Local 1285 News

Canadian Auto Workers
LOCAL 1285
DECEMBER 2008
Local 1285 2008 Children’s Christmas Party,
see pages 21-24
CAW Local 1285 News
November 22, 2008:
First-Ever CAW Local 1285 Adults Christmas Party
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
December 6, 2008 Coalition Rally
November 11:
Remembrance Day
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 3
CAW Local 1285 News
Health & Safety Award
Ceremony
BRING YOUR KIDS TO WORK DAY
KIDS AT WORK
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________ President’s Report _______________________________
To say that the manufacturing sector of our economy is in crisis is an understatement and
one of the largest areas of concern is the auto and auto parts sector. Anyone who has read
a newspaper or watched the news on TV lately has seen the devastating affects and many
members from our local, who have lost their jobs, know first hand just how difficult
these times are.
The crisis started with the sub prime
housing loans in the U.S. and went downhill from there. We watched as a number
of financial institutions had to be bailed
out in the U.S. and finally a global meltdown like we have never seen since the
great depression.
Every developed country in the world
has provided a financial stimulus package
for their economies, except for Canada.
Our Federal government keeps delaying
any stimulus package for Canada until
their planned budget day of January 26,
2009. This leaves a huge window and
Canadian businesses are at a large disadvantage compared to the rest of the
modern world. All countries are spending
trillions of dollars in total on infrastructure to create millions of jobs in their
home economies. Our Feds keep saying
that our economy has good fundamentals and our financial institutions are not
facing the same crisis as those in the rest
of the world. The Bank of Canada has
finally admitted that we are in a recession
in Canada and as of writing this report
there is no stimulus package.
There have been lots of discussions on
TV, in newspapers and on the radio about
a bailout for the auto industry. Where
the confusion lies is in the fact that the
Detroit Three (GM, Ford and Chrysler)
are asking the government to provide
COVER PHOTO
CUSTODIO’S
STUDIO INC.
Local
loan guarantees (not a bailout) that would
assist them in getting financial aid for the
industry which has been non existent with
the Global meltdown. This financial aid
would not involve a burden for taxpayers.
We are not getting much support from
the general public who feel that auto workers are responsible for the current state of
the auto industry. The latest opinion polls
are more than 60 percent against providing
any assistance to the industry. What the
general public does not understand is that
a total of 440,000 Canadian jobs depend
directly or indirectly on the auto industry.
Autoworkers alone pay $2.2 billion in
federal and provincial taxes yearly. Yes,
major assembly is paid good wages, but all
of this money goes back into the economy,
we shop at the local grocery store, at the
local hardware store, at the local furniture
store and at the local mall etc.
If just one of the Big Three went bankrupt there would be a decline of 25 percent in auto exports and it would eliminate
155,000 Canadian jobs, and cost governments $6 billion per year in lost revenues.
Canada has already lost 35,000 auto jobs
since 2002.
The Detroit Three’s U.S. sales fell over
40 percent in November compared to 2007.
Other auto makers (Suzuki, Kia, Nissan,
Honda, Isuzu, Lexus, Hyundai and Toyota)
also saw a huge drop in sales with a decline
of more than 35 percent over the previous
year. No one Company is immune from the
terrible decline in auto sales caused by the
Global Financial Meltdown.
There is one difference with the
European and Asian automakers. They
News
Canadian Auto Workers
President’s Report
continues on page four _________________
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
EDITORS
Leon Rideout
Phyllis Foster
Dave Ireland
Doug Gerrard
Gerry Harvey
Wayne Hunter
EDITORIAL
BOARD
Mike Allen
Leon Rideout
Terry Gorman
Joe Baber
President
Trustee
Publication of CAW Local 1285
Published in Brampton, Ontario.
First Vice-President
Submissions to: Local 1285, CAW,
23 Regan Road, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1B2
(905) 451-8310 or fax at (905) 450-6877
The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those
of the Editors, Editorial Board, Executive Officers or Local 1285, CAW
Second Vice-President
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are getting finanBY
cial
assistance
Leon
Rideout
from their home
PRESIDENT
governments to
help them survive
through these very challenging times.
On a brighter note Canadian sales
actually saw a small increase over the previous year as our banking system has not
yet experienced the same credit freeze as
the vast majority of financial institutions
around the world. The drawback for us
is that 90 percent of the vehicles that we
build are sold south of the border where
the average consumer cannot get a loan.
Until there is more liquidity in the U.S.
financial markets this decline in the auto
sector will continue.
We need to continue lobbying all levels of
Government for support of all sectors of the
economy and to provide a financial stimulus package in Canada so that all Canadians
have the same advantage as the rest of
the industrial nations around the world.
Our members need to be talking to their
friends and neighbors about the importance
of the auto industry to the Canadian and
American economies. We all need to be
writing letters to the editors of newspapers
within our communities to remind them of
the importance of not just the auto industry
but all sectors of our economy.
As of writing this report the Federal
Government did commit to provide loans in
the amount of $2.8 billion Canadian to our
auto sector with the stipulation being that it
Bill Turner
Trustee
Trustee
Recording Secretary
Sergeant-at-Arms
Mike Piane
Laurie Fellows
Financial Secretary
Guide
Linda Thompson
Bill Turner
Printed by Thistle Printing
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 5
CAW Local 1285 News
President’s Report
___________
continued from page three
was based on the Americans providing $14
billion in loans to the U.S. auto industry.
With all of the uncertainty today our
retirees are quite concerned about the
funding of their pensions. In the U.S.
when a company goes into Chapter 11
bankruptcy protection the pension is frozen for those retired. A judge rules what
your pension will be from that point
forward. He can also rewrite the current collective agreement. Those that are
active lose all pension credits that they
have accrued and are not entitled to any
pension monies once they retiree.
In Canada, before bankruptcy proceedings,
companies often go through a restructuring process under the Companies Creditors
Arrangement Act (“CCAA”). Unions have
direct input into such proceedings and the
law does not permit the court to amend a
collective agreement or pension plan of any
kind during CCAA proceedings without
the Union’s explicit consent. In those cases
where a bankruptcy is unavoidable there are
usually insufficient assets left after secured
creditors have been able to satisfy their liabilities and then the fund goes into wind-up.
The remaining funds in the Pension Plans
are held in a separate trust account and are
only available to pay for the pension benefits
of the plan members. These pension assets
are not available for any creditors in bankruptcy proceedings and cannot be accessed
by the companies prior to these proceedings.
They can only be used to pay the accrued liabilities of the pension plan which include the
pensions of retirees and the future pensions
of active workers.
Under the Pension Benefit Act (PBA)
of Ontario we have the Pension Benefits
Guarantee Fund (PBGF) which provides a
system of governmental protection for current retirees as well as active participants
in private employer pension plans based on
the financial status of the fund. Under the
PBGF the first $1,000 is fully guaranteed
with the rest being paid out based on the
funding ratio upon the wind-up of the plan.
As an example if the fund was in windup and the pension was funded at 75 percent and you were age 58 with 30 years of
service collecting a $3,335 monthly pension the first $1,000 would we paid at 75
percent or $750 from the fund with $250
coming from the PBGF, then 75 percent
of the remaining $2,335 or $1,751 from
the plan for a total amount of $2,751 or
82.5 percent of their normal entitlement
until age 65. After this the supplement is
gone and Old age pension kicks in and the
amount increases to 88 percent.
Based on the most recently filed reports
by the Big Three they had Chrysler’s funding status on a going concern bases at 100
percent funded and in the event of a windup at 91 percent. With the above scenario
of $3,335 the total pension would be paid
at approximately $3,100. Just a reminder
to everyone in the event of bankruptcy,
health care benefits are gone as they are a
pay as you go benefit. There will be mail
outs going to our retirees from Chrysler
regarding changes to Health Care benefits.
As the impact of the downturn of
the Global Economy worsens we are
expecting more tough times for the membership of our local, currently we have
over 1,000 of our members on layoff. We
have to be ever more vigilant on a daily
basis of our spending while still providing services to our members that we have
always provided. As a Local we do not
solely depend on auto, over the years
we have diversified with over 21 units in
our local from Foundry to Busses, Power
Generating, Dairy and Food to name
a few. Our National Union went in the
same direction with the decline in auto.
Diversity makes us all stronger.
I would once again ask for the patience,
understanding and support of the membership of the Local as we take on some
of the greatest struggles in the history of
our Union.
I would also like to thank all of the
Activists, Standing Committees and Union
Leadership in our Local for all your hard
work and dedication over the past year.
The activism in our Local is renowned
through the CAW. Keep up the good work
as you make the Local proud.
On behalf of the Local Executive Board
I would like to wish everyone and their
families a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy and Prosperous New Year.
In Solidarity
Leon Rideout
Second Vice-President’s Report ______
Focus On Our Families
_____ Once again the Christmas Season is upon us and we all
look forward to a much needed rest. To say that these
are trying times would probably be the understatement
of a lifetime. We have recently felt economic despair
that we have not seen in years “if ever.”
However, we must at this time of the year try to focus on
our families and friends which mean the very most to all of us.
This newsletter will probably reach you all after the Christmas
Season, but on behalf of my family. I sincerely wish you and
your families the very best Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!
BY
Gerry
Harvey
SECOND
VICE-PRESIDENT
CAW Council Report
The present financial crisis has resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs, with
many more job losses to come, not just in the auto sector but also in construction,
retail, resources and hospitality. As the crisis deepens, many will lose their benefits,
part of their pensions and their homes. For the most part workers face inadequate
financial support for a situation they cannot control. In Canada the responsibility of
supporting laid-off workers, including auto workers, is partially the responsibility of
the Federal Government.
In the short term there needs to be emergency measures, which make a commitment
to sustain workers income. For example, workers require protection against foreclosures
when they lose their jobs and the federal and provincial governments have an obligation
to act on their behalf. The CAW will be calling on the feds and provincial governments
to introduce measures to support laid-off workers and their families.
Some of these measures are:
cExtended E.I. and income support
cBetter or enhanced severance pay
Second Vice-President’s Report
continues on page seven _ ______________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
_____________________ First Vice-President’s Report ______________________
Unfortunately we have come to the closure of this year of 2008 with uncertainty in the auto
industry. This leaves our members in a panic wondering what will happen to us.
The CAW National has published a booklet called “Auto Industry On The Brink.”
I would encourage everyone to obtain a
copy and take the time to read it. It explains
why our industry is in such a crisis. One
of the facts discussed in there is the credit
freeze that is affecting the North America
auto industry. New car buyers can’t get
loans, car dealers can’t get credit, and auto
parts companies can’t get financing. In
Canada there are 135,000 direct jobs and,
including spin off jobs, a total of 440,000
that all depend on the Auto Industry. Since
the mid 1990s the North American share
of the market has fallen from 73 percent
to well under 50 percent today, mostly due
to imports from off shore. At one point in
time Canada was the 4th largest producer in
the world until the government changed its
policies and endorsed Free Trade and took
away the Auto Pact. These changes have
allowed other countries to sell as much as
they want in our market
Auto Facts:
Since 1996 – A One-Way Street
cAuto imports from Japan have grown
118 percent, auto exports to Japan
declined 69 percent
cAuto imports from Korea have grown
710 percent, auto exports to Korea
declined 75 percent
cAuto imports from Germany have
grown 243 percent, auto exports to
Germany declined 39 percent
The government has allowed millions of
vehicles to flood into the North American
market without flow in the other direction,
this has created a large deficit. This is a time
when the government needs to act responsibly. For many years, since 1996, the CAW
has been warning politicians that our auto
industry is going to be in jeopardy. The
auto industry now needs short term loans
from the government to survive the credit
freeze, because the banks have locked their
vaults and stopped lending any money .We
need to lobby our government, and keep
pressure on them, to give consideration to
a new North American Auto Pact that will
allow our car industry to regain its place
and thrive as a world class producer.
On September 19 2008, the CAW leadership was called to the DoubleTree Hotel
in Toronto to meet with the the Chrysler
Mopar Parts Depot executive management.
At that meeting the most devastating news
came across the table notifying the union
that the parts plant is scheduled for closure
in November 2009. The company explained
that for the past six to eight months an
outside company called Ciber had been
working to create a computer simulation
of an ideal warehouse with the optimal
number of docks, size and space available.
Over the past three to four years Chryslers
production levels were at a four million
unit share of the market. The Company is
now down sizing, some plant closures have
been scheduled and sales are slowing down
due to the rising price of oil. The Company
made it clear, with all this information taken
into consideration, that these changes have
made an impact on the cost of parts delivery to dealers. The Union refused to accept
this notice and demanded a meeting to find
any solutions possible that could revoke
the company’s decision. On September
Second Vice-President’s
Report
_ ________________________________________________
continued from page six
cIncome protection in the event of bankruptcies and insolvency
cLabour laws that require employers negotiate and fund adjustment programs for
laid-off workers.
cPension protection
cBenefit protection
In short, workers require income to support themselves and their families and,
governments will have to be a part of this solution.
Thanks
I would like to recognize Priscilla McKenzie for all of her efforts as Recreation Chair
and noting most recently the Santa Claus Parade and all of the volunteers who won an
award for best community involvement for Local 1285. They deserve a hand for this.
Thanks also to all who made the Children’s Christmas Party – a success again
this year!
23rd to 26th 2008 the
Bargaining Committee
along with the CAW
BY
National Reps Jerry
Dave
Dias and Whitey
Ireland
Macdonald met with
FIRST
the Chrysler Executive
VICE-PRESIDENT
management team and
negotiated a $4.7 million savings per year agreement without
the plant closure. Within that agreement
was the loss of the inbound-outbound dock
operations, the loss of the janitorial functions and motor mechanics, and retirement
packages that would offset any layoffs. A
total of 34 jobs were to be outsourced to
a different company, that had to be unionized within our local union The new unit in
the parts plant that was awarded the work
was the Team Industrial Company. The
members have the same Team 2 contractual
agreement that is currently in the Brampton
Chrysler Assembly Plant. We would like to
welcome to Local 1285 all the new members who have started working there.
December 8th to 11th 2008 was another
challenging time for the Chrysler Mopar
Parts Depot negotiating committee. Under
the leadership of our National Rep., Whitey
Macdonald, even with the crisis in the auto
industry today, we were able to negotiate a
responsible collective agreement that followed the pattern of the Big Three. I would
like to thank our National Reps. Jerry Dias
and Whitey Macdonald, for their excellent leadership throughout these tough
times. I would also like to thank the entire
Chrysler Mopar Parts Depot leadership,
Chairperson Terry Penny, the Committee,
Chris Terpselas, Jeff Foster, Paul Lewis,
Todd Riverso, George Avgeropoulos,
National Co-ordinator, Neil Smyth and
Office Chairperson, Cesare Colarossi for
their solidarity and support in their leadership roles. Fighting back does make a
difference.
Before I close my report it is important to mention that, as of December 1st
2008, one of the newest units in our local,
Neilson’s Dairy in Georgetown has been
purchased by Suputo Cheese G.P. and the
collective agreement that is present will
continue to apply.
Throughout the holiday season I would
like to stress the importance of enjoying
this special time with your family, friends
and your loved ones. I wish you all the
very best for the Christmas Holidays and a
Happy New Year.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 7
CAW Local 1285 News
Financial Secretary’s Report ______________________
Wakey Wakey!
_____________________ As our economy is sinking deeper and deeper into
trouble, we see our government’s lack of help to stabilize these troubled times. They better wake up soon
and stop the finger pointing and start working on a
recovery plan, as November saw a record number of
job losses in Ontario. Chrysler has had to threaten the
government that if they don’t see bail out money, they
will move Brampton Assembly and Windsor Assembly
to the USA. Closing the parliament until late January is
not a good idea given the times that we are in.
We have continued to watch our spending and our fall
months were good as the books reflect that in August
2008 we were plus $83,000, September plus $94,000
and October plus $18,000. This brought our total assets
to over the $1 million mark. We (the Executive Board)
decided that we were in a favourable position to put
$200,000 down on our mortgage. That brings us down to
approximately $1.3 million on our mortgage. We should
all be proud of this considering these tough times.
I have been going around trying to get some new
sponsors for our 1285 News and am pleased to
announce that Summit Dodge in Bolton has joined in
advertising with us. We welcome this dealership along
with their well experienced parts service department.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, safe holiday and have a happy and healthy New Year.
In solidarity,
Mike Piane
CAW – Local 1285
Balance Sheet (Cash basis)
ASSETS
CASH
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Royal Bank of Canada (NEW)
Petty Cash
Credit Union Certificates
Royal Bank Term Deposits
G.I.C.
Royal Bank Security Bonds
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
E.I. Payable
CPP Payable
Income Tax Payable
RECEIVER GENERAL PAYABLE
August
September
October
246,061.45
340,016.39
358,943.66
85,012.51
84,906.51
84,906.51
25.00
25.00
25.00
34,403.73
34,403.73
34,403.73
34,664.09
34,664.09
34,664.09
72,600.81
72,600.81
72,600.81
473,329.31
473,329.31
473,329.31
$946,096.90 $1,039,945.84 $1,058,873.11
FINANCIAL
SECRETARY
Pricing
of Hall
Members:
Full Hall
Kitchen half
Bar half
$1,300.00
(300 people)
$  700.00
$  600.00
Public:
1,254.61
2,150.73
10,655.38
14,060.72
1,079.30
1,991.24
10,688.25
13,758.79
982.99
1,459.83
11,557.02
13,999.84
COPE Local 343 Payable
Officer’s Union Dues Payable
TOTAL LIABILITIES
(0.09)
0.00
$14,060.63
(0.09)
0.00
$13,758.70
0.00
0.00
$13,999.84
EQUITY
General Fund
TOTAL EQUITY
932,036.27
932,036.27
1,026,187.13
1,026,187.13
1,044,873.27
1,044,873.27
Full Hall
Kitchen half
Bar half
$946,096.90 $1,039,945.83 $1,058,873.11
Employee Assistance/Substance Abuse Program
Available to all employees, retirees and their dependants.
Contact: Sid Molenhuis (905) 458-2672
Brampton Assembly Plant Office located next to the medical centre.
Only the name has changed! As your newly-appointed
Employee Assistance/Substance AbuseRepresentative,
I will continue in brother Willie Fulton’s footsteps
offering quality care and unbiased support.
May your personal celebrations of the holiday season
carry you happily & healthily into the new year.
In solidarity,
Sid Molenhuis
$1,900.00
(300 people)
$1,000.00
$  900.00
New Years Eve:
Full Hall
Deposit:
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
BY
Mike
Piane
$3,500.00
25%
(non-refundable)
**PLUS**
Security deposit $  350.00
(refundable)
Anyone interested
in renting the hall
should contact
the Union office
at (905) 451-8310.
A 25% deposit
and a $300 refundable
cleaning/security deposit
is required
to hold the date.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
A Message From Ken Lewenza ____________________
Defend Ourselves By Sticking Together
___________________ With dizzying speed, the North American
auto industry has descended into its worst
crisis yet – one that threat­ens its very
existence. The global financial meltdown
could push the Big Three, which were
weak to start with, right over the edge.
Parts companies and heavy truck producers are also on the brink.
What will happen to the workers? We
don’t manage the companies. We didn’t
write the free trade deals. We don’t design
the cars – we only build them.
The workers didn’t cause this crisis.
Neither did their union. The crisis was
caused by globalization. By poor management. And by a private financial sys­tem
that put speculation ahead of production –
and is now collapsing around us, dragging
down real industries (like auto) with it.
But while we didn’t cause the crisis,
corporate executives and conservative
commentators are still demanding that we
pay for it. They’re pointing the fin­ger at
unions, and coming after us for concessions. Their motto seems to be: “When in
doubt, blame the union!”
Paula Haddock, Cathy Hoekstra, Cheryl Ross , Donna Hainer from CAW
Local 351
These are some of the six members who were instrumental in stopping the
removal of machinery from their plant.
Condolences to the following Members
on the loss of your loved ones:
Frank Barnes
Alan Harbinson
Charmaine Hanlon
Audrey Hanlon
Ardis Snow
Howard Campbell
Doris Toebes
Kevin Drohan
William Rudd
Mark Desjardins
Scott Richardson
Kim Bottomley
Reg Barrett
Hwei-Hwei Teleki
Paul Williams
Marc Labas
Mike Haase
Nash King
Ken Healey
Cheryl Skalin
Audrey Hanlon
Bo Klimciw
Jose Rodrigues
Eddy Lam
Barry Hebden
Pauline Hanlon
Mark Huggins
John Almas
Kristine Torok
Jane Delill
Darrel Jansen
Tom Labas
Miguel Legara
Steve Hussey
Karen Flowers
Condolences to the families on the loss of your loved ones:
John Toebes
Robert Hill
Glenn Aldred
For years the CAW
has warned that the
industry was on a
path that could only
BY
end in economic disKen
aster. Governments
Lewenza
that worship free
CAW NATIONAL
trade opened the
PRESIDENT
doors completely to
imports, abandoning
the sensible principle (once enshrined in
the Auto Pact) that companies must produce here if they want to sell here. And
instead of actively supporting and nurturing the auto sector like other countries do
(with investment, technology, and infrastructure), North American governments
mostly took the industry for granted.
We’re the only continent in the world
that tolerates the massive trade imbalances that are killing this industry. North
America imports over four million vehicles
every year (enough to keep 20 assembly
plants running full-tilt), yet we export
hardly anything back the other way. No
industry can survive in that circumstance.
Companies responded to years of
decline by simply adjusting to an everdwindling market share. They closed
plant after plant. And demanded concession after concession. They tried to dig
themselves out of a hole. Predictably, it
didn’t work. It couldn’t work. Sooner or
later, constant down­sizing and cutbacks
throw the very viability of the industry
into question. That’s where we are today.
The weeks and months ahead will be
dramatic and dangerous. Read the facts
in the CAW’s book Auto Industry On
The Brink: Why our industry is in crisis,
Why concessions can’t save the industry,
What should be done – which prove that
labour concessions cannot solve the problem. Support your union’s call for a new
North American Auto Pact and a strategy
to fix this industry once and for all. Be
ready to support your local union in doing
whatever is required to protect our jobs,
our contract, our pensions, and our communities.
The CAW will play a responsible, principled role in the weeks ahead. We will do
everything possible to save our plants and
our jobs. Concessions won’t do that.
And one thing is absolutely certain: By
sticking together, workers will do bet­ter
through the coming crisis than by standing alone. Thank you for your continuing
support and solidarity. In solidarity,
Ken Lewenza
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 9
CAW Local 1285 News
________________________________________ Trustees’ Report _ ________________________________________
In November, we put $200,000 down on our mortgage therefore
lowering the interest we are paying in our attempt to provide a secure
future for our local. We now owe approximately $1.3 million on our
mortgage.
Once again we are trying to save the local money and are looking into different ways we can cut our costs. We have noticed that
we have several rental and maintenance agreements for some office
machines that are hardly used, therefore we are going to eliminate
them. At one time we had a shredding service but now we will purchase a shredder to cut costs.
In closing we would like to wish you and your family a safe and
happy holiday. Here’s hoping that the new year brings peace and
prosperity.
Your trustees,
Wayne Hunter, Phyllis Foster, Doug Gerrard
Wayne
Hunter
CAW LOCAL 1285
TRUSTEE
Phyllis
Foster
CAW LOCAL 1285
TRUSTEE
Doug
Gerrard
CAW LOCAL 1285
TRUSTEE
Recording Secretary’s Report _____________________
Invisible Hand Of The Market
____________________ The global recession that we now find ourselves in was triggered by a crisis in the
American financial sector. Governments
around the world have infused money
into their respective banking institutions
in an attempt to lessen the impact. The
Canadian Government has supported
Canadian banks to the tune of $100 billion,
as they should. The banks however are not
in the mood to continue their true function of lending, so we have a tightening
credit crisis. Nobody is foolish enough
to blame the crisis on the “high wages of
the bank tellers” or demanding rollbacks
in their benefits, nor should they.
Everyone knows that a handful
of wealthy elite benefited
at the expense of everyone
else. Their greed caused
the recession. When
Canadians and Americans
can’t get mortgages, housing prices drop and construction of new homes fall. When
Canadians and Americans can’t
get car loans, demand for auto production falls. Demand for vehicles for all
manufacturers has fallen. The impact on
the Detroit Three is what we hear about
in the media, but the entire industry is in
trouble. Foreign Nations have supported
their domestic auto industries because
they recognize the importance to their
economies.
Where is the Canadian Government?
If the current minority Conservative
Government can’t come up with a budget
to help out, they should be replaced. It
is exactly the function of our elected
government, in conjunction with other
governments to fix the problem. If greater
numbers of workers are losing their jobs,
and are unable to find work, then this is
exactly the time for our federal government to loosen the restraints on qualification for Employment Insurance. If we are
facing the collapse of a major industry
in Canada, this is exactly the time to
take the necessary action to stave that
off. Economists around the world have
come to the conclusion that the reason
the Great Depression of the 1930s was
so deep and long, was the intransigence,
and lack of intervention by the
Federal Governments of the Day.
Stephen Harper has studied economics. The lack of
action, and apparent lack
of understanding of his
Government is absolutely
breathtaking. The “invisible
hand of the market” is wiping
out the savings of the middle
class and grinding the working
class into the ground. There is little
hope that the failed ideology of deregulation, privatization, and market force economics is going to bail anybody out of this
mess. Americans seem to be waking up
and understanding the big lie. Canadians
also need to hold our politicians accountable.
At CAW Council, there were several
recommendations from President Ken
Lewenza, including insuring the federal
and provincial governments provide the
necessary investment funds and emergency liquidity to the auto industry, a peti-
tion calling for emergency EI measures,
and getting municipalities to endorse a
buy Canadian procurement policy.
Education
BY
Bill
Turner
RECORDING
SECRETARY
Congratulations
to Tracey Hoang,
daughter of Keo Trung on winning the
CAW Nelson Mandela Bursary. Tracey is
majoring in Chemical Engineering.
The schedule for Paid Education Leave
(PEL) programs should be on your bulletin board when you return to work in
January. What happens when someone
applies, and is accepted to attend a program, then the Company announces that
there is a lay-off that week? The delegate
should attend the program, however they
must declare earnings to E.I.. You can’t
collect E.I. while being paid to attend a
program. Workers at some Units have
a contractually negotiated Supplemental
Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plan. You
can’t collect SUB either, if you’re being
paid by the CAW.
When workers are laid off indefinitely,
that is, they have no recall date, they are
unlikely to be selected for attendance at a
program, so the issue shouldn’t come up.
The Health and Safety Training Fund
program schedule is also being posted for
Chrysler workers. The same guidelines for
“attending PEL programs during a layoff”
apply to workers attending H&S Training
Fund programs during a layoff.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
CAW Council Report
_____________________ December 5, 2008 – December 7, 2008 ______________________
Workers
Not At Fault
Council Vice President, Tim Carrie (President of Local 27)
is challenging the pattern agreement (rati marked the passing of Frank McAnally. Frank was from Ford
in Windsor and was a former President of Local 200 and CAW
National Representative. Then Tim had the opportunity to introduce the new CAW National President, Ken Lewenza.
Ken said that if the Auto industry leaves Canada, 350,000 to
400,000 direct and indirect jobs will disappear. In the U.S., that
number is even more staggering. The U.S. Congress has been a
stumbling block for the Detroit Three (formerly known as the Big
Three). It appears Congress had no problem giving their banker
friends $800 billion and the Canadian government had no problem
giving Canadian banks $100 billion with few questions asked. The
general public seems to blame Auto workers and their Unions for
the problems in the Auto industry. The truth is, only seven percent
of the sticker price is due to wages. I didn’t hear congress or the
public asking bank tellers to give
concessions or wage cuts. Workers
are not the cause of the trouble the
industry is facing.
Jim Stanford the CAW Economist
gave a detailed presentation on the
economy. American banks were giving people NINJ loans, (no income,
no job). How can someone with
no job get a loan to buy a house?
Canada lost 70,000 jobs in the month
of November alone. This is the most
jobs lost in a single month since 1982.
Instead of helping, Flaherty and the
Conservative government are hurting Canadians with their proposed
budget. (which has now forced the
other political parties to talk about
forming a Coalition Government.)
Dave Robinson and Laurel Ritchie
gave a presentation on emergency
measures for laid off workers. The
CAW put a plan together and is calling on the Federal and Provincial
government to introduce the following measures to support laid off
workers, their families and communities.
Suggestions were – extend E.I. and
other income support, better severance pay provisions, enhance
income protection in bankruptcies and insolvencies, foreclosure
protection against falling prices, labour laws that require employers to negotiate and fund adjustment programs for laid off workers, Provincial governments to introduce and/or expand adjustment programs including funding for Action Centres staffed with
co-workers, access and support for training, pension protection,
benefit protection and public notice and justification of closures
and lay-offs. I would not suggest anyone hold their breath waiting
for these important measures to be implemented.
Boycott
The CAW is supporting a boycott of Petro Canada who has
locked out 260 workers at a refinery in Montreal. This refinery
fied by other Petro Canada refineries) and
demanding concessions. After 10 months,
Petro Canada forced workers to vote on an
agreement. The workers rejected the agreement by 96 percent.
End Violence
Barb McQuarry gave a presentation on the
Montreal massacre, December 6, 1989, 14
women were killed just because they were
women.
Majority Against Coalition
BY
Ardis
Snow
CAW COUNCIL
DELEGATE
On Saturday December 6, 2008 there
was a demonstration at City Hall
in support of a coalition government. Jack Layton and Stephane
Dion later spoke to council about
the coalition. With the combination
of the NDP, Liberals, and the Bloc,
the coalition would have 62 percent
of the voting population. Stephen
Harper’s response was to have the
Governor General lock out parliament. The reason he did this was
to stop the coalition from calling
a confidence vote that he would
have lost and would have forced
the collapse of the current minority
government.
Members Acclaimed
To Executive Council
President – Tim Carrie,
Vice President – Chris Buckley,
Secretary Treasurer – Leslie Dias,
Trustees – Rick Laporte, Mike
Vince, Greg Burton,
Member at Large – David
Cassidy,
Resolution Committee – Shauna
Wilcox, Bob Fitzgerald and Bill
Gautier.
Activist Recognized
The Bud Jimmerfield award was presented to Wayne Butler
for his tireless work helping members.
Anyone wishing a copy of the Recommendations and the
Resolution can see their Council Delegate.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the uniforms of Canada’s
athletes were made in _______________?
A: Canada B: USA C: China
Governments must do more to promote Canadian goods and
services. Made in Canada Matters!
In Solidarity
Ardis Snow
Answer: C: China
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 11
CAW Local 1285 News
Thank You Notes Received...
☛ From the Cancer Society for donations in memory of
Dorthy Barnes, Nicola Setacci, Noel Drumm, Grace
John, Oral Robert Oliphant
☛ From the Cancer Society, Relay for Life
☛ From the Heart & Stroke Foundation for donations in
memory of Evelyn Hanlon, Maria Landreville, Frank
Sintic, Maureen Kelly, Patricia Gostlin
October 30, 2008
Dear Leon
ysler United Way
On behalf of Chr
is
ld like to take th
Committee, I wou
al 1285
ank you and Loc
th
to
y
it
un
rt
po
op
ort during
ur generous supp
once again for yo
Way Campaign.
our 2008 United
jackets
thank you for the
to
ke
li
so
al
ld
ou
Iw
d to our
u so kindly donate
yo
at
th
es
iz
pr
d
ing
an
Draw. Your ongo
Q
B
B
r
ou
r
fo
n
Campaig
iated.
support is apprec
Sincerely
Cheryl Skalin
Chair
United Way Co-
☛ From Canadian Diabetes for donation in memory of
Fransico O’Campo
☛ From the Alzheimer Society for donations in memory
of Eileen Brillinber
☛ From the Canadian Breast Cancer Society for
donations
☛ From the Sick Kids Hospital for donation in memory of
Churi Nalini DaSilva
☛ From the William Osler, Brampton Civic Hospital for
annual donations
☛ From the Princess Margaret Hospital for donation in
memory of Victoria Portelli
☛ From the Covenant House for annual donation
☛ From Cheryl Skalin, United Way Co-Chair for prizes
☛ From Neilson Dairy for prizes
☛ From the Second Annual Motorcycle Show & Shine,
Lisle Legion #559 for donation
☛ From CAW Local 1941, Charity Golf Tournament for
donation
☛ From the SNAPSO, Special Needs Adult Program for
donation
☛ From Fred Evely & family for donation to Sick Kids
Hospital in memory of Joseph Evely
☛ From Charmaine Hanlon for donation to the Heart &
Stroke Foundation in memory of Evelyn Hanlon
☛ From Paul Williams & family for the funeral tribute &
donation in memory of family members,
☛ From Kristine Torok for donation to the Heart &
Stroke Foundation in memory of sister
☛ From the Region of Peel for ’07 Christmas food
vouchers
Buyer Beware – Read The Small Print
Not much in life is free, or at least not
for too long. Ordinarily, a business cannot send you something which is “free”
and then start to charge you for it – this
is what is called “negative option billing,” and is prohibited in Ontario under
the Consumer Protection Act (since
2005).
However, it is a different matter for
consumer items which you originally
did request. Many of our clients come
to see us about health club memberships, which they thought were for one
year only. To their surprise, the monthly
payments continue to come out of their
bank accounts or be charged to their
credit cards. Is this legal? Yes, because
the consumer did agree to the original
contract, and the small print on the
contract continued the membership on a
monthly basis after the one year period.
It is up to the consumer to cancel the
contract in writing, or else it will continue and so will the payments.
Another common complaint is about
lawn care services, where you think you
have entered into a one year contract to
have your lawn cut and fertilized. Then
you may discover that the company
comes back the next summer, cuts your
grass, and takes a payment! This too
is legal, since the small print on the
original contract provides that unless
you cancel in writing, the services will
continue.
Occasionally, companies may add
services or products to the original service agreement without the consent of
the consumer, and then bill for it. Even
though you may have originally con-
BY
Kathleen
Howes
STAFF LAWYER –
CAW LEGAL SERVICES PLAN
tracted for a service, e.g. lawn care,
the company cannot unilaterally add
services (maybe put in some nice peonies!) and charge you for it... this would
be contrary to the Consumer Protection
Act. But as long as the service is the
same from year to year, the payment is
required until you cancel the contract
in writing.
So read the small print! And if you
are a member from Chrysler and have
problems, remember to call your lawyer
at the CAW Legal Services Plan for free
advice on this type of problem.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Howes.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 12
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
_____________________________ Skilled Trades Council Report _________________________
Overview
The Skilled Trades Council was held at the Sheraton Hotel in
Toronto, on November 7th-9th, 2008. Brother Peter Kennedy,
who is currently assistant to Brother Jim O’Neil (Secretary/
Treasurer), thanked the council for their support in endorsing him to replace Brother Jim O’Neil in August 2009 at the
National Convention.
Brother Bob Chernecki (Assistant to the President) informed
the council that hard times are ahead. As trade unionists, we
should try to support the buying of Canadian Products in order
to save jobs in Canada.
Council elections were held during the conference and
the Executive Board, led by President Dave Cassidy, were
all acclaimed. Congratulations to the following Local 1285
delegates who were also acclaimed to their various positions, Brother John Breslin – Sergeant At Arms, Brother
Robert DiNino – Work Organization/New Tech Committee
and Brother Clive Golding, Communications/Publications
Committee.
A Children’s Centre in Toronto, which was renovated by
the skilled trades council was selected as the charity of choice.
The director, Mr. Larry Frost, was pleased with the generosity displayed by the council. He thanked the council for the
$3,000 donation to the children’s centre.
Brother Ken Lewenza, our National President, informed
us of the devastating state of the economy and that Stephen
Harper and his government are the main cause. Ken said that
the Chrysler/GM merger is insane and would not sit well with
employees at Chrysler. Ken encourages
the council by saying, “no matter what you
do, please do not go down to the minimum
wage where the company is leading us, all
CAW members must work together.”
News And Events
Aerospace and Boilermakers are looking for Skilled Trades Personnel. If you
BY
are interested please contact me for furClive
ther information (416) 346-0815 or email
Golding
me at [email protected]
SKILLED TRADES
Vancouver Skilled Trades Council is
COUNCIL
DELEGATE
looking for skilled trades personnel. If
you are interested contact me.
SKD Automotive in Brampton had five
trades on lay-off with three more on notice for January 2009.
We have several down weeks pending.
In closing, the Skilled Trades Council was a great success.
We had 89 delegates, 12 guests, seven alternates and 10 staff
in attendance. Our next Skilled Trades Council will be held
in Kitchener in April 2009. As your delegate to the council
please feel free to call me with your concerns, suggestions/
information.
In would like to wish everyone and their families a very
Merry Christmas, safe holidays and a prosperous New Year.
In Solidarity,
Clive Golding
Environment Committee Report ___________________
Benefits
of Governmental
Bans
Are they really for the people or helping
their ban on bisphenol-A. BPA is a synBanning these silicon
__________________ to get government bodies out of the red?
With governments everywhere seemingly keen to demonstrate their concerns
for the environment and human health,
bans are conveniently fitting the bill
whether science or logic provides reliable
evidence or not. Bans have become the
legislative tool of choice for politicians.
We have seen the province of Nova Scotia
and Quebec ban the use of cell phones in
cars with Ontario following their footsteps. Quebec banning all season tires
during winter and Alberta is planning
to ban Styrofoam. Ontario and Quebec
recently banned residential pesticides and
plastic water bottles are banned in several
places. The list seems to grow daily.
As health, safety and environmental
activists we have always focused on precautionary principals and airing on the
side of prevention. This unfortunately is
not the way government thinks.
thetic chemical compound found in some
hard clear plastics and resins such as
food and drink containers, compact disks,
electronics and the liner in many metal
cans. The ban focused primarily on baby
bottles and the long term effects of the
exposure to BPA and young children.
This being the governments commitment
to family health. Now we must also
deal with recycling these products properly. Unfortunatley, consumers looking
to dispose of their products won’t be able
to recycle them in most municipalities.
Here’s one of those perfect examples of
why we as consumers need to question
these products before they get in the market. Now consumers have no choice but to
throw the bottles in the disposal stream.
What will the government do to prevent
these toxic chemicals from entering our
landfill sites?
No Choice
The government is also looking at banning a variety of chemicals that are also
found in our shampoos and moisturizers.
During the recent election, the federal Conservatives were successful with
Bans Priced Right
based chemicals will
help with exposures
to human health and
BY
also to our environKelly
ment. But, there also
Wolff
seems to be a big
ENVIRONMENT
benefit for the govCOMMITTEE
ernment themselves.
CHAIRPERSON
There is a publicity
benefit of bans. When
the small town of Leafs Rapids, Man.,
announced it was banning plastic shopping bags, it was the ticket to national
news. And bans are certainly priced right
for governments struggling to balance
their budgets.
As activists, parents and Canadian citizens we need to demand that our government does the scientific research first or
we will continue to be the guinea pigs
rather than protected consumers.
Prevention First!
Best of health in the 2009,
In solidarity,
Sister Kelly Wolff
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 13
CAW Local 1285 News
CAW Local 1285/Chrysler Action Centre
350 Rutherford Rd. S
Plaza 1 Unit 6
Brampton, Ontario
905-456-1285
or 1-877-456-1285
www.1285actioncentre.ca
We are open Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 4 PM
CAW Local 1285/Chrysler Action Centre Report ____________
Protect The Industry
____________ The global economic crisis, the manufacturing job loss epidemic and the sad state
of the North American auto industry are
dominating new reports, radio talk shows
and common conversations. I find it difficult to understand why there is a debate
about using “tax dollars to subsidize the
auto industry” and the “auto workers must
be part of the solution” ideology.
I believe that those elected to government positions become guardians of our
country, provinces, cities and communities. These people have accepted responsibility for our natural resources, our economic conditions, our infrastructure, our
safety and of course our future. We have
trusted them with two key tools to be able
to do their jobs – power and tax dollars.
There seems to be a consensus that the
demise of the auto industry will result in
the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs
and the loss of billions of dollars of tax
income. Charities will suffer, house prices
will fall – all Canadians will be affected.
I cannot understand why our politicians
are not reacting. I cannot understand why
every auto worker, parts supplier employee, steel worker, dentist, store owner,
restaurant owner, waitress, dealership
employee... isn’t calling their Member of
Parliament and insisting that the federal
government not only offer financial assistance but take steps to protect the industry
and the Canadian economy. To identify
and find contact information for your
Federal Member of Parliament use the
WEB site http://canada.gc.ca/directoriesrepertoires/direct-eng.html.
Prepare For Tomorrow
If the economic crisis continues so will
the job loss. This is the time to prepare for
tomorrow. We know there will be a significant increase in the number of people
living in poverty – homeless and hungry.
Families, women, and children will suf-
fer. Just as the need for shelters and food
banks are on the increase the government
is reducing its financial support. Ironic
isn’t it?
What Options Do
Laid Off Workers Have?
Finding another job is getting more and
more difficult, especially with the impact
of the economic crisis. Finding a job
in manufacturing is extremely unlikely,
especially one that is economically comparable to working at Chrysler. Tragically,
the government has not unveiled any job
creation initiatives.
Retraining
Retraining is another option. The
Ontario Government has allocated funding
for retraining. This funding is designed to
assist with tuition, books, living expenses
and other related expenses. The “Action
Centre” helps members access these funds.
Laid off Chrysler workers are attending
public colleges and registered private colleges and studying the following:
c Quality Engineering
c Cardio Technologist
c Teacher’s College
c AZ License
c Culinary Arts
c Law Clerk Diploma
c Automotive Technician
c Events Planner
c Paramedic
c Early Childhood Education
c Heavy Equipment Operator
c Computer Systems Technology
c Pre-Apprenticeship Software Tester
c Electronics Engineering Technician
c ERP Information Specialist
c Civil Engineering Technology
c CNC Tool Operator
c Environmental Technician
c Natural Nutrition Diploma
c Pastry Chef Management
c Registered
Massage Therapist
c Dental Assistant
c Payroll
Administrator
c Welding
BY
c Physiotherapy
Cammie
Assistant
Peirce
c Tourism &
Hospitality
Administration
c Personal Service Worker
c Human Resources
c Construction Management
c Journalism
c Private Investigator
c SAP Training
c CDM
The “Action Centre” has hosted many
seminars and workshops including; resumé writing, interview skills, job search
skills, personal finances, first aid/CPR,
small business information, skilled trades/
apprenticeship information and basic
computer skills. Watch the WEB site to
see what seminars are scheduled in the
new year.
We also offer assistance with job
searches, resumés and cover letters, the
use of computers, fax machine, copier,
career counselling and access to community services.
You don’t need a reason to visit the
centre. Just drop in – have a coffee, tea
or hot chocolate – sit down and talk
(Chrysler, sports, life, kids) or read the
paper (Toronto Star, Sun, Globe) or even
watch a video.
On behalf of everyone at the “Action
Centre,” Jen and I would like to wish
everyone a “Wonderful Holiday” and
“Health, Happiness and Success in the
New Year.”
In Solidarity,
Cammie Peirce
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 14
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
______ Union In Politics Committee Co-Chairperson’s Report ______
After five minutes opening a can of whatever, I decide it’s time for a new can
opener. So I go shopping at Canadian Tire
for a new one. First one I see is a nice can
opener, funky looking, two designer colours, almost sexy, if a can opener can be
sexy. Checking the label, Made in China,
and it costs $13. Keep looking because
it was the first one I saw. Prices ranged
from $3 to $15, down the aisle, excluding electric models. Three dollars will
get a basic can opener made in England;
I picked the second cheapest, made in the
USA. Buying things closer to where you
live and work is the best way to have that
money eventually make it back to purchase the products you build.
Secret Deals
The governor general made a mistake
calling the election in the first place and
Steve broke two election laws, not one, when
he put her in that position. When Harper
asked for parliament to be dissolved and
an election called, the GG should have said
“I’ll call an election if the three other parties
and one independent can’t form a coalition
government in 24 hours. Have a nice day
and get out.” Doing a work refusal as the reelected prime minister doesn’t work for me
The Way Ahead
Join Together and Protest
The economic situation we find ourselves in today, in my view, is caused by
the absolute greed of banking organizations throughout the world.
The working class across this country
should join together and protest to governments, both federal and provincial.
Their attitude and lack of positive action
towards the economic situation that we
are faced with today is disgusting.
We can all look back over the years
and recognize the cost of living has
increased exponentially, in other words
– out of this world. Will we, or more
correctly, governments and big business,
learn their lesson – I have my doubts.
It makes me sick when I read how the
governments are spending the hard earned
tax dollars of working people. Here are a
couple of examples of parliamentarians
wasteful habits, all these examples are
under the heading, “Parliamentarians Tab
for trips abroad $1.1 M – and counting,”
as printed in the Toronto Star, Monday,
December 8th, 2008:
c In June a 10 day visit to Paris,
either. What happens now if there is a emergency, he has to go and ask for parliament to
resume? He did get some things done before
he took his ball and went home. He signed a
secret free trade deal with Columbia, where
joining a union is as good as putting a target
on your back, with nearly 500 unionists
killed since 2002. That is probably where
they got the notion to float the idea of public
service strikes. Just for good measure he
signed up for free trade with the European
Union as well. Both these trade deals had no
public or parliamentary consultation. Harper
is on his last legs as a leader, because he is
a one man show and things just don’t work
like that anymore. To get things done effectively you need to build consensus, amongst
all concerned parties.
Boot Campaign
Some say the boot campaign didn’t
achieve the desired results, but I did see
a street performer with a placard that said
“Santa Sez Give Harper the boot” at the
pro coalition rally in TO. No wonder I still
like Santa.
It is important to support striking workers in the public sector. They are the test
case for what employers are looking to get
away with, and the corporations’ stance is,
Normandy and Strasburg, France by two
Senators and two MPs, Conservative
David Tilson and Liberal Scott Simms,
cost $29,379 in travel expenses and
$21,120 for accommodations.
c Conservative MPs Leon Benoit and
Art Hanger, who had already announced
he was retiring from politics, and Liberal
MP John McKay along with Liberal
Senator Percy Downe, spent $25,453 on
a three day visit to Ankara and Istanbul,
Turkey in March.
Stop Picking On Workers
It is a sad situation when you hear a
majority of the general public criticizing
the wages of the hard working auto workers and parts suppliers. Little do they realize that other establishments will also be
affected, such as restaurants, dry cleaners,
child care facilities, etc. if the auto section
of the economy is allowed to fade away
with little or no positive action by both
provincial and federal governments.
The fact is that if we, the auto workers,
worked for free it would only pay for
production for 11 days. Put another way,
the cost of building a car counting Union
wages and benefits, including pensions
if the government can
do this we can too.
CUPE 3903 is still on
strike because they
don’t feel they should
have to re-apply for
their job every year.
Good News
BY
One bright spot is
Mark
that a second WalRediger
Mart store in Canada UNION IN POLITICS
has been unionized in
COMMITTEE
CO-CHAIRPERSON
Saskatchewan. Two
more stores there
have their certification
requests before the labour board. Wal-Mart
is complaining that unions are too aggressive in Saskatchewan and Quebec and are
unfairly targeting their business. Too bad
the Supreme Court told them the labour
boards in those provinces are in charge.
Things are difficult right now and they
may get a lot worse. Take the time during
this holiday season to concentrate on what
is really important, your family, friends,
and community. Have a safe holiday, and
a happy New Year.
In Solidarity,
Mark Rediger
for retired workers
is a mere seven percent of the overall
cost of the car.
So I say – stop
picking on the workers! Let me put the
shoe on the other
BY
foot. To give a proper
Terry
accounting of how
Gorman
General
Motors,
RETIRED WORKER
Ford and Chrysler
can help themselves
and our members, I suggest the following:
Tie executive wages to the top rate of pay
of unionized workers in each company.
I understand that some large Japanese
Corporations use this method of payment for executives in the automotive
business. The executives’ performance
can be rewarded but it must be tied to
increased productivity and successful
business strategies.
Concessions Have Been Made
The workers of General Motors, Ford
The Way Ahead
continues on page sixteen ____________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 15
CAW Local 1285 News
Brampton Assembly Plant Employment Equity Report ______
The 60th Anniversary Of The Universal Declaration
Of
Human Rights: Worth
Celebrating! workers are in the
On December 10, 1948, nations of the
to have,” free from discrimination.
_____ world joined together in recognizing that
all people, in all nations, are free and equal
in dignity and in rights, regardless of race,
religion, economic status, age, gender or
other personal characteristics. Through
the signing of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights 60 years ago, the United
Nations brought into being the first international document recognizing human
rights as the foundation of peace, justice
and freedom in the world.
The Declaration, drafted in part by
Canadian legal scholar John Humphrey,
provided a foundation for the Canadian
Human Rights Act, which inspires a
vision for Canada in which “all individuals should have an opportunity equal
with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish
We all have a role to play in respecting
and promoting human rights. Employers,
non-governmental organizations and communities are crucial actors in supporting the
development of a human rights culture within Canada. The Canadian Human Rights
Commission and its partners throughout the
country work collectively towards fostering
understanding and commitment to achieving
a society where human rights are respected
in everyday practice. And as we meet this
challenge in organizations and communities across the nation, we set a leadership
example to the rest of the world and there
still lots more we can do to improve the living conditions for all Canadians alike.
Auto News
OK, the news is out and we the auto
Pride Committee Report ____________
Treated As Equals
____________ The Local 1285 Pride Committee would like to wish all the
brothers and sisters a safe and happy holiday season. Please
respect and support each other. It is important especially at this
time of year to remember where we are and where we came
from, not only as individuals but as a Union. It’s a time to reflect
on ourselves as human beings and to cherish our rights and freedoms unlike many around the world. Many rights and freedoms
are enjoyed today not just because the governments of years
gone by passed legislation. They are enjoyed because of activists like you who stood proudly with your Union and demanded
that we all be treated as equals! Solidarity is Power!
It is the diversity in our membership that gives us strength.
Peace and Good Will to all!
In Solidarity and Pride
Chris Mackey
The Way Ahead
______
continued from page fifteen
and Chrysler gave back to these corporations millions of dollars during the last
round of negotiations. As an example,
the alternate work schedule was renegotiated by the bargaining committee
and agreed to by the membership. It
cost each member approximately $5,500
per year. Many jobs were given up and
outsourced to other companies for much
lower wages. Multiply this by some
BY
Chris
Mackey
PRIDE
COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON
thousands – that works out to millions
of dollars savings for the company each
year. Other benefits such as co-payment
for prescriptions, rates of pay and holidays were affected which were all give
aways to the company and cost to the
members was significant. The companies, by comparison, have failed to produce the model mix that would interest
the general public.
To put it bluntly, the corporations
have been marching backwards. We do
not intend to follow suit.
papers again but this
time its all about how
those fat cat auto
workers want more
bail outs for GM, Ford
and Chrysler. Well
give me a break – it’s
a low interest loan as
BY
far as I know – what
Mike
they give to all the
Allen
other institutions that
HUMAN RIGHTS
came before them in
COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON
need of help. I’m tired
of hearing how we the
auto workers are the
problem for this so called crisis because I
dare not say recession ooops... Our wages
contribute approximately seven percent of
the cost of the vehicle; yes that’s all folks,
pretty loony ah!
Back in 1979, when Chrysler was saved
from bankruptcy, the Canadian and U.S..
Governments provided loan guarantees
“not bail outs.” Let’s face it the auto
industry is on the brink if we do not get
some government assistance soon. The
writing is on the wall. This is bigger than
just us; the North American auto industry is in jeopardy. Did you know 70,000
jobs were lost in the month of November
alone? Shame, Shame, Shame! I’m not
about to spit out figures. We have a great
economist, Jim Stanford working with the
CAW and all relevant facts and figures can
be researched on the net if needed. This is
for some of our neighbours who choose
to criticize us for bargaining good wages
for our members I can bet that they have
never worked on an assembly line before
because if they did they would say we earn
every single cent. We have a major challenge on our hands and not just the auto
industry. It’s the same neighbours’ who
criticize you, that will soon be affected.
In the community and surrounding areas
one in seven people will be affected if our
government does not act now. Go out in
your communities and educate those who
don’t know the truth. We all depend on the
North American Auto Industry. Buy what
you build does make a difference.
Thanks to your continued commitment
to building a better union and a stronger
human rights culture.
Merry Christmas and have a happy New
Year from the Employment Equity office
Harassment free is the only way to be!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 16
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
____ Chrysler Assembly CAW WSIB Representatives’ Report _ ___
Season’s Greetings, we wish you all a safe and
joyous Holiday Season and healthy, prosperous
New Year!
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
When considering a claim for a work related injury, WSIB adjudicators look for the four
immediates...
c Immediate pain
c Immediate reporting
c Immediate medical attention
c Immediate layoff of work
Report your injury to your employer through
your supervisor. If your workplace has a First Aid
Office or medical facility, your supervisor may
also send you there for reporting. Explain your
job in detail, and tell the nurse or medical staff
person what you believe caused your injury.
Think about the work that you perform everyday. Has anything changed with your job? Have
there been problems with parts not fitting correctly (requiring extra effort or force to insert
a part?) Has additional work been added? Has
a piece of equipment malfunctioned? Are you
working in an awkward position?
Ask for a copy of what was recorded when you
report your injury, and keep it for your records.
If an injury is serious and requires health
care treatment, or time away from work with
lost wages, or a worker requires modified
work, the employer must report the injury to
the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board. The
employer completes a Form 7, employer’s report
of injury, and sends this to WSIB. The company
is also obligated to give a copy of the Form 7 to
you for your records. Usually this is mailed and
you will receive it about a week later.
Seek immediate medical attention. It is recommended that you see your family physician
or health care professional if your injury requires
their attention. When adjudicating claims, WSIB
looks for immediate medical attention. If you’re
injured and don’t see a doctor for a week, how
serious was your injury?? If you are unable to
get an early appointment with your family doctor, schedule ASAP, but in the mean time, visit a
walk-in clinic or the Emergency Room at your
local hospital for immediate attention, and follow up with your family doctor when they are
available. Your health care professional needs to
complete a Form 8,“Health Professional’s Report”
which your doctor has in his/her office. You need
to follow up with your doctor to ensure the form
has been sent to WSIB, even if you do not need
to miss any time from work. Most of us would
rather see our family doctor, but the system
looks for immediate medical attention.
Forms To Be Filled Out
Your condition may require you to layoff work
(miss work because you are unable to work). If
you are unable to work, a health care professional
must authorize the time off work. This is only done
if you are totally disabled, and not suited for any
type of work. See your health care professional
the same day. Once again, if you are unable to get
an appointment with your usual health care professional, go to a walk-in clinic (or chiropractor)
the same day. Make sure you let the doctor know
the injury is work related, and once again, ensure
that whatever time is being authorized off, the
doctor notes this on the Health care professional’s
first report, and on the FAF as well. There is no cost
to you to have WSIB forms completed.
When workers have been injured, the company gives you a Functional Abilities Form
for your doctor or health care professional to
complete. A FAF explains what movements or
functions you can and cannot do – i.e. your
capabilities and restrictions.
A Form 8 or health professional’s first report
is different from a functional abilities form, since
it lists your diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan,
etc. It is necessary to have the Form 8 completed by whichever healthcare professional
you see, i.e. Chiropractor, physician, physiotherapist. This form also provides details on the care
you are receiving, physical findings about your
condition, and other information needed by the
WSIB to adjudicate a claim.
Time Off Must Be Authorized
If your injury flares up and you require time
off, be aware someone (family doctor, chiropractor, health care professional, etc.) has to
authorize the time off. If this does not happen,
it is not likely you will be paid. You are expected
to see your medical professional on the first day
you’re unable to work. If you cannot see your
own doctor, go to a walk-in clinic.
If your injury flares up or recurs, you need to
report this to the company, your health care
practitioner, and the WSIB. If you report to only
one, or don’t report at all, others who need
to know will not be aware of your continuing
problems. If you cannot reach your WSIB adjudicator personally, leave a voice mail message.
Keep a record of when you called.
Whenever you contact the Board, give your
name, claim number, and phone number for a
return call. Leave a clear and concise message
BY
Patricia AND Duffy
Johnston Zafur
if you are unable to speak personally to your
claims adjudicator.
Early And Safe Return
When/if your doctor orders you off work, you
need to clarify with the doctor, whether he/she
wants you off all work. If your workplace has
a modified work program, advise your doctor
of this. You may not be able to perform your
usual job, but your employer may have other
work that is suitable. If you are able to perform
this work (if it meets with your capabilities and
restrictions), you are expected to accept the
work. Some doctors order their patients off
work, but then fill out a functional abilities form,
which indicates the patient may work with
restrictions. In a case like this, the doctor has
not clearly indicated what s/he wants you to do.
Clarify whether your doctor wants you off your
job, but able to perform other duties (which do
not aggravate your injury), or if your doctor does
not want you performing any kind of work.
Check Your Forms
You are required to share your capabilities
and limitations with your employer to plan for
an early and safe return to work. To do this, your
doctor completes a FAF (Functional Abilities
Form). Make sure it is filled out completely. Many
health professionals are extremely busy; however, your claim depends on the information on
the forms you’re requested to submit. Look at
the form before you leave the doctor’s office to
ensure it has been properly completed. If things
have been left blank, question your doctor as to
why. The employer and WSIB use the information on the FAF to determine what duties you
are capable of performing. For example, there is
an “estimated duration of limitations” box which
is sometimes left empty. If your doctor is unsure
how long you will have the limitations or restric-
WSIB Report
continues on page eighteen _____________
TWIN OAK CREDIT UNION
480 Chrysler Dr. Brampton, Ontario 905 -790 -0344
Announcement to all Members
Changes to Business Hours at our 480 Chrysler Dr. Branch
Effective January 5, 2009
Member Services available 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. & Noon – 5pm Monday – Friday
For Financial planning, Loans, mortgages and Investments
Teller Cash – Available Noon – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
ATM 24 hours/day for Withdrawals & Deposits
Night Deposit Available 24 hours/day
Get Your Member card today for use at our ATM Network
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 17
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________ Recreation Committee Report _ _____________________________
Recreation: The act of recreating, or the state of being recreated; refreshment of the strength
and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion; sport; pastime.
Adult Christmas Party
With all of the economic turmoil and
uncertainty facing many members of our
Local, November 22nd was the opportune
time to bring the membership together for
an evening of seasonal celebrations. The
Recreation Committee proudly presented
the First Ever CAW Local 1285 Adult
Christmas Party.
Thanks to our dedicated sponsors,
Brampton Chrysler and Brennan’s Dixie
Chrysler, we were able to provide a buffet
dinner with a DJ for a nominal $20 per
person. Thank you also to Thistle Printing,
Posi-Plus, Samko, East Side Marios at
Trinity Common, Bill Apsey, Brampton
Flower Shop, and the Brampton Battalion
Hockey Team who provided door prizes
for our draws.
My amazing Recreation Committee
helped me pull this event together in only
four weeks! I profusely thank, Charlene
Ward, Charmaine Coats, Wendy Walker,
Monica LeBlanc, Sabina Krzysztofek,
Patty and Brooke Johnston, Phyllis Foster,
Cammie Peirce, Dana Neville, Jason Pires,
Mark Rediger, Scott and Katie Turner,
Leon Rideout, Dave Ireland, Gerry Harvey,
and of course our administrative staff Val,
Viv and Maria! I would also like to recognize our Brothers Phil Richards and Matt
Romphf, who are pursuing new careers as
chefs and were members of the Fat Boys
Catering team. They have certainly found
their niche and provided an excellent meal!
The Union hall was a beautiful place
to be that evening, not merely because
of the festive decorations, but because of
the smiling faces of our union enjoying a
facility that is so much a product of their
hard work. Anyone looking into hosting
an event should consider using our venue
as it is truly exceptional. I hope the Adult
Christmas Party will become a new tradition in the Local.
Children’s Christmas Party
The best part of the Christmas season is
seeing children’s happy faces. This year’s
WSIB Report
continued from page seventeen __________________________________________
tions, s/he might wish to use the date of
your next reassessment. Check over your form
before leaving the doctor’s office to insure all
the boxes have been completed.
If the employer offers you modified work that
is within your restrictions, WSIB expects you to
accept this work or you risk not being paid.
Once your claim is accepted, WSIB may pay
loss of earnings benefits if it is determined you
are totally disabled and unable to work, (with
medical substantiation) or if you are partially
disabled and there is no work available with
your restrictions from your employer. If you
declined modified work, which the employer
offers, that is within your restrictions, even if the
Board has accepted your claim, you still may
not be paid for the lost time.
Appeal Decisions
If you’ve received a decision letter from the
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board denying acceptance of your WSIB claim, be aware
you can appeal the decision. To appeal the
decision, we in the CAW WSIB office need a
copy of the denial letter, and written authorization which allows us to represent you.
Authorizing us to represent you which is given
on the Form 6 (Worker’s Report of Injury)
allows verbal communication between the
Board and your representatives. In order for us
to receive written communication (example,
your claim file) from WSIB, we need to provide
them with written authorization which allows
us to represent. We have these authorization
forms in the CAW WSIB office.
The denial letter from the adjudicator has
a date near the end of the letter, which is the
deadline for appeal. The time limit is usually six
months from the date at the top of the adjudicator’s letter. However, if the item under appeal
deals with Labour Market Re-entry, be aware
that the appeal time is only 30 days. These
appeals have to be dealt with immediately.
If your employer is objecting to your claim
allowed by WSIB and you receive your claim
file in the mail, the Worker Participant Form
must be filled out and sent back to the board
within 30 days.
Any questions contact either your WSIB
Representative, or your plant chairperson.
In Solidarity,
Patricia Johnston/Duffy Zafur
CAW/WSIB Worker’s Representative
Chrysler Assembly Plant
Children’s Party at
Versailles Convention
Centre was the backdrop for Christmas
BY
excitement. It was
Priscilla
great to see families MacKenzie
spending time togethRECREATION
er and enjoying each
COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON
others company.
Hosting such an
event takes a great deal
of commitment by volunteers and I would
like to thank everyone that came to help
out. There are so many people within our
Local who give so willingly of their time
to make the union a better place. I cannot
express how much I have appreciated your
selflessness – You know who you are.
At this time of year in particular, I
encourage everyone to consider those
who are less fortunate than us. Please
remember children who wake up hungry
or cold and donate whatever you can to
help make our communities better places
for all. Those we help could easily be our
Brothers, Sisters and neighbours.
Moving On...
In June 2007 I was granted the privilege
of serving the members of Local 1285 as
Recreation Chair. I am very thankful for
this opportunity and I feel this has been
a tremendous learning experience for me.
I have met many wonderful people and
am proud of the committee’s accomplishments since becoming Chair. While there
is always work to do in preparing for each
event, they have all been fun and well
received by the membership.
Unfortunately, the realities of the situation are that I am one of the many laid
off workers in our Local right now. I
made a decision in September to resign
as Recreation Chair effective at the
December General Membership Meeting.
As with anyone in this transitional phase
of their life, I must assess where I will be
in the coming months and focus on moving forward. I wish the next Rec Chair the
best of luck in their endeavours and hope
that some of the initiatives I have introduced to the Local will be continued.
I wish you all the happiness life can
offer! May the most you wish for, be the
least you receive.
In Peace and Solidarity.
Priscilla MacKenzie
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 18
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 19
CAW Local 1285 News
Thank you Local 1285
Times are changing
and we continue to support you!
Let’s work together and help us both.
Let’s think and adopt this motto:
BUILD IT HERE!
SELL IT HERE
BUY IT HERE
LET’S GROW HERE!
Once again Brampton Chrysler commits to
you as you commit to us.
you
g
n
i
erv own
s
w
No
get !
r
o
e
at G sler too
Chry
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 20
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
CAW Local 1285 Childrens’ Christmas Party
November 30, 2008
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 21
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 22
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 23
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 24
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
We will beat any competitor’s
advertised price on any new vehicle
for Chrysler employees,
their families and friends!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 25
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 26
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
____ Brampton Assembly Women’s Advocate Report ____
The old timers in the auto industry (with
21 years seniority, I guess I qualify as one
now) used to say that in the auto industry
it’s always feast or famine. We accepted
this and knew to plan for the famine
while we were working six or seven days
a week. Now it seems we are fighting
every day for our jobs and livelihood.
Unfortunately the near future doesn’t look
any better either.
The media is still playing it up as if
we’re lazy, greedy, over-paid auto workers. I’d like to see those guys work on
the assembly line even if only for just
one day. You should see people’s faces
when I tell them that the cars go through
people’s work stations in 50 seconds and
that the line workers actually have to ask
to go to the washroom and then wait for
their turn! It takes a special kind of person
to do these jobs and no, not everyone is
cut out for it. Every chance I get I try to
squash this mind set; it’s not fair and it’s
definitely not correct!
With the uncertainty, stress seems at
an all-time high. Now is the time to band
together and try to support each other in
any way that we can. The coworker beside
you could be a lot worse off than you
think. A few kind words of support can go
a long way in times like these.
Christmas Baskets
On behalf of the Local 1285 Women’s
Committee I would like to thank everyone
who participated in the drive for articles
to go into our committee’s annual basket
donation for the women’s shelters. It’s
hard enough being in a shelter with your
kids, but at Christmas time it must seem
just a little worse. So if we can make
Christmas just a little easier for them,
why not? Isn’t that what Christmas is all
about?
December 6th
Each year the Women’s Committee does
the annual candlelight vigil on December
6th at Gage Park and now also in the
___ Brampton City Hall
Atrium. It is in memory of the 14 women
engineering students
who were killed at
École Polytechnique
BY
in Montreal.
Phyllis
Brampton’s Mayor,
Foster
Susan
Fennell,
BRAMPTON
attended the event this
ASSEMBLY
year and spoke again
WOMEN’S
of the fateful masADVOCATE
sacre that occurred on
that day. The mayor’s
office once again provided Gage Park and
the atrium free of charge. I would like to
thank them for their generosity.
That day was a defining moment for
Canadians and it propelled the issue of
violence against women from a private,
unspoken family secret to a public issue
demanding societal change. This year
signifies the 19th anniversary of the massacre. The historic amount of people
killed on that day still holds the Canadian
record.
In closing, I would like to wish everyone and their family a safe and enjoyable
holiday. Hopefully we’ll have a brighter
year ahead.
In peace and solidarity,
Phyllis Foster
Community Service Committee Chairperson’s Report ____
I had the pleasure and honour to work alongside Priscilla
McKenzie (outgoing Recreation Chairperson) while organizing The Canadian Pavilion at this year’s Carabram. Brampton’s
multi-cultural festival.
After many endless phone calls and emails we finally pulled
everything together. We had a full weekend of entertainment
but a few of our highlights were the River Red Cloggers,
Aboriginal drummers, singers and dancers, who we had performing for us. The Liaison College of Culinary Arts did our
catering, we served maple glazed salmon cooked on a cedar
plank, roast back bacon on a bun and bison burgers.
We had so many compliments on our food. Priscilla did
an amazing job, she will be truly missed. I look forward to
working with the new Recreation chair on the 2009 Carabram
Canadian Pavilion.
Always a Need
The two charities that our local supports are the Knights Table
and St. Louise Outreach Centre. They do such good work for
this community. With the growing number of job losses in the
economy there is always a need for their services. The Knights
Table has always been close and dear to my heart. Some of the
services that they provide free of charge to those in need are:
1) First Bit, breakfast is served daily to 30-40 people. In
2007 they served over 9,000 breakfasts.
2) Cecil’s Kitchen, lunch and dinner
is served daily. They serve 33,000 meals
also that same year.
3) Our Pantry, 3,600 families have
accessed the food bank. This year the
plans to hand out at least 430 Holiday
Food Hampers.
Volunteer Day
BY
In the near future I would like to hold
Patty
a CAW volunteer day. We will provide,
Johnston
help prepare and serve either breakfasts
COMMUNITY
or dinners that day. If you’re interested in
SERVICES
COMMITTEE
volunteering, watch for postings and please
CHAIRPERSON
get in touch with me. From time to time we
hold food drives at the plants or at the local,
please try to remember to bring a donation of non-perishable
food to support our local charities. Any charitable organization
in our own community would also welcome your contribution.
For those who have high school students who are in need
of community service hours, this is an excellent way to volunteer.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday.
Patricia (Patty) Johnston
[email protected]
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 27
CAW Local 1285 News
Chrysler Brampton Assembly Plant Report _ ___
Sales Drop
____ Brampton Assembly Plant was able to avoid layoffs as a result
of the strong sales of the Dodge Challenger until recently.
Unfortunately even the Challenger sales are now softening.
The actual orders for Dodge Challengers for the month of
October were approximately 21,000 declining to approximately 17,000 in November. If we were able to produce 100
percent Challengers we would be able to say that we have 17
days of orders. However, the plant was not set up to be able
to build more than 260 Challengers per day on a two shift
operation.
The sales of the 300 and the Charger have dropped drastically and as a result the plant has been finding it difficult to
build a schedule with the three vehicle model mix. The total
orders for the LX have dropped to approximately 10,000 for
the month of November. To make matters worse some of those
orders are forecast sales based on special packages that will be
available in the near future.
New Year Off To Bad Start
The week of December 1, 2008 marked the first down week
for the Brampton Assembly Plant since January of this year.
The company continues to review the order condition and
determine on a weekly basis if we will be
working the following week.
The company has also decided that it
is necessary to halt production for the
first two weeks of 2009. As a result the
members of Brampton Assembly Plant
will not return to work after the Christmas
Holiday until January 19, 2009.
BY
Terry
Browne
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
Recall Employees
On a positive note there will be approximately 100 members retiring from Brampton Assembly Plant on December 31,
2008, and they will be able to retire with the newly negotiated
$75,000 lump sum as well as the $35,000 car voucher.
We also had 24 active members who have decided to take
the Voluntary Termination of Employment Plan (VTEP).
To all that have been able to take this opportunity, I wish
you the best in your new life, Congratulations!
We have been able to maintain a fairly stable number of
employees in the plant recently with the plant wide training
and migration to SMART Manufacturing. The Training and
migration should be completed by the end of February and we
potentially will need to recall additional employees in order to
achieve this.
1285 Children’s Christmas Party
With all the attention on the auto industry, in the midst of
the global economic crisis we are facing, attending the Local
1285 Children’s Christmas party was a very welcome and
refreshing change. It was excellent to see and welcome all
the members and their families who attended the event. I was
actually reminded of the importance of enjoying and spending
quality time with our families.
There was a faint shadow of concern, but the comments
were kept to a minimum on that day and rightfully so. I just
want to share with you my appreciation for your warm wishes
that day and to take the time to wish everyone a very Merry
Christmas and a happy New Year.
Enjoy the time with your friends and families and please
remember those who are less fortunate.
____________________ Aramark Foods Unit Report ____________________
Hello to everyone;
Negative Outlook
It’s that time of year again. Christmas is here
which marks the end of another year. It’s very
hard to look forward to a new year with all the
negative outlook in the economy which strongly
affects our jobs. Let’s hope that things turn around
quickly.
I was recently at the Retirement Christmas Party,
which was happily attended by many retirees of
whom I met and greeted. They were all very happy
& healthy.
We have an employee retiring at the end of
December, our congratulations to Lucia Tucci.
Finally I would like to wish everyone a Merry
Christmas & a very Happy New Year.
Please be safe while away from work and don’t
drink & drive.
BY
Rosie
Laramee
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 28
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
Benteler Automotive Unit Report _______________
Benteler Elects New Plant Committee
_______________ During plant elections held in November the membership at
Benteler elected a new committee. The elected members are
Alvin Ferron, Chairperson, Ruben Rivero and Brian Gorman,
committeepersons and Sandro Marres Skilled Trades committeeperson.
National Rep.
The plant committee would like to welcome Munir Khalid
as our new National Rep. We look forward to working with
him. Thanks to Bob Orr who has moved on.
Plant Population
As of this report there were 180 employees working with
a scheduled lay-off the first two weeks of January 2009.
Employees will have to file a new E.I. claim.
Grievances
There are approximately 14 grievances in the system
including two that are slated for arbitration.
Union/Company Relations
BY
Alvin
As the new committee takes office we
Ferron
gave the company notice that we want to
UNIT
have a good and productive relationship.
CHAIRPERSON
We are having problems with a so called
new job the company has introduced. A
job that was eliminated but now they are bringing it back with
a new name and with more work and added responsibilities.
Holiday Season
The committee extends season’s greetings to all employees
during the holidays and a prosperous 2009. Please don’t drink
and drive.
In Solidarity
Alvin Ferron
TransAlta Mississauga Cogeneration Plant
______________________________________________ Unit Report _______________________________________________
Full Steam Ahead With The Austerity Program
Review all budgets, stop all spending, and from now on we
will rebuild and reuse!
Let those pipes freeze, we can’t afford to insulate them!
No shutdowns, we can’t afford to plan them so we’ll wait
for the breakdowns!!
We will run this operation for free!!!
Drastic Austerity is a sign of the times. Over zealous intent
to save can unfortunately have detrimental effects to an operation and result in many workers losing their livelihood.
It was a romantic full moon when Pedro said “Hey,
mamacita, let’s do Weeweechu.”
Oh no, not now, let’s look at the moon!” said Patita
Oh, c’mon baby, let’s you and I do Weeweechu. I love
you and it’s the perfect time,” Pedro begged.
“But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the
moon.” Replied Patita.
Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with
me.”
Patita looked at Pedro and said, “OK, one time, we’ll
do Weeweechu.”
Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang....
“Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a
Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and
a Happy New Year.”
At TransAlta, for the first time in the
history of the Mississauga Plant, the year
end get-together for employees and their
spouses has been cancelled. The summer
golf/picnic event has also fallen by the
wayside. This plant has been and conBY
tinues to be a great and profitable investJoe
ment. Needless to say employees are disCorreia
appointed. The appreciation events were a
UNIT
morale booster and now that they are all
CHAIRPERSON
gone employee ownership is fading. The
comment that “it’s only a job” is being
heard more frequently. This is not a reflection of the spirit that
built this plant to the envious success that it is.
Luminus Scraps TranAlta Bid
As a follow up to my last article regarding the takeover offer
from Luminus Management LLC, I’d like to report that in
October, Luminus scrapped its bid for an all cash offer to buy
TransAlta. An article in the Globe speculated that the credit
crisis in the US would have made it difficult for Luminus to
raise the necessary equity.
Happy Holidays Everyone
Be Safe – Be Happy – Smile – Be with Loved Ones.
In Solidarity,
Joe Correia
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 29
CAW Local 1285 News
Eberspacher Unit Report ____________________
Low Interest Loans Needed
_________________________ Dear brothers and sisters,
As I am typing this article the Democrats have just finalized
a $14 billion Auto Deal for the Big Three in the U.S. and I hope
this will prompt the Ontario and the Federal governments to act
quickly before we see more job losses due to plant closures.
Chrysler Canada Inc. is asking for more that $1.5 billion in
low-interest loans from the Federal and Ontario governments so
that they can survive the current economic downturn. Chrysler
Canada produces about 23 percent of the parent company’s cars
and light trucks and accounts for about 12.5 percent of its sales
in North America. Chrysler Canada also warned that if the governments did not give them the necessary aid they would close
the two assembly plants in Ontario (one in Brampton and the
other in Windsor) which employ about 8,000 and will also affect
420 other parts suppliers, including Eberspacher, Benteler, etc.
Job Creation
My suggestions to Chrysler, your “two major assembly plants”
in Ontario are your most productive plants in the world; the government can convince them to move all production to Canada.
Our government could offer to finance their entire loan for an
equity stake in the company. We could then seek guarantees
for all new production to be granted to existing – or even new
– plants in Canada. As it stands today, it’s already 20 percent
cheaper to do business here due to the dollar, not to mention the
money to be saved on health insurance for all its workers. This
would create more manufacturing jobs that we badly need.
Car sales in Canada dropped in the month of November by
10.3 percent from last year, as we are officially in a recession.
The drop in car sales has nothing to do with execs, poor design,
quality, etc. It’s the global financial crisis caused by the spike in
oil prices and the credit crunch caused by the sub-prime scandal in the U.S. housing market. Yet the government bailed out
the banks that caused this mess, so why not the car companies
to save the jobs of some of the regular hard working people
who actually work with their hands.
At Eberspacher we were shutdown on
the first week in December because of the
Brampton Assembly shutdown, also we
will be down from December 22nd, 2008 to
January 19th, 2009 as per BAP’s schedule.
Lease Expires
BY
Alfaz
Zaban
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
On Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 around
2:10 p.m. the HR manager John Rapp, (formally from SKD), called me and told me that the plant manager,
Glen Retty, wanted to see me in this office. They told me that we
have to continue to improve the plant by cutting costs increasing
efficiency and hoped we will survive the economic crisis and
secure the future of the plant. They told me that the compact
cells are all leased from the banks and we are not utilizing all of
them on both shifts. The lease for the compact cell would be up
in February 2009 and to save costs they would send back cell A,
B, C, D, I and J without the fixture. They would program these
fixtures on cell E, F, G and H and run them on both shifts. Also,
they would balance both shifts without any lay-off. The six cells
would be moving out during the January shutdown.
New Business
1. The company is still committed to bring the Volt, which
would be running in cell M and cell L.
2. The catalytic converters for Cami which would only be
25 pcs per day
3. The sensor boss weld would be done in house to save
cost
4. They are looking to do the “x” pipe in house but this is
in the initial stage.
I hope the economy will improve in the first quarter of
2009!
Wishing you all very happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
A very happy New Year – 2009! To all
Alfaz Zaban
Abednego Unit Report __________________________
Tough And Anxious Times
__________________________ What tough and anxious times. The only things we can count
on are: line-ups, traffic jams, bills to pay and a long list of
worries and hardship. But somehow we always find the way to
survive and overcome whatever life will throw at us.
Another Christmas and New Year are approaching. It is
time to focus on our loved ones, families, friends, neighbours
and especially the less fortunate, even if they are complete
strangers to us. This is a time to look inside, find the good
things and share them with others who need it even more than
we do.
Many of us will have to work during Xmas break but the
majority will have a few well-deserved days with their families. Enjoy the moments, cherish the feelings and let the
smiles of others make you happy. I wish
you all healthy, happy, safe holiday and
a prosperous New Year. It is not a good
BY
time to write about problems at work and
Felix
complain, as everybody has an abundance
Stolc
of them.
UNIT
I would like to extend my congratulaCHAIRPERSON
tions to all of the newly elected chairs in
the Local and to the Parts Depot on their
new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
With Love and In solidarity,
Felix Stolc
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 30
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
T1 Automotive Group Unit Report ______________
Weathering The Storm
______________ Hello Brothers and Sisters
First of all I would like to wish those
of you who have been off work due to
illness or injury a speedy recovery and
hope to see you all back to work soon.
A quick update on what’s been going
on here at TI Automotive. To no ones
surprise, it’s no surprise but, we have
had another lay-off. Now when it comes
right down to it, there’s never a good
time to be laid-off but at Christmas,
well, that just blows. So to those who
have been affected by this recent layoff, my hope for you is that. You are
able to stay positive and persevere
through these tough times. Also if there
is anything that I can do, please give me
a call or drop in and see us.
The Big Three
As all of you are aware the auto
industry is facing some very rough
and uncharted waters. My hope for
our future is that we are able to work
together to batten down our hatches and
ride out this storm.
Deepest Sympathies
Our condolences go out to the families of Frank and Stewart Barnes,
Alan Harbinson, Andre Knox, George
Walsh, Donna McCue, Darrel Hodder
and Betty Brown, who have all lost
loved ones,
Congratulations
We had a number
of employees retire
BY
this year. Enjoy,
Zeb
(Roger)
and congratulations
Teves
to all and the best
UNIT
of luck in future
CHAIRPERSON
endeavours.
On behalf of the
Union Committee, I would like to take
this opportunity to wish all of you,
your family and friends a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In Solidarity
Zeb R Teves
Chrysler Brampton Office/Clerical Engineering
____________________________________ Unit Report ____________________________________
retirement. To Ron, good luck with your
Take
A
Break
studies and your new career choice. All
Season’s Greetings Brothers And Sisters:
of you have been part of our family, have
At this time I would like to skip the doom and gloom, the state
of our nation, industry, manufacturing, economy as well as the
challenges we face in our unit as a result of our downsizing, to
concentrate on the positives that this season has to offer.
The festive season, with Christmas, is a celebration of
family, friendships and the joy of giving. New Year brings with
it, renewal and the hope that the future will hold better things
to come, personally and in the broader picture. During this
period, I urge everyone to take a break from everything else.
Several members in our group have decided on a new beginning. To Nina, Alex, Debbie, Phyllis, Ken, Peter, Rudy, Mark,
Nelson, Ray, Gary, Ansar and Bogdan, we wish you a happy
__________________________ Shop
Locally
Hello Brothers and Sisters.
befriended us and it was a pleasure, as
BY
well as a privilege, to have been associDanielle
ated with you. Please keep in touch.
Billo
I would also like to personally thank
UNIT
Rudy and Ron for supporting me in my
CHAIRPERSON
role as the Chair. Your dedication, while
holding office, has made my job easier. I
will miss you. Thank you again.
In closing I wish everyone in 1285, active as well as retired
Brothers and Sisters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In Solidarity
Danielle Billo
PL Foods Unit Report __________________________
This past year has seen some dramatic changes
for Ontario workers in all areas of manufacturing.
Hopefully 2009 will be a more positive year.
PL Foods is a large scale bakery specializing
in crackers and biscuits with approximately 300
employees. The softening of the dollar and lower
commodity prices have helped profit margins and
encouraged investment in new modern packaging
equipment and product lines.
Our plant committee Colleen Graham, Lucy
Rivero, Nina Murphy, Jennifer Mohomed, Monnie
Keefe, and health and safety co-chair Sheila Warr
have done a great job for our members in our first
year of certification with the CAW.
On behalf of all the members here at PL Foods
I’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season! Shop locally and give generously and
please “Don’t drink and drive.”
In solidarity,
Warren Jackson.
BY
Warren
Jackson
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 31
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 32
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
Dana/Long Manufacturing Unit Report _________
have 94 members working on the floor. At
So
Many
Uncertainties
this time we have 42 members on layoff and
What a year it has been, the struggles we have endured, the
the numbers may increase in the new year.
_________ continual layoffs throughout the year, seeing our co-workers
For all the members who are off sick or
come and go with no end in sight for the next year. So many
injured, we wish you a speedy recovery
uncertainties the crisis in the auto sector, the financial crisis,
and for all who are laid off at this time, you
BY
plant closures. I know that everyone is concerned about the
are in our thoughts and we wish you well.
Judy
security of their jobs and it is quite a sobering dilemma, but
You are welcomed to call me at any time.
Ransom
it is really beyond our control at this point. The most positive
UNIT
Odds & Sods
thing that I can say to the existing membership right now is
CHAIRPERSON
I would like to congratulate Dave Plester
that we are still here, we are still working and we are going to
and Shirley Jensen on their pending retirehave to take one day at a time. There is the possibility that the
ments as of January 1, 2009. We wish you both all the best and
Thermal Division may be sold and there is a possibility that
a very long and happy retirement. You will be missed!
we may receive the new Volt business, it is simply “a wait and
As I am sure everyone knows by now we have a new
see” at this time.
Human Resource person. Scott Gilmore has come from the
So the “Big Three” have approached the government to
Dana Thorold Plant to replace Cheryl Cavallaro who is off on
request financial aid and a lot of people in the country are
maternity leave.
saying “hell no,” don’t help them and of course we are saying
I attended my first Canadian Auto
“hell ya” help them out.
Council on December 3-7, 2008 and
Let’s look at some facts about the
would like to say that I enjoyed seeauto industry.
ing the process and being apart of it. I
Fact: A total of 440,000 Canadian
was very interested in all the speakers,
jobs depend directly or indirectly on
all the presentations, meeting many
the auto industry.
new sisters and brothers and feeling
Fact: Autoworkers alone pay $2.2
the solidarity that filled the room. I do
billion in federal and provincial
believe that Ken Lewenza will make all
income taxes yearly.
of the Canadian Auto Workers proud
Fact: Economic consultants have
as the new President of the CAW. And
estimated that a 25 percent decline in
auto exports(resulting from the bank- Shirley Jensen, left, retires with 22 years’ service. I would like to thank Wayne Wright
ruptcy of one of the Big Three) would Dave Plester, right, retires with 20 years’ service. for being a friend and for someone that
I continually got lost with as we were
eliminate 155,000 Canadian jobs and
both newcomers trying to find our way around.
cost governments $6 billion per year in lost revenues.
Thank you to all who supported the Ste. Louise Outreach
Fact: No company is immune from the terrible decline in
Centre with toys and food and also to those who supported the
auto sales caused by the financial crisis. European and Asian
Women’s Shelter. A special thank you to Jon Head, our plant
automakers are also getting financial assistance from their
manager, your continued support of these worthy causes each
home governments to weather this storm.
year is greatly appreciated.
Fact: Since September, the federal government and its agen On behalf of the committee, I would like to wish everyone
cies have announced financial support for Canadian banks
and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New
totaling over $100 billion.
Year with good health, great happiness and much prosperity
The government needs to act and needs to act now!!!
to come!
In Solidarity
Layoffs May Increase
Judy Ransom
In Dana/Long, there are 106 members, 12 of those members are
on approved LOA such as STD, LTD and WSIB, so actually we
Have a safe and happy holiday,
wishing you Peace and Prosperity
in the New Year!
In Solidarity,
Scott Richardson, Hydro One
Cesare Colarossi, Parts Office
Bill McMullin, Team Industrial 1
Danny Laiq, Team Industrial 2
Scott
Richardson
HYDRO ONE
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
Cesare
Colarossi
PARTS OFFICE
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
Bill
McMullin
TEAM INDUSTRIAL 1
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
Danny
Laiq
TEAM INDUSTRIAL 2
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 33
CAW Local 1285 News
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 34
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
_______________________________ Neilson Dairy Unit Report ________________________________
New
Owners
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Saputo as the
new owners of Neilson Dairy. We look forward to developing
a strong working relationship and finding new ways to make
our dairy economically viable for years to come.
As you are all undeniably aware, we are well into the joyous holiday season. Those of us with children were fortunate
enough to enjoy the generosity of the Christmas parties hosted
by both the CAW and Neilson Dairy. Personally, my girls had
a fabulous time, and I would like to thank all of those who
volunteered their time. Without the volunteers, these spirited
parties would cease to exist.
Middle Men
I do not want to lecture you about the optics of our economy, although it does seem as though the blue collar worker
takes the brunt of most bad management decisions.
We, as “the middle men” fulfil our duties and comply with required work ethics,
but are then frowned upon because we
are “grouped” under a management that
is partially blamed for the downfall of the
economy. Although these accusations are
at times frustrating, I believe and remain
confident in the aspirations and visions
of our union. We must stand together
BY
in these economically challenging times.
Billy
Optimistically I trust we can all look
Alcorn
forward to a foundationally strong and
UNIT
stable 2009.
CHAIRPERSON
On that note, I would like to wish you
all a very happy and prosperous New Year.
One filled with hope, love and endless possibilities.
In unity we stand,
Billy Alcorn
Mopar/Mercedes Parts Depot Unit Report ________________
On November 30th, 2008, 30 people
Enjoy
Retirement
retired and we wish them all the best in
I would like to start my report by congratulating all of those
the future. We still may have the possibil_______________ who took the retirement packages and wishing you all the
best in your retirement. May all of you have many years of
great health, happiness and finally fully enjoy your families
and favourite hobbies. The warehouse will not be the same
without all of you there. You are all going to be missed,
Congratulations!
Depots Closed
Since my last CAW 1285 news report, many things have happened. In September Chrysler announced that they would be closing four Depots in Canada: Vancouver, Winnipeg, Mississauga
and Montreal. As you can imagine the news was devastating for
the membership and leadership alike. We met with the company
and negotiated a settlement that kept Mississauga and Montreal
open but we were not able to keep Vancouver and Winnipeg.
The Leadership was able to negotiate closure agreements that
benefited the Brothers and Sisters who lost their jobs. Regardless
how substantial a closure agreement is, it is still small consolation for the loss of a good union job. Also closed was Chrysler’s
Moncton Depot which is non-unionized.
Jobs Outsourced
The fact that these two unionized Depots closed means
that we have lost two valued Union leaders, Rob Cote from
Winnipeg and Trung Ngo from Vancouver. Their dedication,
contribution and long standing commitment to our Union and
to their respective memberships will be missed as we move
ahead in our dealings with Chrysler.
Part of the agreement to keep the Mississauga Depot open,
resulted in the outsourcing of 26 jobs which included dock
jobs, janitorial and maintenance. Also eliminated were eight
full time existing jobs within the warehouse. Because of the
outsourcing language that we have in our contract, we were
able to get 34 retirement packages for our senior members.
ity of three or four of our members being
permanently laid off.
Show Of Solidarity
At this time I have many people to thank.
First; Jerry Dias, Whitey MacDonald, Leon
BY
Rideout, Dave Ireland and Neil Smythe for
Terry
all of their hard work and support during
Penny
those trying days. For a job well done;
UNIT
Chris Terpselas, Jeff Forester and Paul
CHAIRPERSON
Lewis, your Bargaining Committee. I also
appreciate and want to note all of the hard
work and effort that George Avgeropoulos and Todd Riverso
are doing on behalf of the membership. I would also like to
thank all of the other Chairs from the other Depots who stood
in Solidarity with us until the very end of negotiations. A very
special thanks to Mike Longman, Chairperson of the Red Deer
Depot, who along with his membership, was instrumental in
keeping us open by cutting further costs at his Depot for us to
remain viable. To me, this is Solidarity and what Unionism is
all about.
Since we signed the agreement there has been a lot of confusion as to what the interpretation of the language represents.
We are continually in the process of sorting this out and clarifying expectations. Your In-Plant Committee and Bargaining
Committee are well aware of your concerns, frustrations and
the stress levels that you are all feeling. However, during this
time of transition we have to remain calm, cool and collected
and sort out any problems that may arise with the tools that we
have available to us. We will get through this!!!
Holiday Wishes to everyone and their families. May your
Christmas and New Year be happy and safe.
In Solidarity,
Terry Penny
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 35
CAW Local 1285 News
Kennedy Optical
TOMMY – GUCCI – EASY CUP –
158 Queen Street East, Brampton
Tel. (905) 456-2840
– Quality Personalized Service
– Serving Brampton
Chrysler Plant Since 1991
– Eye Exams On Site
Monday, Tuesday,
and Friday............... 10 – 6
Wednesday
and Thursday.......... 10 – 7
Saturday.................. 10 – 4
DIESEL – GUESS? – FLEXON – DIOR
Quality Eyewear & Service
At The Right Price
ARMANI – CALVIN KLEIN – OAKLEY – RAY BAN – DKNY
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 36
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
_____________________________ Crosby Canada Unit Report _ _____________________________
Thanx Roger
Brothers & Sisters
Roger DaSliva has resigned as Chair of Crosby Canada for
personal reasons. He will be sorely missed. Roger gave our
unit a credible voice both with the company and the local. On
behalf of our membership I would like to thank him for his
service to the union and wish him well in the future.
Huge Responsibility
I have taken the position of Unit Chairperson
by acclamation. I wish to thank all of the
members who gave me words of encouragement in reaching this decision. The position
of unit chair is not an easy one. It will be my
responsibility to represent all the members
in a credible and ethical manner. I am only
human and certainly will make mistakes but
I ask for the understanding, patience, and
continued support of all the membership.
Without you I cannot do my job.
Fair Trade
I hope to call a unit meeting by early
February to answer any questions that
the membership may have and to address
ongoing issues such as holidays, vacations,
and shifts. I would like to mention that
I had the opportunity to attend a CAW
Delegate Conference on November 28th,
2008, in Etobicoke. The CAW economist,
Jim Stanford, impressed me with the fact
that the North American economy and its
BY
workers need “Fair Trade” not “Free
Alex
Trade.” There is a huge
Koeslag
trade imbalance between
UNIT
North America and third
CHAIRPERSON
world countries and we
as workers need to educate our members, our politicians and our
neighbours that good paying union jobs do
not destroy the economy, but do the reverse.
They Support The Economy!
On behalf of myself, and the committee,
Odingo Green and Joe Pacheco, we would
like to wish everyone at Crosby Canada,
Local 1285, and all their families, a very
Merry Christmas, a safe holiday season and a
much brighter outlook for 2009.
In Solidarity
Alex Koeslag
©CALM
Daimler Commercial Bus Ltd. Unit Report _____
Roller Coaster Ride
_____ I want to start by saying that the last month has been a roller
coaster ride for us here in our Mississauga and Canadian
Operations. This is all as a result of the bad publicity and problems brought forth by the TTC. I contacted Dr. Andy Strecker,
our CEO, and have been in consultation with our Chief
Operating Officer, Dr. Martin Walz, as to what the company is
intending to do to resolve this problem as well as prevent any
undue hardship on workers. My understanding is that the battery problem is being corrected and we are addressing, as we
have in the past, any problems or rework as we always have.
Keep Work In House
My personal view is that the TTC has been a good, reliable
customer in the past and my hopes are that we can correct
these issues and continue to build an improved quality bus
for them. We will be bringing out a new EPA 10 Bus in 2010
which, I have been told, can run on diesel, natural gas, electric,
or as a hybrid. This will help us in compete in a global market.
We have been through hard times before and bounced back as
many of our senior workers can tell you. My goal has always
been to keep as much work here as possible bring and work in
house. I always try hard to keep us all working so we can have
a steady income for our families. It has been a challenge at this
time with our manufacturing going to Mexico to set up shop
and the world economy, but we need and
deserve to have our manufacturing sector
in Canada remain here and we do deserve
BY
the government to invest in Canada and
Wally
create jobs here. We are now at a stage
Syme
where we are going to prepare to present
UNIT
our demands for a new contract. There are
CHAIRPERSON
a number of outstanding issues relating to
our present contract language that need to
be changed in the upcoming contract talks to reflect a more
fair and reasonable treatment of our members. Walking the
floor, as mentioned I would, in my plant report, has brought to
light the need for changes to be made. I appreciate the members bringing and keeping myself and their Union Committee
people updated on the issues that are important to them as
workers. Although the economy may be an issue at this time,
it will not prevent your committee from fighting for things that
you rightly deserve for yourselves and your families. I urge
you to continue to bring your concerns or any new proposals
to your committee so that we may tackle them on your behalf.
In closing may I extend a personal wish along with your committee to your and your families. Have a Merry Christmas and
a good year in 2009.
Wally Syme
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 37
CAW Local 1285 News
Oakville
905.845.3441
Brampton 905.790.0344
twinoakcu.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 38
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
SKD Brampton Unit Report _______________________________
Merry Christmas – I Think Not!!
______________________________ The times are a changing. Not so long ago we had almost 30
hundred people, now with the economy tanking faster than
a toilet flush, we are left with 140, with some of those on
layoff.
When Chrysler goes down for any reason, we have virtually
no one in the plant. There is no good time to be laid off but this
time of year creates even greater stress on our members.
Discriminatory Practice.
SKD, as with almost everyone else, is suffering due to the
economic crunch but to add insult to injury our company has
recently undergone some managerial changes, if you want to
call them managers. These individuals recently took it up on
themselves to interpret language that they didn’t have a full
understanding as to what was negotiated at contract time and
did not pay a $400 signing bonus to many of our employees
who were on layoff. Our contract clearly states they were to be
paid. Many of their decisions are questionable including some
discriminatory practices against some of our injured workers
trying to return. We continue to struggle and fight these issues
through the grievance procedure, however it takes time.
try to push them, as usual they will have
one hell of a fight.
Success
On a lighter note we had a kids’
Christmas party and it was a success
BY
once again. I would like to thank Leonard
Dave
Correia for all his hard work with the Rec.
Hall
Club and the company for paying for the
UNIT
hall and the food.
CHAIRPERSON
We had three members recently retire
and I would like to wish them well
(Vicente Almeida, Pedro Costa and ken Dantanarayana) all of
whom achieved 25 years of seniority. Well-done gentlemen.
We would also like to send our condolences to the Haase
family and the Currea family on the recent loss of family
members.
In closing I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas
season and enjoy the holidays.
In Solidarity,
Dave Hall
Need Strong Leadership
SKD is also failing at this time in dealing with harassment. We continually have to ask that they monitor the
graffiti as it has become intolerable. You would think that
with fewer employees, they would be able to manage better. Obviously that is not the case.
At this juncture we need strong leadership to guide us
through these times. Unfortunately we do not have it from
the company but we endeavour to continue to work for our
membership and see where this situation takes us.
In January 2009 we will be laying off people for an
indefinite period due to economic circumstances and will
be left with only 78 people in the plant including skilled
trades. I do not know how the company will be able to run
with those numbers but they say they can. This is going to
put a strain on the people that remain as the company will
___________________ “If I wanted you to speak your mind, I would have issued you one.”
©CALM
Strain On Members
Tilton Industries Unit Report ___________________
I would like to thank everyone in Local 1285 for
your support during the elections.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
In Solidarity,
George Bonsu
BY
George
Bonsu
UNIT
CHAIRPERSON
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 39
CAW Local 1285 News
_______________________ Retirees’ Chapter’s Report ________________________
At the November 19th, 2008 Retirees
meeting, attended by about 300 Brothers
& Sisters, we were honoured to have
Dennis Hull as our guest speaker.
Dennis spoke to the retirees on Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, (COPD)
but had everyone laughing as he told
hilarious stories of his hockey career as
well as many great jokes. Everyone commented on what a great speaker he was.
A light lunch was served and Dennis Hull
made himself available with photos and
autographs for at least two hours. Testing
for COPD was available throughout the
meeting and after. There were line ups for
the photos and autographs as well as for
the testing.
Shannon Sorgi, health specialist with
Chrysler Wellness, also spoke to members
on medicine cabinet clean-out. Disposal
bags were distributed at our October meeting. Members were asked to review all of
the medications that were outdated and
return them to the November 19th meeting. Many retirees responded bringing old
prescriptions in.
Many comments on what a great meeting this was. For those members retiring from your workplace, please try to
attend our meetings, usually every third
Wednesday of the month. We do have
some great meetings.
always enjoy getting together, talk about
old times and share a laugh. The retirees
once again responded to help those less
fortunate by bringing food donations.
Marg Beeney donated $25 to our Retiree
Fund – thanks to all of you.
The prizes at this year’s luncheon were
once again endless;
The winners were: Anna Wolenga – 19”
LCD/DVD TV; Cliff Conner –Digital
Camera; Avtar Kalirai – 19” LCD/DVD
TV; Rose Aungier – 19” LCD TV; Terry
Gorman – Digital Camera; Brett Purvis
– $300; Brett Purvis – Binoculars; Bob
Miller – $300; Milan Bilac – $300;
John McFarlane – $300; Ralph Keating
– $300; Robert Joy – 19” LCD TV;
Peter Leschyshyn – Digital Camera;
Muriel Przeciszowski – Digital Camera;
Jeanette Hajjar – Portable DVD; Sammy
Vizzini – Portable DVD; Henry Goulet
– Binoculars; Irene Chipping – iPod;
Karlo Dermit – Radio; Ignac Premus –
Printer; Doug Wiltshire – iPod; Ralph
Keating – iPod; Jim Kirkpartick – iPod;
Jim Kirkpatrick – Radio; Wane Wilson –
Printer; Danica Bockaj – Radio; Christa
Staggemier – Radio
Retiree Christmas Luncheon
On December 10th, 2008, Local 1285
hosted the annual retirees’ lunch at the
Versailles Convention Centre. There were
about 600 in attendance. A lot of retirees
couldn’t make it because of the weather,
as many live more north of the city. It
was a great event as usual. The retirees
Also, thanks to
Val, Maria and Viv
for your work on
making this event
special and your
work throughout the
BY
year. The retirees
Dennis
love you!
Hryhorchuk
Thanks to the
RETIREES’
Local Leadership,
CHAPTER
the Executive Board
CHAIRPERSON
and
Membership
for your support of
the retirees in our endeavours. Merry
Christmas and happy New Year to you
all!
Special Note
Brother Jim Nesbitt could not attend
this year’s Christmas Lunch due to his
health, all the retirees wish him well.
Brother Nesbitt, before retirement, was a
dedicated union activist, committeeperson
and chairperson at AMC/Chrysler. Jim
was a great negotiator and deserves a lot
of credit for the growth of Local 1285
and what we have today. We wish you
well Jim!
Retiree Humour
One of our retirees went into the Social Security Office to apply for his pension
and forgot his ID at home – he explains this to the lady at the front desk. She
says, “well, just open a few buttons on your shirt and show me your chest.” So
he opens his shirt and, sure enough there are a few grey chest hairs – she files
his paperwork without a problem.
He returns home to tell his wife that the nice lady processed his paperwork
without any ID – he only had to open his shirt. His wife said, “you should have
dropped your drawers at the same time and got disability insurance as well”
Congratulations To Our Recent Retirees
Rod Cameron
Pedro Costa
Dion Patience
Jim MacPhee
Shirley Jensen
Ken Dantanarayana
John Baker
Doug Burtch
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
David Plester
Robert Hall
Richard Harcking
Roy Wilkinson
Brian Hiller
Gene Doronila
Tim Pearson
Wayne Sellers
Patrick Elphick
David Ellis
Christino Cauchi
Robert Miller
Wayne Dickey
Michael Small
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Lucia Tucci
Henry Lorenc
Brad Small
Frank Martens
Al MacDonald
Manuel Arruda
Matthew LaMarsh
John Herkes
David Purvis
Ugo Iafolla
Vicente Almeida
Scott Thomas
Brett Purvis
Gord Kerr
John Colarossi
TI Group
Dana Long
Dana Long
Daimler (Orion) Bus
Daimler (Orion) Bus
Aramark
SKD
SKD
SKD
SKD
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Doug Williams
Parts Depot
Ken Jones
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Joe Pasher
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
Parts Depot
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 40
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
NHL Great
Dennis Hull Speaks
At November 19th, 2008
Local 1285 Retirees’ Meeting
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 41
CAW Local 1285 News
2008 CAW L
RETIREES’ CHRI
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 42
December, 2008
CAW Local 1285 News
LOCAL 1285
ISTMAS PARTY
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December, 2008
Page 43
CAW Local 1285 News
LX CARS:
Aren’t they fantastic?
The top 10 from LxForums.com photo contest run by CAW Local 1285 member and
Brampton Assembly employee Rab McLarnon. Check out the LX website
at www.freewebs.com/lxcars/index.htm
Canada Post Corporation
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