April 30, 2009 at 12:00 PM
APRIL 30, 2009
On April 1st, I attended, what the Local is calling, a Structure Sub-Committee meeting – a sort of ‘health check’ to ensure that the way we are conducting business is meeting the needs of our diverse local. CAW Local 2002 currently has 21 different employers and 27 separate bargaining units comprised of more than 11,000 members.
Although we scrutinized many topics, the matter of communications was forefront. It is an area of concern that we need to improve on in an effort to keep the membership better educated and informed. To remedy this, I will be issuing monthly updates which will outline what is going on in each district. Why? If we have a better understanding of what is occurring in the various locations, we are better prepared to deal with issues and situations in our own workplace.
Currently at the end of every month we have a conference call for the Jazz Tech District Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons and Bargaining Reps. These conference calls allow the reps to hear what is going on in all the bases across the system. We can share and discuss current issues and interpret contractual language. I will issue an update after each of these conference calls. The most resent call was April 22nd. Details as follows:
- 711: Vancouver – Tom Troughton, John Murawesky
We are hoping for changes at the base level in Vancouver with the announcement of a change in management. In particular we hope that the 8 to 8 shift can be modified to a 7 to 7 shift. This is a frustration system-wide at the Line bases (excluding Calgary) as everyone knows that it doe not work, yet local managers do not have the power to correct it. Tom has filed an ISMS complaint against this shift. We are still hiring to the tune of 12 in YVR. There is a major issue where we have new employees ending up on prime shifts to the disadvantage of senior employees. Calgary and Vancouver have not allowed Non-ACA’s on days until now, but the senior Non-ACA’s are not getting the opportunity to bid on days. John and Tom are hoping to resolve this issue soon. The Company has caused confusion and concern putting out an alternate OT list without informing the Union or the employees. This has caused resulted in multiple OT bypass claims. Again, it is amazing how this continues to be a problem.
- 712: Calgary/Edmonton/Winnipeg – Peter Brown, Stacey Laliberte, Adrien Lebis
There are a few seniority issues that need to be sorted out at these locations. The March seniority list is late due to the Company having the seniority keeper on leave; we are expecting an update from the company soon.
- 713: London – Michel Ruffie, Ryan Boundy, Ben Bachl
London is also having some seniority list issues. Michel reports that union/management relations have improved with Bernie in place as the Base Manager. Ben Bachl is traveling across the country, and will be in Calgary the first week in June for Health and Safety training. And a warm welcome to Nick Lewis who is our new Vice Chair in London.
- 714: Montreal/Quebec City/Ottawa – Daniel Marion, Craig Hirtle
Montreal is in agreement with the line bases that the 8 to 8 shift is not working. The other major issue in Montreal is Bank time refusals. Daniel and John have a policy grievance in place, but they are trying to get a conference call with the Arbitrator to resolve before June 25th.
- 715: Halifax – Dave Gylland, Jason Bowen
Crew Chief replacement is an issue. There is an outstanding grievance for a member who was bypassed for a Crew Chief position that was awarded to a more junior member.
- 716: Toronto – Ghobud Khorasani, Mike Lilly
As of April 22, Mike Lilly is the District Chairperson, with Stuart Warren and Mike Kingston as Vice Chairs. Currently, there are approximately 32 open grievances that Mike is reviewing. Russ Adorian is the new Base Manager, and this is an opportunity for a new beginning in Union/Management relations.
Also on the Conference Call:
Ron Smith – CAW National Representative
Leslie Dias – Local 2002 President
Ashley Watkins – Local 2002 Executive Assistant, East
Calendar of events:
- April 1, 2 Structure Committee
- April 3, 4, 5 Skilled Trades Kitchener
- April 17, 18, 19 CAW National council – (See posted Contact newsletters.)
- April 20, Bob Orr and I met with Michel Ruffie and London members.
- April 23 Toronto Base Meeting
- April 28, Structure Committee YVR (This has been rescheduled for Council)
- May 2,3,4 Executive Board meeting
- May 5, 6, 7, 8 Local 2002 Council – Hockley Valley
- May 7-8, 21-22, 26-27 Jazz Tech Bargaining Dates
Skilled Trades
A Skilled Trades conference took place April 3, 4, 5 in Kitchener, Ontario. Nick Lewis replaced Ian Waite who could not attend. Jim Sofonoff, our CARs Representative, attend as well. I received positive feedback from Nick and Jim regarding the conference and hope to get out a report soon.
CAW Council
April 17 to 19 was the CAW’s National Council. This is where all CAW Local’s gather to discuss issues and pass resolutions. While the current melt down of the automotive and parts industry was a major focus, Air Canada also received airtime over its looming crisis. The CAW National puts out a newsletter entitled Contact which highlights ongoing issues. Council details are available on their website at http://www.caw.ca/en/7390.htm. Contact is also in paper format. If you have not seen it in your workplace, ask your District Chair why?
Toronto Update
There was a membership meeting held on March 23 in Toronto and a second meeting on April 23. The March meeting was the first membership meeting in over 6 months. Both meetings generated debates on various issues but were primarily set up to talk about Bargaining issues and updates on the bargaining process. With a change in management and new District Officers in place, we are hopeful for many positive changes in Toronto.
Local 2002 Executive Board Meeting
On May 2nd, the Executive Board will be meeting for 3 days of discussions. I attend these meetings as the CAW VP for Jazz Technical Services. The purpose is to discuss and address the running of our local. We look at finances and budgets, training and various organizational details. During this meeting, we will also be focusing on Local 2002 Council which will take place in the days following.
Local 2002 Council
The Local Council is where we gather the District Chairs and standing Bargaining Committees from all the units in the Local. This year, the event takes place May 5 at Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville, Ontario. The officers will be given the president’s report, financial and audit reports, and training sessions that add to the knowledge base of our representatives.
Divide and Conquer
As most members know, there is a drive coming out from Toronto to move us to a brand new association. The leadership is united in stating that this is an ill-conceived idea. Further, if you believe that the Company has a divide and conquer philosophy, this could not be better fodder. The bargaining process is continuing forward with the first round taking place May 7 & 8. It’s your livelihood, support your Bargaining Committee.
I will finish off by highlighting that one of the best ways to get the latest information is to be on your District Chair’s email list. Information is also updated regularly on the Local’s website: www.caw2002tca.ca
In Solidarity,
Don Ross
CAW VP Local 2002
Jazz Technical Services
(800) 932-4564 ext: *5004