The Rubber Report - Winter 2008 Pages 10-16

Local
M
ost people in Stratford know J.J. the D.J. but few
people know he is a fifteen year member of CAW
Local 4451. For most of us J.J. has been a fixture in
the Stratford music scene since we were teenagers!
J.J. had an avid interest in music and loved to collect records as
a teenager. In the early days he would D.J. at friends’ parties,
renting the equipment he used. He would travel to Toronto to get
the latest new wave music at the record stores on Yonge Street.
Often they would have a D.J. set up in the store and J.J. would
watch in fascination.
His first paying job was D.J.ing a friend’s Buck n’ Doe at the
Forest Motel. He claims, “They paid me 50 bucks but I spent it
all on booze and raffle tickets!” In the early eighties J.J. was a
server at Eddie’s Hotel when the disco era was coming to a close.
The management at the hotel was looking for someone to change
the sound from disco to the new wave music that was becoming
popular at the time. So in 1983 they hired J.J. to start D.J.ing for
the club. He used turntables and had a lot of 45’s. He recalls
playing songs like White Wedding, Tainted Love, and Hungry
Like a Wolf. It was around this time they started using a lot of
cassettes rather than the vinyl records that skipped when people
danced on the wooden dance floors.
Shortly after a new bar opened in Stratford called Rumours and
they offered J.J. more money if he would come and be their
house D.J. New Wave was at its height and he played Prince,
Culture Club, Depeche Mode and New Order in the new nightclub. J.J.’s appearance changed with the times and he now
sported a rat tail!
J.J. continued working different jobs by day and D.J.ing in the
club at night. He was becoming well known in the community
and was getting a lot of gigs doing weddings and Buck n’ Does.
It was during this time that he studied Broadcasting at NIB
Broadcasting school in Toronto. This is the same school that Jim
Carrey attended.
J.J. worked at CJCS radio for a while but he didn’t like it
because he didn’t have the face to face contact with his listeners
that he gets at the dances and clubs.
He soon started working at F.A.G. Bearings and then his
business really took off since there were so many contacts there.
He started doing corporate and union Christmas parties. This was
back in the days when the F.A.G. Bearings and Standard
Products Christmas parties would fill the Stratford Coliseum.
In the late eighties CDs changed everything. You couldn’t buy
45s anymore – couldn’t buy a single. Therefore you had to buy
the whole CD to get one song and CDs cost around $30 each.
Many D.J.s went out of business around this time. A lot of local
D.J.s got together and shared their CDs, recording them onto
cassettes. J.J. sported a mullet around this time!
Over the years J.J. has provided the music and entertainment for
many weddings, Buck n’ Does, and fundraisers such as Ball
10
Hockey Dances, the Hawaiian Luau, the Valentine’s Dance, and
Halloween Havoc. He has become quite a community activist and
donates a lot of his time D.J.ing and organizing community
events that benefit children such as Stratford Winterfest, Indoor
Beach Volleyball, and the Hawaiian Luau. He also has donated
his talents to Humane Society and United Way fundraisers.
Lately he’s also been doing a lot of MCing events such as Yuk
Yuks and local high school sporting events.
J.J. is married with two children, Rebecca 16 and Josh 13. His
partner is very understanding since the business keeps J.J. away
from home many weekend evenings. His kids keep him up to
date with the current music. His daughter works as a D.J. at
Culliton Hockey games and also works at CJCS radio. J.J. jokes,
“They will hire her but they won’t hire me because I said ‘shit’
on the air!”
J.J. loves music and loves to see how it makes people feel. This
is what has kept him going for over 25 years. He did have some
not so loving memories to share. There was the one time that the
bride and groom insisted he play nothing but heavy metal music
at the wedding, against his better judgement. People kept coming
up and telling him that he was the worst D.J. they ever heard.
Then there was the time he helped organize and MC’d the fundraiser that brought male strippers to the St. Paul’s Community
Hall. He was banned from working there after that. When rap
music became popular J.J. considered giving it all up because he
hated the music so much. But thank goodness he persevered
because he is probably the best, funniest, and most well-known
D.J. in our city today.
J.J. can be found in the Extrusion department at Plant 2 making
everyone laugh. He’s the one with the hairy back dancing
around!
Kim Kent
CLC/CALM
EI is a critically important program for Canadian
workers, especially in tough times. Laid-off workers
need adequate benefits to support themselves and
their families while they search for a new job.
In the last two recessions, those of the early 1980s
and early 1990s, Canada’s national unemployment
rate rose sharply, from about 7.5 per cent to more
than 11 per cent.
This recession, our EI program will leave many
Canadians out in the cold, unable to qualify for
benefits. Benefits have dropped in the last decade.
Back in 1996, the maximum weekly benefit (in
today’s dollars) was $604. Today, after a decadelong freeze on maximum insurable earnings, it is
only $435. The average benefit is just $335 per
week, much lower than the maximum.
In 2006–07, only four in 10 unemployed workers
qualified for EI. Many young people, recent
immigrants, part-time, temporary and seasonal
workers do not have enough hours of work to
qualify, especially those in large cities.
Those who do qualify are, on average, eligible for
32 weeks of benefits. This is much less than the
theoretical maximum of 50 weeks in a handful of
very high unemployment regions. Some unemployed workers qualify for a maximum of 14 weeks
of benefits.
Even in a period of fairly low unemployment,
more than one in four exhausted their benefits in
2006–07.
Despite deep cuts to the EI program, $8 billion in
regular benefits were paid out to 1.3 million unemployed workers in 2006–07, a year when the
unemployment rate averaged 6.2 per cent.
Despite the cuts and low benefits, a recession
would drive up the costs of the program significantly. An estimated 83 per cent of employees now
paying into the program would qualify for benefits if
they were laid off.
The chief actuary for the program calculates that a
one percentage point rise in the unemployment rate
would raise total EI benefits paid out by $1.4 billion
per year. An increase in the unemployment rate
comparable to the last two recessions would, then,
increase the cost of benefits by as much as $5 billion
per year.
The EI program has accumulated a huge surplus of
$54 billion since the mid 1990s. That surplus could
and should be available to backstop and improve
benefits if we hit a recession. Rainy day funds are,
after all, supposed to be there for rainy days.
The Canadian Labour Congress has called for a
lower entrance requirement of 360 hours of work
across the country so that more workers would
qualify if they are laid off; longer benefits so fewer
unemployed workers exhaust a claim; and higher
weekly benefits based on the best 12 weeks of
earnings before a layoff and replacement of 60 per
cent of insured earnings. The CLC would also like
to see part of the accumulated EI surplus spent on
more training and better labour adjustment programs
for unemployed workers.
“This recession,
our EI program
will leave many
Canadians out in
the cold, unable
to qualify for
benefits.”
I am Ebenezer Scrooge. Like it or lump it. So what if you didn’t get an
employee picnic for you and your family, or an employee appreciation dinner,
or a Company golf tournament or a Christmas gift certificate, or a Christmas
dinner. Bah humbug. What do you expect, it’s my money. You better get used
to it!
»
»
»
Cooper Standard
President
»
»
Goldman Sachs was founded in 1869, it is one of the oldest and largest
investment banking firms.
The company announced a record $309.7 million of expected net new
business, a 52 percent increase versus prior year to date net new business.
For the first nine months of the year, consolidated sales increased by $318.5
million to $2.1 billion compared to the same period of 2007, the 17.7
percent increase was due largely to the impact of the acquisitions and
favorable foreign exchange rates.
Net sales for the quarter were $599.7 million .
Cooper Standard is ranked 149 in the world’s largest private company with
2.81 billion in revenue for 2007.
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Lloyd Flood
Jeff Casey
Matt Bossence
Diane Lease
“Yes, with the
economy the way it
is with all the down
turns, I’m not making any major purchases until the
economic situation
improves. I’ve
learnt from the
company to be lean
and mean.”
“The current economic times have
greatly affected my
spending habits. The
cost of everything has
increased – from filling up the car to a trip
to the grocery store.
The sad reality is
economists are predicting 2009 to be
worse than 2008. So
much for the ketchup
on the KD.”
“Yes, I foresaw it
coming. I’m a saver
rather than a spender.
As long as I have
grocery money left on
a Wednesday, I’m
good.”
“Yes we are cutting
down at Christmas
only buying for our
grandkids. We have
fifteen between the
two of us. We aren’t
eating out as much
and watching for sales
and stocking up.”
Has the economic crisis influenced your
spending? If so, how?
Jim Henderson
“Nope I just had another baby and I had to
start all over! But I
guess it has, I don’t
waste as much money
on booze as I used to.”
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Glen Stolz
“Yeah it has. Christmas is not going to be
the way it used to be.
I’ll still get the kids
gifts but I won’t be
getting any.”
Heather Mikel
Karen Fleming
“Yes it has because
I’m spending one
half of what I used to
at Christmas and I’m
watching what I’m
buying.”
“Yeah I don’t spend
half as much as usual.
It’s going to mean the
kids don’t get spoiled as
much as usual!”
Vacation entitlement
Year 2008
December 24, 2008
December 25, 2008
December 26, 2008
Christmas Floater
December 31, 2008
New Years Day
Actual Dates
December 24, 2008
December 27, 2008
December 28, 2008
December 30, 2008
December 31, 2008
January 1, 2008
Year 2009
Floater
Good Friday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Civic Holiday
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
December 24, 2009
December 25, 2009
December 26, 2009
Christmas Floater
December 31, 2009
Employees Choice
April 10, 2009
May 18, 2009
July 3, 2009
August 3, 2009
September 7, 2009
October 12, 2009
December 24, 2009
December 25, 2009
December 28, 2009
December 29, 2009
December 31, 2009
T
hese are the paid days off until the end of 2009 and hopefully
we will have our new contracts with the rest of the dates by
then.
Under Job Postings 12.01 (e) this means if you are on a straight shift
and want to post to another shift. Now you can but you will have to
restart your 4 month waiting period if you get accepted to the new shift.
You can still try out new jobs for a period of 10 days. The old language
gave you a 30 day window.
COLA WILL BE FROZEN FOR THE LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT.
I am starting to think maybe this was not such a bad thing to do. Just
look at what is going on with gas right now. If this is any indication of
the way the COLA will go at least we won’t lose any money.
We also changed the AA Days so now you must at least work 4 hours
in your regular shift to have them count.
We also changed 14:06, which is talking about shift changes, to read:
It is the intent of this clause that if more than one person wants to switch
shifts then the senior person will have the opportunity to work the
applicable shift. We took out ‘for more than a one week period’. It
seems the old language was too restrictive and no one who was senior
was able to use it.
Ruth Wagner
Bargaining Committee
Group sixty-five at plant one seem to have their fun! Pictured at left is Betty Emm, Janice Ruston, Willie Cook, Jane Baker and
Sherrill Bradley. Centre is Diane Lease, Patti Smitjes. Right is Maggie Cook.
Good wishes throughout the
holiday season. May you also
have enough money to make
ends meet! Merry Christmas
and Happy Holidays.
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T
oni Bolduc retired from plant one after 36 years. In Toni’s
words, “retirement is the best thing I ever did, I never get
bored as I always find lots to do.” Toni has spent some of
her time visiting friends that she has not seen for some time. She is
also going to Aquafit, using her treadmill and getting some work
done in her house that she didn’t have time for before. Also in her
spare time she is reading which she calls her hobby. She says time
flies even though she isn’t working. The one thing she doesn’t
miss about coming to work is the drive from Woodstock in the
winter. Her future plans look busy. She has planned a trip to Florida this coming February for one month to visit her sister. She has
a sister that lives in New Jersey that comes for the visit too. Toni
plans on getting in some golf while in Florida with her brother inlaw since her sisters don’t golf. Next November she is going to
Jasper to her nephew’s wedding. Toni said her retirement party
was a big surprise and it was so nice to see everyone.
Also a warm good bye to Arlene Baillie who worked at plant one
Pictured above is Pat McIlroy, Toni Bolduc and Marion Ruston. for seventeen years. Arlene retired in October. She worked in
En114 and P221. She will be greatly missed by all her friends.
Karen Kraemer
W
e would like to see more safe bicycle
paths in our city. More and more
people are starting to realize the
benefits of riding a bicycle. The Perth District Health
Unit has a promotion “In Motion” designed to get us
moving. The goal is to make regular physical
activity part of people’s daily lives. I encourage you
to support your council in making these changes to
our roads so it’s safe and healthy for all.
There are many workshops going on to help
educate us about how to maintain healthy lawns without using pesticides. Our next workshop is Tuesday,
February 3, 2009 at 7 pm, Kiwanis Community
Centre, 111 Lakeside Dr. with Michael Rayner, Local
Naturalist and the topic is WHO GOES THERE?
INVASIVE PLANTS SPECIES
Via a multi-media presentation, Michael will introduce you to alien invaders in Stratford. Meet the
plants that may be pretty - but looks can be
deceiving! Visit this site for more information:
http://www.city.stratford.on.ca/naturally/index.asp
Don’t forget to not mix the scrap and garbage at
work. If the supplier receives mixed lots this might
cause us to lose this potential to save this scrap from
the landfill. It only takes an extra second to throw the
garbage in the correct bin. Thanks for your help.
Bonnie Henderson
Our Health And Safety Committee would like to WISH EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! Enjoy the holiday and be safe and see you in 2009!!
Your Health And Safety Committee at Plant 2: Marian Powers, Karen Glitz, Sandra Schauer and
Rose Van Bommel.
14
Offshore imports will take 30 per cent of the North
American market this year, the highest ever. While
other countries have worked hard to support their
domestic auto industries with all kinds of measures
he CAW is urging Canadian governments
the same isn't true here, Lewenza said.
and the auto industry to develop a plan that
"The Canadian government has provided $100
addresses the structural problems of the auto
billion in support for banks, but it also needs to
industry and which provides a long-term solution.
support the real economy," Lewenza said.
In the short-term the federal and Ontario govern"Hundreds of thousands of jobs in Canada depend
ments must also demonstrate their willingness to be
on a vibrant domestic auto industry," he said. It's
part of a continental solution that helps the industry
survive the current crisis and put it on stable footing important to note that Canadian labour is a strength
for the future. Canadian governments, in return for a within our industry providing skills, productivity and
quality that are internationally recognized, he said.
proportional contribution, would receive a proporCAW labour costs equal seven per cent of the cost
tional share of investments and jobs.
of a vehicle, an amount that is less than the dealer
At the same time, a comprehensive plan must be
margin. At the current value of the Canadian dollar
developed to put the North American industry on a
(82 cents U.S.) CAW labour is cheaper than auto
solid foundation, including creation of a North
labour in the U.S., Germany and Japan.
American auto pact.
"We were also proactive with our 2008 auto
"The financial meltdown and credit freeze are
bargaining,"
Lewenza said. "Our contracts will save
responsible for a situation where the financial
$300
million
per year once fully implemented."
industry has stopped lending to not only car purchasers, but also to auto dealers, part makers and auto
manufacturers," said CAW President Ken Lewenza.
The CAW's Response to the Auto Crisis
November 21, 2008
T
Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages.
TOYOTA has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US. The last quarter's results: TOYOTA makes
4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads.
WE DON’T WANT
YOUR CHANGE...
WE WANT CHANGE!
15
cent of North American car and truck output.
Mr. Lewenza said the union is prepared to contribute to a
solution by continuing a long-held practice of working with the
companies on productivity improvements that reduce their costs
in Canada. “We've concentrated on the area of productivity
LONDON, ONT. — Auto workers did not create the crisis that
improvement to offset the threat of wage and benefit cuts,” he
has brought the Detroit Three to the edge of financial ruin and
said. “We've been incredibly successful. I prefer to go in that
can't solve it by agreeing to cut wages and benefits, Canadian
direction.”
Auto Workers president Ken Lewenza declared on Wednesday.
He said the union agreed to changes in contracts earlier this
“It's a financial, global crisis that workers have no responsibility
year that will save the companies $300-million (Canadian)
for,” Mr. Lewenza said Wednesday.
annually. Those include higher health care costs for CAW
He was speaking at the first of a series of three CAW leadership meetings to discuss the sales slump that has brought Detroit members, the surrender of one week vacation annually and a
to its knees and caused the elimination of thousands of jobs in the longer period for newly hired employees to work at lower wages
before reaching the same pay levels as workers who been on the
manufacturing heartland of Ontario.
job for several years.
The plunge in sales was underlined again Wednesday when
The federal and Ontario governments should insist that any
Chrysler LLC told union officials it will shut its car assembly
financial assistance provided to the Detroit Three get reinvested
plant in Brampton, Ont., next week because of sliding sales.
in their plants so they can assemble new vehicles here, Mr.
But even if CAW members worked for free for an entire year,
Chrysler, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. losses are so Lewenza argued. The U.S. Congress will demand that money it
grants to auto makers be spent in the United States and Canada
massive that the savings from that move would offset just 11
must follow suit, he said. “It should secure our existing
days of losses at the three companies, CAW economist Jim
facilities.”
Stanford told the meeting.
None of Chrysler Canada Inc., Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd.
Nonetheless, both he and Mr. Lewenza said the auto industry is
or General Motors of Canada Ltd. has approached the union
so important to the economy that Ottawa and Ontario must
about reducing wages and benefits.
provide some form of financial assistance. “If the auto industry
goes down, the Canadian economy goes to depression from
recession in pretty short order,” Mr. Stanford said.
He noted that bank employees have not been asked to cut their
pay and benefits despite federal financing of more than $100billion for the banks, so asking that of auto workers is just unionbashing. “No one has asked for a pay cut from a single CEO of
the banks,” he added.
The Canadian units of the Detroit Three have not given the
governments an official number, but have said they seek loan
guarantees or other financial assistance “proportional” to the $25billion (U.S.) their parents want from Washington. That would be
the equivalent of about $3.5-billion from Ontario and Ottawa,
based on Canadian vehicle production representing about 14 per
GREG KEENAN
Globe and Mail
November 27, 2008
A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (Ford)
decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams
practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before
the race. On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.
The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to
investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management
team made up of senior management was formed to investigate
and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the
Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the
American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing. Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a
consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a
second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people
were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.
Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to
prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3
area steering superintendents, and 1 assistant superintendent
steering manager. They also implemented a new performance
system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater
incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality
First Program,' with meetings, dinners, and free pens for the
rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes, and
other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles. Humiliated, the
American management laid off the rower for poor performance,
halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and
canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money
saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the
next year's racing team was out-sourced to India ..