May 6, 2009 at 12:00 AM
We would like to address the issue of voluntary retirement/separation packages. At no time did the GTAA formally approach or present any voluntary retirement/separation packages to the union. The CAW has repeatedly asked the GTAA to come back to the bargaining table to formally discuss the numerous outstanding issues, including a consolidated agreement and voluntary retirement/separation packages. In regards to the consolidation of the collective agreements, the CAW and GTAA will be in front of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) the week of May 25, 2009.
On April 30, 2009, the GTAA met with members of your Bargaining Committee to inform them that 16 positions have been deemed surplus. These positions are from various departments across the company.
On May 4, 2009 the Union formally invoked their right to form a joint union-management committee. This committee will meet within the next thirty days to discuss the many possibilities regarding the impending permanent lay-offs.
Earlier today, your bargaining committee held an intensive strategy session to create a plan going forward. The most common question from those affected by the lay-offs, pertains to time frame. Specific time frames within the four different groups will vary. Based on the language in the different agreements, the Canada Labour Code and the documentation the CAW received on April 30, 2009 from the GTAA.
The following time frames apply:
For members under the Local 00004 collective agreement:
- Formal written notice to the union – 120 days / April 30
- Formal written notice to the affected employee – 90 days / May 30
- Employee has 2 weeks after formal notice to invoke bumping rights / June 14
- Lay-off date / August 29
- If an employee is displaced by bumping they have no less than 60 days notice of lay-off
For members under the Local 00005 collective agreement:
- Formal written notice of lay-off to the union – 120 days / April 30
- Formal written notice to the affected employee – 90 days / May 30
- Lay-off date – August 29
For members under the Local 2002 collective agreement:
- Formal notice of lay-off to the affected employee and union / April 30
- Lay-off date / May 8
For the newly included members who fall under the Canada Labour Code:
- Formal notice of lay-off to the affected employee / April 30
- Potential lay-off date / May 15
In closing, your Bargaining Committee is actively investigating all available options to improve this situation. The members of the committee are always available to discuss any questions you have regarding this or any other issues.
Contact Information
- T1 Union office (EDS090) - tel: (416) 776-3103
- Jeff Hatt, District Chairperson - tel: (647) 272-2822 / [email protected]
- Updates will be available via the Local 2002 website - caw2002tca.ca
Meetings will be scheduled in the near the future with both the affected members and the general membership.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee,
Jeff Hatt
Todd M Browne
Mark DaSilva
Antonia Grabowski
Hafeez Hussain
Pauline Leloudas
Fred Romolo
Lars Sorensen
For more information:
Ashley Watkins, Executive Assistant - East