course evaluations, training was concentrated on the exact equipment that the instrument
mechanics work with in Casting, and falls into the scope
of the licenses provided.
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May / June 09
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CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
...continued from the previous page
Fluid Life Corporation – Oil Analysis &
Lubrication Fundamentals
One (1) millwright from Kemano attended a three-day
oil and lubrication program in Edmonton, Alta. to
update his skills and knowledge in the oil analysis,
lubrication, application, handling, sampling and process
control for the maintenance program in Kemano.
Evaluation on the training was very good.
Water Distribution 1 – November 24 – 28, 2008
BCWWA provide a four-day on site training course for
eight (8) Pipe Fitters on Water Distribution to provide
knowledge on the maintenance process on the plant
water system.
Very good evaluation on the course content and as
well as on the instructor.
Variable Frequency Drive 1336 Plus II –
December 8 – 12, 2008
Westburne provided a five-day on site VFD training
program, which seven (7) Electricians attended. The
training consisted of three days classroom theory on
supplied program modules, a one-day RGU commissioning in the field and a one-day RGU rebuild of a failed
unit.
Great evaluations on the whole training/hands on
program and on the instructor.
Total participants from the Trades group in Kitimat
and Kemano for 2008 were 88.
Total invoiced costs for training by the Trust Fund for
2008 was $93,272.84.
Training Courses That The
Committee is Working on for
2009
Furnace Burners
In contact with North American Manufacturing for
availability of providing training course on fine tuning
and fuel efficiency on our furnaces.
Soldering Techniques
In contact with NWCC for information or advice on
available training applicable to small circuit board, plug
connector soldering etc.
24
May / June 09
Infrared Training
Level 3 training for, Dept 660- Central Electrical; session
cancelled by the Academy, employee(s) are scheduled for
next available class.
N.D.T Testing (Mag Particle and Dye Penetrant)
Casting maintenance also Pipe fitters / Gas fitters requesting non-destructive testing course (McRae &
Associates).
Relay Testing
Dept. 924 personnel require some Advanced & Basic
relay testing training. In contact with AVO for possibility of a combined course available later in the fall.
Combustion Control Seminar for Gas Fitters and
Instrument Mechanics
No course schedule available as of yet, awaiting course
outline.
Hydraulics’ POH and Mobile
In contact with Bosch Rexroth, course outlines to be
Level 2 for millwrights and mobile equipment for
mechanics. Tentatively scheduled for (Oct./Nov.09)
HV Maintenance Troubleshooting for Electricians
Course was provided a few years ago by Canada Training Group and the results / evaluations were very
positive. This would be a beneficial course for the Substation Rectifier crew.
Laser Alignment – Casting Millwrights
In discussion with area management -no further development to date.
Kepner Trigo Analytical Troubleshooting
A request was put forward to re-introduce an analytical
troubleshooting course for 2009. This was done in the
past and evaluation results and follow up with participants was favorable.
Master Cam – Programming Training for
Machinists
Training for running computer programs (CAD) for the
new lathes in the machine shop once all new equipment
(computers) is installed.
Report prepared by:
Bento Pedro
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
HISTORY
A Look Back
H
ello, Brothers and Sisters of the Skilled Trades
trades group and bring up the wages. This was
Group of CAW Local 2301. This is one of the few
accomplished.
times that I have written a letter or note for the Hotline.
Have we made a lot gains? I think so. You just have to
In July I will be resigning my position of Vice-Chair of
ask our Apprentices. They have far greater tool and
the Skilled Trades Executive, and will not be running
book allowances and their travel packages are far better
again. Since I will in all likelihood be retiring from
than they were 15 – 20 years ago. The training is also a
‘Alcan’ (not Rio-Tinto) next year, Brother Wiebe has
lot better – you just have to come up with an idea and
asked that I write some sort of note discussing some of
forward it to the Joint Training Trust Fund, if you don’t,
the history and the gains that we have made during my
it won’t happen.
tenure with the Skilled Trades Council, as I am, at this point,
We have done a lot in negotiations like protecting
the longest serving member of the Skilled Trades Council.
tradesmen from just getting removed from a shop
So, here we go. My memory is a little
because the foreman did not like
rusty. There have been a lot of people
them. That happened a lot and I
who have come and gone on this
know from 1st hand experience all
committee; Alex Lowrie, Gord Klassen,
about it. In the early 80’s 1&2
Bob Brown, Gary Warren and Jack
Crane Maintenance became a place
McGourty, to name a few that I have
to move millwrights and ended up
served with on this committee. If I have
being one of the better shops to
forgotten anyone, I’m sorry but these
work in because of the guys there.
people come to mind as they were very
Getting our first above & beyond
instrumental in getting the committee
raise, myself and the committee
off the ground and keeping it going
members took a lot of shit over
when the bulk of our tradesmen
that one, but no one is giving back
thought it would never fly. The
the money now or the subsequent
committee has become very solid.
Trades premiums. The members of
A couple of years ago, Brother Lowrie
the Skilled Trades group will never
passed away, and Brother Pedro from
know how much discussion and
“I warned you not to cut corners by having
the garage, and Brother McGourty
scrapping with the main executive
the yacht repaired by nonunion workers!”
from the pipe shop joined us. With
went into getting those premiums.
these two as well as myself from crane maintenance and
We have done a lot of work on the side to keep our
Brother Klassen from the carpenter shop, we now had
members employed and working in their respective
all these different areas represented.
fields. An example of this just happened recently with
With members of the Skilled Trades Executive in these
the carpenter shop fiasco, which is now hopefully
key shops this became one of our strengths in that we
corrected.
could in one day get any info out to our members, good,
In closing, I think that we members of the skilled
bad or otherwise. If we had to rally members to attend a
trades component of CAW 2301 have come along way in
meeting, we could do it. An example of this was the 2005
the last three sets of negotiations. Would we be where
contract, where we had good old-fashioned unionism at
we are today without the Skilled Trades Committee
work when we stacked the meeting and turned down
lobbying for change and fighting for your rights? I don’t
the contract proposals that the main executive wanted
think so. We have not gotten all of the things that our
passed. This was our right. I got into a little hot water
members wanted, no, but we have gotten a good
with Brothers Belmont & Morrison, but that is the union majority of them and are still working towards those
way. Yes, we have had our disagreements with the main
goals. But, we will need new members for our Skilled
executive, and shouting matches – I remember one good
Trades Executive and better interest in our local
one with Rick, this only makes our union stronger. And
meetings.
in the end we of the Skilled Trades Council do support
So long for now and remember to attend meetings.
our Union Executive and the decisions that they make
on our behalf. But in the end we got 20 cents – one time
Yours in solidarity,
in 2002, an annual of 10 cents starting in 2005 and
Bob Morden, Vice-Chair
starting in 2007 our objective was to have all in one
Skilled Trades Commiteee
May / June 09
25
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
COC Committee
Contracting Out
Committee
by andrew mclaren
Committee Losing Valuable Member
I
would like to start by saying thank you to the members
for their support in the last executive election.
The Committee would like to
extend a big thank you to Elizabeth
Cloakey. She is stepping away from
the Contracting Out Committee
after seven years. It is hard to
express into words the passion and
energy she put into trying to keep
work in-house. She has sacrificed a
lot of long hours, and through her
hard work, dedication and
perseverance she has served the
membership extremely well. She
will be sorely missed.
I also wanted to say thank you to
all that were involved in the recent
Contracting Out Arbitration and
testified for the union: Rob Williams
(Wharf), Kim Vilness and James
Anderson (Mobile Equip.), Cam
Wiebe (Steamplant), Carlos Galante
(Coke Cal), Troy Hansen (Cathode
Lining), Rick Belmont, Brent
Morrison, Richy McLaren and Dave
Measor (retired). Also thank you to
Ron Fossl, Rick Snider, Kim
Andersen, Clarence Riggs, Mike
Szmata, Jim Robertson, Jerrad
Zuchotzki, Jim Alves, Steve
Saunders, Mike Correia, Richard
LeDuc and Ken Lloyd. They
provided invaluable information
and were more than willing to step
up and testify for the union if
called upon.
Thank you to the support staff:
Brenda, Ada and Tanya. Thank you
continues on next page...
Contracting Out Committee Needs
A New Member
As you know, we lose a lot of work, production and trades, due
to the contracting out of our work by the company. The
committee requires another person, preferably an 8-hour straight
days worker.
Interested members can contact Cam Wiebe (8491), Andrew
McLaren (8777) or Ken Hewson (8417).
26
May / June 09
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
E.F.A.P.
EFAP Committee
Report
by ralanda doniak
EFAP Committee - Here To Help
I
want to take this opportunity to introduce my fellow
members to our CAW Local 2301 Employee Family
Assistance Program Coordinators.
E.F.A.P. Committee
Mike Szmata
Ralanda Doniak
Tina Slanina
Ed Abreu
778-876-9556
250-639-8553
250-632-1317
250-639-8372
778-876-9666
250-639-8462
250-632-1013
(cell)
(plant)
(cell)
plant
(cell)
(plant)
(cell)
Myself, Mike Szmata (chair), Tina
Slanina, and Ed Abreu work alongside the Company’s Program Coordinators to provide assistance to all
CAW 2301 members, retirees and
our immediate family members
when needed.
For most of us, at some point in
our lives, we will be faced with
challenges and personal problems
that are too complex or serious to
deal with alone. We have some great
contract language negotiated that
helps to provide hope to all when
such times are upon us. It is important that you are aware of these
provisions and that we, as coordinators keep you informed as to how to
access them. The fact of the matter is
that everyday we are faced with
many complex issues that directly
affect our homes and workplace.
Here is where your EFAP group
can help.
From your first contact your
confidentiality is ensured. We as
your Union EFAP coordinators have
the responsibility to ensure discretion and strict confidentiality. We
are here to refer you to the resource
that best suits your needs, such as a
Program Councilor, rehabilitation,
and other community services. The
Program Councilors are trained
professionals with many years of
experience and are qualified to guide
you through situations such as:
• Marital and family difficulties
• Parental and sibling issues
• Separation, divorce, and
custody issues
• Financial, gambling,
budgeting and legal issues
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Anxiety, stress, depression
and other psychological
disorders
• Eating disorders
• General health problems
continues on next page...
...continued from the previous page
to Ken Hewson for his help and guidance, and especially,
again, to Elizabeth Cloakey for all her hard work
(evenings, weekends, etc.), her dedication and support. A
final thank you to my wife, Kerie, for her love and
support and hours of highlighting.
This was a long 10-day arbitration involving 15
contracting out grievances. Though it isn’t completely
finished – final arguments are to be heard in Vancouver
June 15th, it couldn’t have been done without the active
support of all those involved.
N
May / June 09
27
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
Women’s Committee
Report
by karen jonkman
Committee Three Years Strong
I
t’s hard to believe that three years have come and gone
since the formation of the CAW 2301 Women’s
Committee. It has been a busy three years of establishing
the committee, and dealing with our sister’s issues.
When Wendy Silver, Carmen
Charbonneau and I, the original
founding members, were elected on
March 7, 2006 we weren’t really sure
what to expect.
We knew our sisters were facing
different issues in the plant, and we
were pumped and ready to assist
them to the best of our ability.
I will never forget one of the first
meetings we attended as a committee. It was in regards to clothing
issues that our sisters were experiencing. The company just couldn’t
understand why there was a problem – the clothing was “unisex”
after all, they told us. Wendy stood
up, and asked the company members “If the clothing is unisex, then
why do the long johns have a hole is
the front?? “ It was classical, and at
that moment I knew the committee
was on its way.
The first event hosted by our
committee was a hot dog sale on site
to raise money for Dunmore Place.
We had to jump through hoops to
obtain permission. After about
three months of negotiations with
the company to find somewhere
that would not disrupt the flow of
traffic within the plant, and a
promise that it would not take
employees away from their work
areas during work hours we had the
go ahead.
It was a beautiful sunny day, but
it was extremely windy. We held a
continues on next page...
...continued from the previous page
•
•
•
•
•
Work performance issues
Career and conflict issues
Aging parents
Pre-retirement and retirement issues
Grief, bereavement and
separation trauma
28
The counseling schedules are
available to the membership via
many resources including your
EFAP coordinators. The schedules
outline the councilors available in
Kitimat and Terrace as well as their
contact information. Please don’t
hesitate to contact one of us if you
May / June 09
have any questions about the
program or if someone you know is
in need of help.
Take care of yourselves, and each
other.
STOP “SURVIVING” and START
“LIVING”
N
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
...continued from the previous page
raffle. When it was time to pick the winning tickets, the
wind gusted and sent them blowing all over the parking
lot. It must have been comical watching us chasing
tickets everywhere! We sold many hotdogs to our
generous employees, and raised nearly $400 for
Dunmore Place.
All the employees who stopped by that day were so
supportive and offered us so much encouragement. I
remember one of the brothers who took the time to tell
us how much he personally appreciated our work, along
with the Tamitik Status of Women. He told us of how
his daughter had been living in an abusive relationship
and how she was able to escape the abuse with the
support and assistance of caring professionals and the
services available in our community.
We have teamed up with the Tamitik Status of Women
every year to observe December 6, the anniversary of
the massacre at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal where
14 women were murdered by Marc Lepine, just for the
sake of being women. We have held a candle light vigil
every year at the CAW Hall, and invited the community
to attend. It gives me hope when I see how many people
– women and men - attended the event, with such
warmth and support.
During the event we also remember our local women,
by names that have died at the hands of violence. The
murdered and missing women in connection with the
Highway of Tears are remembered as well.
You may also remember seeing us at the gates passing
out white ribbons also on December 6, part of the White
Ribbon Campaign. This campaign was started by men
to educate men and boys to never commit, condone or
remain silent about violence against women and girls.
Carmen and Wendy were instrumental in getting the
committee up and running, but were unable to continue
in their roles due to personal reasons. I know the membership is grateful for their hard work and contributions to the Women’s Committee.
Two new sisters, Ralanda Doniak and Heather Bagg,
came on board to replace them. They have also worked
hard to assist the sisters in the plant and the community.
Our committee has been fortunate to attend some
excellent training sessions.
We attended a two-day session with Jackson Katz, an
internationally recognized advocate for ending violence
against women. The training was also attended by two
of our CAW brothers, Ed Abreu and Sean O’Driscoll.
The Women’s Committee also attended CAW Women’s
Advocate training, and had the opportunity to learn
more skills to effectively assist our sisters.
We now have language in our collective agreement
that recognizes the CAW 2301 Women’s Committee. We
also now have a Joint Women’s Committee, working
with female staff members in the plant.
It has been a great three years, although it has been
difficult and frustrating at times. There is lots of work
to be done, with the many issues that continue to come
forward. It is my hope that more of our sisters will
become involved in our union. We, as sisters, bring a
new perspective to the table. We have knowledge and
experience that adds so much to our union.
Thanks to all for your continuing support. We look
forward to many more successful years with the CAW
2301 Women’s Committee.
N
Dear CAW Local 2301,
CAMERON ORR / THE NORTHERN CONNECTOR
CAW Women’s Committee Chairperson,
Karen Jonkman (left) presents a cheque for
$2,000 to Linda Slanina from Tamitik Status
of Women.
On behalf of the residents, staff, volunteers and board of Directors, I
thank you for your donation from the national Canadian Auto Workers
Union Council and the CAW Social Justice Fund.
The money will be put towards ongoing work we do in assisting
women fleeting violent relationships.
I applaud your members for all the work you do in the area of social
justice and for helping us in our dedication towards ending violence
against women and children.
Thank you very much for choosing Dunmore Place as one of the
transition houses to receive the donation.
Sincerely,
Linda Slanina, Executive Director
Tamitik Status of Women
May / June 09
29
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
RETIREE’S CORNER
Retirees’ Chapter
Report
by bill garvin
O
h behalf of all the retirees I extend a great big thank
you to Brother Rick Belmont for all his fantastic
support during his term as our President.
Our group was always front and
center in Rick’s discussions and
deliberations during negotiations,
and we will be forever grateful for
all the gains accomplished during
his tenure. Thank you, Rick.
Our group has grown by quite a
few members, and we would like to
say welcome to all of our new
members, and our apologies for the
delay in reporting the occasion for
some of our members. We wish a
long, happy and healthy retirement
to all of the following: Brothers Bob
Dugdale, Doug Hughan, Jamie
Valdez, Frank Lafrance, Jay Roberge,
Brian Morris, Louie Goncalves,
Garry Gutknecht, Rolf Mullens, Don
Phillips and John Ricardo, as well as
Sister Shirley Gutknecht.
It was great to see Brother
Jack McGourty (Abbotsford)
in town for a visit, and I
enjoyed a nice chat with
him.
We should have the A.P.
Pension Committee election
results in early June. I
would like to thank the
retirees, both hourly and
staff, who supported me for
30
May / June 09
the position, win or lose. I think it’s
only right that we in the west
should be represented on this very
important committee.
Our next social is scheduled for
June 18th at 2:00 pm at the union
hall. Plan to attend.
In closing, on behalf of our group I
would like to say welcome to our
new Local 2301 President, Brother
Gary Warren. In past negotiations
Gary was always very vocal in his
support of our needs and I know he
will continue to be so. We wish Gary
well in this very important position.
We are now approaching the
summertime and to all those going
on vacation I wish you a safe journey. Come back safe and revitalized.
N
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
www.caw2301.ca
Doug Hughan
Brian Morris
Garry Gutknecht
Bob Dugdale
Jay Roberge
Jamie Valdez
Frank Lafrance
Lou Goncalves
Rolf Mullens
Joao Ricardo
Don Phillips
Shirley Gutknecht
May / June 09
31
32
The HOTLINE
CAW Local 2301
235 Enterprise Ave.
Kitimat B.C.
V8C 2C8
CAW Local 2301 HOTLINE
May / June 09
www.caw2301.ca