UNIFOR a Union for everyone!

November, 2014
President’s Report
Robin Dudley, President Local 1917
Greetings members of the four Units of Unifor Local 1917,
I have a full report for this edition of the newsletter and would like to start by mentioning our new
webpage/phone service we have at the Local.
Most of you received a "robo call" from me awhile back, which is one of the exciting new initiatives that our
system provides. We can separate the members by unit, or as a whole. This service allows us to contact you via
“robo calls” to keep you up to speed with union meetings, strikes, ratification meetings and issues pertaining to
your Unit and Local.
We are currently trying to have ALL members of the Local register on the webpage. All you have to do is go to:
www.unifor1917.ca. DO NOT Google the local as we are having issues removing our old page from the internet.
Type it in exactly as above and you will go directly to the page. Once on the page, you will see a note from me.
There is no reference to CAW… if you see CAW you may have ended up on the old page.
We also have a contest for you to enter once you register. We are giving away one $50.00 gift card for Zehrs and
one $100.00 gift card for Best Buy. We will draw two names from the first 100 members who register, so please
go online and get registered before the contest ends.
It has been very busy at the Local with councils, conferences and summits. Along with the unit chairs and
delegates, I recently attended Unifor’s 1st Canadian Council which was held in Vancouver in mid-September.
What an amazing Council. There were great videos of Unifor's past year (which can be found on YouTube) along
with outstanding speakers like NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair, CLC President Hassan Yuseff, AIDS Foundation and
Social Justice Activist Stephen Lewis, Civil Rights and Union activist, actor Danny Glover and so many more.
I won't go into detail about this Council as there will be plenty of reports in this newsletter from others that
attended.
The other event I attended was the Good Jobs Summit in Toronto in early October. This was a different type of
convention than we are used to. This event was put on by Unifor and many other community partners and
business groups.
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
The purpose for the summit is simple: to discuss how unions, companies, the unemployed, youth, and
government work together in this country to ensure that the youth and the unemployed have access to GOOD
jobs. Again, I won't say too much as we will have lots of other reports from others whom attended.
Conferences, councils, summits and workshops are essential to building solidarity and strengthening our Union
and the labour movement. These types of events aren't always a treat for the delegates and guests who attend.
We sometimes get to travel out-of-town or out-of-province, but any leftover time for sightseeing and exploring
is very, very limited. I want to commend our Union delegates for their commitment to their positions and
encourage all members to approach and ask questions of your delegates and chairpersons.
We attend these conventions as elected delegates and must submit a report to the newsletter and attend the
General Membership Meetings so that the Local's money isn't wasted. As delegates, our Local sits together at
the meetings and shares information. This is all for the good of our Union, our Local and our members. That's
why these positions are so essential and bringing back and speaking to members is a must. It's not a union
party or vacation as some members tend to believe. There is a lot of information to take in, workshops to attend
and networking going on. You will see that as you read through this issue of the newsletter.
The last thing I would like to touch on is the Union’s Rights at Work Campaign. I want to thank all the members
who watched the DVDs and read the information Unifor distributed which led to the
overwhelming defeat of Hudak and the Conservative run in the last Ontario provincial election.
Great job!
The campaign isn't over though. There will be more information soon, as well as, I am sure, a ‘defeat Harper’
campaign. This is another item on Unifor’s plate that needs to come to fruition. Harper, his right wing agenda
and big business-minded government MUST be defeated.
Now I hope everyone enjoyed their summer and I am wishing for warm weather right through to April of next
year.
Take care, everyone.
In complete solidarity,
Robin Dudley
President Unifor Local 1917
[email protected]
519-993-8985
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UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
November, 2014
Hitachi Report
Robin Dudley
Good day, members.
It's been a while since the last Hitachi report. At the Local level we have made some changes to the newsletter,
web page, etc., which you have read all about in my President’s report!
The first order of business is the latest installment of the Early Retirement Window (ERW). The bargaining
committee and I are very pleased that, after some discussion, the company has decided to reintroduce this
initiative.
By the time you read this report I will not yet have a list of names to post. But those of you who decide to take the
ERW, on behalf of Unifor and the bargaining committee, I want to personally wish you all the very best in your
upcoming retirement and the next stage of your lives. Truly, best wishes.
There are a few other issues that need mentioning in this report. We all have noticed that things still seem slow
and we all want to see an increase of orders. I'm sure this will occur; we shall see how things progress in the
coming months.
Also, the company has committed to doing more training and had publicly stated that they want to avoid layoffs,
and training is one way to do this. This is a new exciting prospect/idea. As this is new, we know that along the way
there will be some issues that will arise. As these issues come up we will continue to iron out the bumps to ensure
the company keeps training to avoid layoffs.
We have seen welding training and now CNC operation training. I understand the company is looking at other
training as well.
I will conclude my report here as I know this will be a large newsletter and there is so much more reading for you
all to do.
Thank you,
Robin Dudley, Hitachi Truck Chairperson
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
Unifor’s 1st Canadian Council
Financial Secretary’s Report: Unifor’s 1st Canadian Council
Doug Beaton
I’d like to start by thanking the incredible membership of Unifor local 1917 for giving me the
opportunity to represent you at Unifor’s 1st Canadian Council in Vancouver British Columbia. The
weather was great and I had forgotten how beautiful the City of Vancouver is! I was amazed to see how
“pro union” the working people of Vancouver are through various supportive sentiments.
There were high fives from the workers at the airport, gracious treatment and labour union
conversations from the workers at the hotel, and feelings of pride and solidarity from the teachers who
were on their picket lines across the city.
I was greeted with thumbs up, waves and horn honking from bus drivers as I walked down the streets,
proudly displaying my Unifor Local 1917 T-shirt. The workers of Vancouver made me feel like a king
and renewed my faith in our labour movement. There was a common theme in all the conversations I
had with these people: their “displeasure” with this Harper conservative government.
There were many great speakers at the Council, with various messages to convey to the 1400 or so
delegates in attendance from all across Canada. We heard from Gregor Robertson, the mayor of
Vancouver and a friend of labour. Jim Sinclair, President of the BC Federation of Labour, spoke of the
troubles facing the unions in his province. Michèle Taïna Audette, President of the Native Women’s
Association of Canada, spoke of the Harper government’s lack of support for the murdered and
missing Aboriginal women in Canada. Stephan Lewis, co-director of Aids Free World, spoke about the
ongoing threat of AIDS in the world.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, told us of his fight against the Harper
government’s disregard for Aboriginal land rights and the poisoning of Aboriginal lands in the name of
blind greed. We even had the great pleasure of hearing Danny Glover, activist and actor, speak about
the civil rights movement (revisited) and the absolute importance of the trade union movement, now
more than ever.
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November, 2014
Jerry Dias even made Danny an honorary member of Unifor, to the roaring applause of all in
attendance. Linda McQuaig, journalist and activist, spoke to us about how important our work is in the
world. We heard a heartfelt speech from the new President of the Canadian Labour Congress and
Unifor member Hassan Yussuff.
Once again, there was a common theme to all these great speakers and the messages they were
sending us. Stephan Harper’s conservative government is destroying the lives and livelihoods of hard
working men and women across this great country of ours.
Stephan Harper and his cronies have given huge tax breaks to corporations, and in turn, the wealthiest
1% of the population, creating an absurd concentration of wealth and assets at the top. When Harper
took office in 2006, the federal corporate tax rate was 22.1%, as of August 2014 that same tax rate was
15%. Meanwhile, these same corporations are sitting on over $650 billion, with no change in capital
investment. Research and development spending is down, as are exports, and these corporations have
created no new jobs, all since Harper has taken power.
Who do you think is making up for this disgusting gift to the rich? The hard working people of this
country, that’s who! The top 10% of Canadians account for half of all the wealth in Canada, the bottom
30% of Canadians account for less than 1% of all the wealth in Canada. We are losing our social
programs, and our healthcare systems are underfunded. We have all been working without any real
income increases for decades and we have to fight tooth and nail to keep what we have, due to the
anti-union atmosphere this government has created with business!
Corporations have become bullies and the greed is out of control. We are losing our pensions at an
alarming rate and prices still continue to rise as well as our taxes, all so we can funnel the wealth of this
country to people who were already wealthy beyond our comprehension.
Canada, our country and our home, which we and our forbearers built and gave their lives defending,
is far worse off now than when Harper took power. It’s time to change the politics of this country! We
have the power!
Where is Tim Hudak now? He’s a footnote in history because we came together finally and said
“enough.” We can do the same with the bastards in Ottawa. It’s time to take back our birthright, our
wealth, our dignity, our future and our children’s future. It’s time to take back our Canada.
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
From the striking truckers in B.C. who shut down the busiest port in Canada, to the paper mill strikes in
New Brunswick, to the Unifor members who stood their ground in a strike with Bombardier in
Thunderbay (and won!), people across this land are not going to take it anymore – no more
intimidation, no more threats.
This is our country and we want our share. If you are not prepared to represent us in government, then
get the hell out, because you can be sure we will vote you out. I know that personally I am prepared to
do whatever it takes to ensure that Harper’s conservatives are gone in 2015. A big thank you goes to
Tim Hudak for the unity of the labour movement. You have awakened the slumbering giant and now
it’s our turn!
There was one speaker at the convention that has inspired me for many years. He’s a no-nonsense
leader and he’s one of us. Thomas Mulcair would be the greatest Prime Minister Canada has seen in a
very long time. I truly believe that in order for any real change to happen in Canada, we need to rid
ourselves of conservative and liberal governments for a good long while. That leaves us with the NDP.
Their platform is good for working people and is fair.
Mr. Mulcair promises to put an end to corporate welfare, put in anti-scab legislation, create real living
wages and shrink the gap between rich and poor. He promises a national daycare plan and will
implement a $15.00 minimum wage. He promises to put an end to unpaid internships and double the
CPP for retirees. The NDP deserve a shot at running this country, heaven knows they couldn’t possibly
do the kind of damage that Stephan Harper has done.
Harper has destroyed the very fabric of our society so he could make his rich friends fabulously
wealthy. This next election should be about the unequal distribution of financial assets in this country
– we need to expose the lies about the Conservatives’ rosy reports on the post-recession financial
wealth recovery of average Canadians. If you want to see the truth about what has happened in
Canada since 2006, just check out the report by the Broadbent Institute “Haves and Have-nots: deep
and persistent wealth inequality in Canada.” You can find this report on our new website at
www.unifor1917.ca under local news.
In solidarity,
Doug Beaton
Financial Secretary
Unifor Local 1917
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UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
November, 2014
Unifor’s 1st Canadian Council
Mahmud (Mo) Harji
Many delegates from all across Canada took part in Unifor’s 1st Canadian Council meeting held at the Vancouver
Convention Centre on September 13-15, 2014. With many others, I attended the first unity caucus meetings and
acknowledged the first unity team. A historic meeting held on Friday September 12, proposed the first
nominees of the National Executive Board (N.E.B.) for the first unity team, including:
• Chris Taylor, President Local 200 (Auto)
• Mark Mathewson, President Local 848 (Energy)
• Darlene Mclvor, IMP Chairperson, Local 2215 (Manufacturing)
• Cheryl Robinson, President Local 2002 (Aviation)
• Earle McCurdy, President FFAW (Fishery)
• John-Pierre Lafond, President Local 227 (Forestry)
• Marc Rousseau, Financial Secretary Local 6001 (Telecommunications)
• Heather Grant, Financial Secretary Council 4000 (Rail)
• Christine Connor, President Local 414 (Retail Wholesale)
• Nancy McMurphy, President Local 302 (Health Care)
• Randy Kitt, President Local 79M (Media)
Each council delegate received an outline containing information on guest speakers, resolutions, and
recommendations. These resolutions and recommendations were to be carried out and voted on by all
delegates attending the Canadian Council. Delegates understood that Saturday, September 13th would be a
very historic, challenging, serious and demanding day. There were many different items to be discussed, guest
speakers to be heard, and many recommendations to be reviewed. The items up for discussion and vote
presented on Saturday included topics such as establishing an Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan
Committee, Employee and Family Assistance and Substance Abuse Programs.
The Canadian Council Bylaws were endorsed by the delegates and will be brought to their locals. The Canadian
Council has been formed to represent the Local Unions and Councils of Unifor. The Council was established to
fulfil goals and purposes of the Unifor National Constitution as set out in Article 9 (Canadian Council), Article 2
(Statement of Principles) and Article 3 (Objectives). In the event that there are any inconsistencies or
contradictions between the bylaws and the Unifor constitution, the constitution shall prevail.
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November, 2014
Peter Kennedy, National Secretary-Treasurer introduced the agenda and the anti-harassment statement. He
then went on to introduce our first guest speaker, Mayor of Vancouver Gregor Robertson, who spoke about how
it was a pleasure to have Unifor delegates congregate in Vancouver for Unifor’s 1st Canadian Council. He also
mentioned how it was a pleasure to work with the Local First Nation brothers and sisters to make a better
Vancouver. Next guest speaker was Jim Sinclair, President of BC Federation of Labour with his welcoming
remarks. Sinclair was followed by an opening video to show obstacles Unifor had to overcome during the
transaction with CEP and CAW. The video showed that combining of CEP and CAW members resulted in a strong
305,000 member union, making a large impact on negotiations around Canada.
Next on the agenda were bylaws and election for new standing committee board members, followed by an
introduction of National President, Brother Jerry Dias. Throughout the Canadian Council meeting Brother Dias
passionately introduced the guest speakers, took control of the Council and spoke about each executive brother
and sister. He talked about the great job they have done and about the challenges they face in the future in
dealing with the new Unifor.
There were many guest speakers advocating their cause and activism but the one who stood out the most to
me, personally, was Sister Michèle Taïna Audette, President of Native Woman’s Association of Canada, who spoke
about the murders and brutality of Aboriginal women of the First Nation of Canada. It was a very heartfelt plea
to all delegates to go to their MP and their locals and demand an investigation be opened. She asked that we
voice our outrage on the lack of support being shown by the Federal government of Stephen Harper, the RCMP,
OPP, and many other agencies. Other guest speakers which I will briefly name to keep this article short include:
• Hon. Tom Mulcair, Leader of the Opposition (NDP)
• Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs
• Roland Kiehne, Director Membership Mobilization, Political Action and Retired Workers, Unifor,
reported on Rights at Work Campaign
• Michel Ouimet, Quebec Director, Unifor
• Special guest speaker Danny Glover, American actor, director and political activist. Fifty years later the civil
rights movement revisited he went on to give a strong and passionate lecture on how he has travelled the
world to be the champion speaker for those who don’t have a voice. He also indicated how proud he was to be
associated with the newly formed Unifor and now an honorary member.
• Linda McQuaig, Canadian journalist, author and political activist
• Hassan Yussuff, newly elected president of the Canadian Labour Congress
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November, 2014
On a brief note, I attended my first caucus meeting for workers of colour and diversity. Many serious topics were
discussed, such as the ill treatment of our brothers and sisters at the Nestle Company. Evident in their
presentation was the disagreement at the local level. The workers of colour delegates from Nestle were sent
home early and not allowed to finish the conference due to an internal conflict at their local.
On the final day of the conference I addressed the 1500 delegates about the plight of the workers of colour and
indicated to our National President the seriousness of this issue and demanded an investigation by the national
executive board of Unifor.
Although each day of Council was mentioned in this report, it was not in full detail. If any members are
interested in further information, please just ask me. I would like to thank all my brothers and sisters for the
opportunity to attend this important historical event.
In solidarity,
Mahmud (Mo) Harji
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
Good Jobs Summit
Unit 69 Reports: Good Job Summit
Doug Abel
I would like to start with the Good Jobs Summit that I attended on the weekend of October 3rd to 5th.
This summit focused on initiatives that support youth and secure good paying jobs that keep
Canadians employed full-time. Training our youth and using our own resources to build a stronger,
more viable market that we in Canada deserve and expect is our goal. Shipping out work that could be
and should be done in Canada only worsens job prospects.
This weekend was used to brainstorm different ideas to begin moving forward by changing
government policies and business practices, with the goal to educate our youth and use their skills to
build a stronger infrastructure within our own borders. That being said, challenges and obstacles face
us and so remains the need for government, corporations, big cities, and little towns to refrain from
awarding contracts to the lowest bidders.
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November, 2014
I was particularly impressed with Olivia Chow’s statement that any jobs that are tendered out by
contractors hired by cities must also include a percentage of youth to be hired that live in the
community. This is so they can get the training, education and work experience that helps the youth of
our country.
This, in my opinion is a great initiative that benefits Canada progressively going into the future,
although lots of work and discussion must still take place. It is a start for us all to consider why we need
people to get involved in the discussion of the future of our country for the long term.
I was, however, taken back a little on how the conversations within the groups took off from the topic
we were exploring, branching out to issues I don’t think were given thought to originally. We discussed
green jobs, which are facing environmental challenges and how it can relate to jobs for our youth. It
escalated to a discussion about how green jobs are implemented without governments taking a
serious stance on climate control. Carbon tax monitoring and control and penalties also came in to
play. Are the current guidelines strong enough? Should more be done? How? You will read more about
this in other reports.
There are a lot of things we can do. There is a lot more that businesses and governments can do. The
larger issue is how we can work together to create jobs for Canadians; discussion is a start, but action
and cooperation between labour, government and business are the only way to make it work.
I look forward to helping in the endeavor and I ask others to join me in this task. The future for good
paying jobs in Canada will depend on current and future generations, on you, your children, and their
children. Are you willing to start now for them, or will you leave their fate in someone else’s hands?
This is definitely something worth thinking about.
In solidarity,
Doug Abel
Chairperson
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
Good Jobs Report
Tim Young
On Oct. 3rd to 5th, I had the privilege of attending the Good Jobs Summit, which took place at the
Mattamy Athletic Club (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens). The goal of the summit was to start a
conversation that ends in action. The theme of the summit was “what defines a good job, and how can
we create more?”
So what does define a good job? A good job is one that allows workers to support themselves and
their families, a job with security and safety, and the type of job where regardless of age, gender, racial
ethnicity or disability, everyone is respected and treated fairly. Workers have a voice and they need to
be heard.
After the opening remarks on Friday, it was time for the Good Jobs debate. The panel involved
economists from Unifor, The Globe & Mail, ATV Financial, and the Canadian Center for Policy
Alternatives Ontario. They discussed the state of decline in the Canadian labour market. How bad is it
out there? What can we do about it? We lost 112,000 jobs in Canada’s private sector in the month
August alone. The panel also touched on subjects such as raising the minimum wage, paid sick days
and increasing the stability in the job market. There has been a steady decline in permanent work in
Ontario and an increase in part-time work. Since 2003 the number of people earning minimum wage
has increased from four percent to nine percent.
Saturday’s theme involved discussions of how to bring concerned Canadians together to explore
collectively how to build a sustainable economy with more good jobs, and to ensure equal
opportunities for Canadians. There were speakers from different walks of life who gave their own
unique ideas on this issue. Jesscia McCormick, Chair of the Federation of Students, gave a detailed
student’s perspective.
Business perspective was given by Elyse Allan, president and CEO of GE Canada, and Hassan Yussuff,
President of Canadian Labour Congress who gave a labour perspective. Yussuff said, “If our enemies are
united and the people divided, there is no chance for victory.”
A great quote from Van Jones, CNN commentator, Green Jobs Advocate and former advisor to US
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November, 2014
President Barack Obama, “In other words, if we don’t come together as a people, and solve the
employment crisis, globalization will continue to take good jobs out of our country and move them to
low-cost locations.”
Officially, there are 1.3 million workers in Canada who are looking for, but cannot find work. In the past
decade, more than 550,000 manufacturing jobs have disappeared – these were jobs that paid well and
had workplace benefits. Corporate profits have soared, while worker wage levels have stagnated. The
income gap is growing even larger day by day… soon the working class will cease to exist.
Saturday afternoon’s Keynote address was by Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario. She
touched on the recent announcement of 1000 new jobs at the Ford manufacturing plant in Oakville,
and a four dollar hourly increase for personal support workers. She commended the organizers of the
summit and stressed how business, labour and government need to put aside their differences and
work together to find a way to create good jobs. “The economy has to work to service the people,”
Wynne stated.
Saturday afternoon ended with everyone participating in eight informative workshops. Topics
included green jobs and the new economy, raising minimum wage, and unemployed persons under
30 or over 40. These workshops provided a lot of good conversation and new ideas by likeminded
individuals – men and women who want to raise the quality and standards of employment and allow
Canadians good, safe jobs.
Sunday was a half day dedicated to developing a shared action plan. An interesting group of people
were put together on stage from union leaders, like Unifor National President Jerry Dias, and major
business leaders, like James D Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving Limited. Each spoke of their commitment to
developing a national employment strategy Canada-wide, a youth employment strategy and fair wage
policies.
It certainly was an informative and engaging weekend at the Good Jobs Summit. I encourage
everyone to log on to the Good Jobs Summit website for more informationwww.goodjobssummit.ca.
In solidarity,
Tim Young
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
Young Worker Conference and Good Jobs Report
Christopher Kosmack & Brent Weeks
Local 1917 sent two young workers, Christopher Kosmack and Brent Weeks from Unit 40 (Cpk Interior
Products) to attend the 2014 Unifor Young Workers’ Conference followed by the Good Jobs Summit,
held in Toronto on October 1-5, 2014.
The Unifor Young Workers’ Conference brought together Unifor members under age 35, from across 20
sectors in Canada. The purpose of the event was to help form a better understanding of important
topics related to young workers and students of today.
We found the 2014 Young Workers Conference extremely informative. We touched on many of today's
pressing issues we all face as young workers. This also gave us a much better understanding of the
Unifor structure, and how our younger generation can become more actively involved.
Some key issues touched on were cost of living, competitive wages while giving Canadian youth a fair
standard of living, child care, Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), education, employers recognizing importance of education and precarious workers (temp work), while all being backed by some alarming
statistics of today's youth and growing trends.
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November, 2014
We would like to formally thank Jerry Dias, National President of Unifor, who took the time to address
the youths of Unifor regarding a lot of these major issues. His presentation helped assure the youth
membership of today that this is no longer 2008, and that we will be moving forward within solidarity
across all 20 sectors to help make necessary changes. Though this will be no easy task, we have the
funds and resources making it easier moving forward. We hope government, educators and major
businesses, along with the Unifor labour movement can help make the future look brighter for young
workers in Canada.
The Good Jobs Summit also featured a key note speaker from the United States, Van Jones. This
gentleman really hit home with youths because he has set up a program that helps young workers
learn code. Jones understands the importance of guidance and opportunity, and helps pave the way
for the future generation. The guidance of youth can and will play a major roll impacting our society to
move forward.
We truly hope that the youths of Local 1917 will show interest and help us form a youth committee
because together in solidarity we truly can help build a brighter future for tomorrow.
In solidarity,
Christopher Kosmack & Brent Weeks
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
More from Our Members
Guelph Labour Council Report
Leanne Leveques
Our main focus at the Labour Council was the strike of the 28 workers from Workers United Local 2641
at the NGF glass plant on York Road.
At the time of this report the strike was in its second week. The workers have faced scabs trying to
cross their line. The Labour Council voted to provide the strikers with turkeys for Thanksgiving. The
Labour Council meeting adjourned early to lend their support on the picket line.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The workers successfully ratified a collective agreement on Sunday, October 12th.
Thanks to all who came out and showed their support.
A Health and Safety dinner will be held on November 20th in Cambridge to recognize and thank those
who keep our workplaces safe. Suicide Prevention will be presented at the Labour Council meeting in
November.
We Are Guelph have been very successful so far in the municipal elections. More candidates are
joining. Please remember to vote on October 27.
Thank you,
Leanne Leveques
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November, 2014
Unit 40 Report (CpK)
Jon West
We all know the importance of being well informed, having an opportunity to plan and make necessary
arrangements to prepare for upcoming events, or make changes that impact our lives and the lives of those
around us.
There are times in life when we simply are not privileged to know certain things, and for the most part, we
recognize and accept that.
However, there are far more times when we are privileged to have the opportunity for knowledge, which allows
for meaningful discussion and to introduce our own ideas while voicing our concerns.
Our workplace, United on the principles of Democracy, is no exception.
This committee realizes the importance and benefits of having an informed and involved membership.
Our goal, in this regard, is to increase Union Awareness and Activism at both the Shop and Local levels.
We have made available to the membership a complete list of week-long courses offered at the Unifor Family
Education Centre in Port Elgin.
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November, 2014
As Local Workshop courses become available, they too will be posted as alternatives for those who can attend
training for a day or two, but who cannot, due to personal commitments, attend a week-long course at the
centre.
Ultimately, we plan to develop and strengthen various shop committees, such as Women's, Human Rights,
Workers of Colour, Youth, and Rights at Work to name a few.
The intent is to get these committees, amongst others, recognized in the plant through Collective Bargaining.
Brothers and sisters, this is not all wishful thinking. Together as a plant and an amalgamated Local consisting of
four units, this and more can become a reality.
Our role as a committee is not to only deal with bargaining and grievances, but also to increase Union
awareness and involvement.
Together, we are capable of much, much more.
In solidarity,
Jon West
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UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
November, 2014
Unit 69 Reports: RockTenn
Doug Abel
What is happening at RockTenn?
It all started with our normal busy summer season which, for the most part, went smoothly despite a
few hiccups and challenges. This included the introduction of sheet work, which to clarify, is running
work to ship out to certain customers for them to convert.
This created a lot of extra work for our members and we were getting through it. This is welcome work
we are glad to see, but it created some issues. If the company commits to running this work then we
will definitely need some commitment for process changes and a little investment for the long run to
service this work. I have no doubt this is being looked at and we are thankful to be taking this on for
the overall betterment of the plant.
Then along came Kiwi. To be brief, this is a computer generating system that tracks orders, process and
shipping, along with inventory and receiving. Not enough was done in preparation to implement this
new system, but we are dealing with it. It has caused some headaches and a level of frustration (unless
you’re in shipping, and I am not going there). This will be a learning curve that is going to take a little
longer than anticipated to get through, and although we are faced with this challenge, we will pull
through as we have done in the past. I am hopeful that management is on the same page to accomplish what needs to be done for all to be successful.
Other than these concerns, we push on with our usual operation, along with some small hiccups which
I anticipate we can settle with a little cooperation and discussion. After all, we all make mistakes and
we learn from them on all levels.
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November, 2014
RockTenn is currently hiring as a direct effect of vacancies left by our Retired Workers, which, on behalf
of the local, I extend a warm and happy goodbye. They take with them many years of service and
experience from the plant. To Ross, Cosmo and Chris, we wish you nothing but the best in your next
chapter going forward. You will be missed and never replaced. Thanks to you all.
I now bring this report full circle; when skilled workers retire, it is the time to bring younger and less
experienced workers into our field. This is the perfect opportunity to start training not only new
workers but also existing employees to their fullest capacityin order for operations to run smoothly.
In order to accomplish this we require commitment, resources, and planning. The benefits will be huge
and hard to refute. I fully believe in this and will push to the fullest extent for a future for all. It is now
that we need to come together to show leadership to make us all successful.
In closing, I would like to extend a special thank you to someone who has taught me a great deal,
helped with many issues and is someone I consider a friend, Jim Robinson, our National Staff
Representative. Although I have known you for just a few short years, I feel like I have known you
longer. You are straight-forward, attentive, and have always been an inspiration. On behalf of our
membership, you will surely be missed, and we hope that you enjoy your retirement. You know you
are one of a kind in my books. See you at the retirement party, November 14.
Best decision you can ever make!!!
In solidarity,
Doug Abel
Chairperson
Unit 69 Local 1917
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UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
November, 2014
Retired Workers’ Council Conference
Mel Davis
It’s been one year of our new union, Unifor, and with it has come many changes at the executive level of
the Retired Workers’ Council: Jenny Ahn has moved on to be the Assistant to the President, Rolly Keihne
now is the new Director of Retired Workers, Len Hope was reelected chairperson of the Retired Workers’
Council executive, and Dean Lindsay is Coordinator of Retirees for the Big 3.
After dinner on Sunday, Rolly Kiehne welcomed the delegates both old and new, to the second Unifor
Retired Workers’ Council. At that time he laid out the schedule and agenda for the upcoming week.
On Labour Day the parade marshals grouped together at the Home Hardware parking lot in Port Elgin. We
were a smaller group than in past years, less marchers and cars were evident, but more retired workers
opted to ride a float along the parade route. There seemed to be less involvement all round.
Port Elgin received the marchers much better than experienced last year when the town was upset over
our wind turbine. The folks who turned out were friendlier: their kids waved to us, and there was not a
protest sign in sight. However, neither a kids bicycle rodeo, nor a car and bike Show ‘n Shine event was
organized for our entertainment this year. There were also fewer townsfolk at the BBQ lunch after the
parade.
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November, 2014
The debates on Tuesday and Thursday were heated and nasty in some cases with over 40 resolutions to
resolve. Resolution #37 was hotly debated with many fingers pointed at all levels of government. Delegates
spoke in favour of taking action and calling for a public inquiry into the numbers of missing and murdered
Aboriginal women in Canada. It is time for all Canadians regardless of political strip to call for justice for
these women.
Speaker Hassan Yussuff, newly elected president of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), spoke on major
changes needed in the federal government including the removal the Prime Minister and his gang in the
2015 federal election. During his speech, Hassan Yussuff discussed resolution #37, and was moved to tears
and almost broke down which shows the strong emotions Canadians feel about the issue of Aboriginal
women. Hassan Yussuff also thanked the Unifor locals who supported him in his election at the CLC.
Speaker Sid Ryan, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is a leader who has earned his
reputation as the workers’ champion. Hopefully under his leadership the OFL will continue to move
forward in its role as defender of workers’ rights and light the fires once again.
The wrap-up on Thursday evening was a gala affair with a sit-down dinner and dance with entertainment –
a great conclusion to a busy and industrious week.
Again I would like to thank Local 1917 for permitting me to attend this great annual event.
In solidarity,
Mel Davis, Chair Retired Workers’ Chapter
P.S. The Retired Workers’ Chapter meets on the second Thursday of the month at 1 PM. Everyone is
welcome!
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November, 2014
Retired Worker Report
Dale Heaney
I am writing this article for the first time as a Retired Worker of Unifor Local 1917, Unit 40 (Cpk).
Although the way in which I ended up retiring is a story in itself, there are still many ways I intend to be
involved in the Union, and the Cpk plant.
Unit Chairpersons have been asked to provide me with the names and phone numbers of their retired
workers to see if there is any interest in having card games or events in order to keep in touch with one
another and with the Union. Though the process is proving longer than expected, we hope to get this
up and running by the New Year.
I want to say thank you to everyone for all the hats and mitts that were donated for the women’s
shelter. Soon you will see the Christmas tree go up for our annual toy drive, and Paul and I will be
selling lotto bingo to help buy toys. We did so well last year, I am sure we will again this time too!
I thank you all in advance, and will see you all again soon.
In solidarity,
Dale Heaney
UNIFOR a Union for everyone!
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November, 2014
From the Bull Pen
Hello sports fans!
Now that the season is over, the co-ed team has fled the country looking for warmer, drier weather.
We finished third in the closing tournament losing a heartbreaker 14 to 9.
On the other hand, Team Unifor participated in a tournament on July 25th and 26th where the big
winner was ‘Autism Awareness,’ for which we helped raise over $4,000. Anyone wishing to enter
another team for this co-ed event next year is welcome and encouraged as the money is for a great
cause!
Cheers,
Coach
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UNIFOR a Union for everyone!