Wage delegates need support
Over the past several months there have been arguments, shouting matches, accusations, special meetings "to deal with this", special meetings "to deal with that" and letters posted. I realize that these have been frustrating times and you (the members) had every right to be upset (with me) but, that has been dealt with through the proper procedure and at the appropriate time I will do the right thing.
In the mean time, the most important thing right now is for ALL members of local 298 to close ranks and give your executive and wage delegates the support they need during these tough negotiations.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
The CEP Constitutional Convention will be held in Vancouver from September 27th - October 1st, 1998. I feel that it is imperative that local 298 be represented at this Convention (I realize that an executive recommendation was defeated and a special meeting to deal with the issue was held). If the local has concerns with the way things are being done at the Regional and/or National level, then the Convention floor is the place to air those concerns. I would urge the membership to reconsider their position and put a motion on the floor at the September 9, 1998 General Meeting that would send at least two delegates from local 298.
It is an appropriate opportunity for members of the local who are presently involved and are seriously considering their continued involvement to see and hear how the union functions.
I know what our by-laws say, but "the President isn't forced to go".
This Report was prepared on July 24, 1998. Since then, things have happened that make the last part of the first paragraph even more significant than it was at that time. Your support is needed more now than possible ever before.
In solidarity,
Bill Whitty
President
Full wage caucus called
Negotiation Update
As I write this report (December 29, 1997) week twenty-four of the strike at the three Fletcher Challenge mills has begun (the strike began July 14, 1997). There have not been any talks between the parties since the "exploratory "talks were adjourned on December 10, 1997 and at this writing none have been planned. Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour, Don Cott, who both initiated and adjourned the talks, is continuing to monitor the situation, as part of his ministry's responsibility.
A late addition to Negotiation Update:
At 10:27 AM today (December 31, 1997) a fax was received from our Regional Office, calling for a full Joint Wage Caucus Meeting in Vancouver on Monday January 5th, 1998. It appears that a meeting was held recently with Premier Glen Clark, CEO of Fletcher Challenge, Doug Whitehead, Brian Payne CEP and Gary Worth PPWC. A report on the meeting will be given to the Joint Wage Caucus. An article in the Vancouver Sun (See page 9 of this newsletter) indicates that both sides have been asked to consider a mediator by Premier Clark, who is expected to make a decision by Friday January 9, 1998. Both Brother Dennis Urbanowski and myself will be attending the caucus.
Christmas Stat Work
After a number of meetings to clarify the work requested to be done on December 24th & 26th, 1997, it was agreed that the maintenance work met the criteria of the agreement.
There was however a concern with both the manning and work requested in the Steam Plant. Although three people per shift were agreed to in the past, it was determined, after careful consideration of the language in the agreement, that two people per shift would be sufficient to honor our commitment to the "protection of life and property". Consequently the company was informed that only two per shift would be allowed.
Although the Recovery Boiler water wash had been done for the first time at Christmas on December 26th, 1995 and had been agreed to be done on December 26th, 1996 (Boiler problems allowed the work to be done December 3, 1996) it was decided that the work did not fit the criteria of work allowed during the Stat. I.e.: it was not for the protection of life and property and would not result in a subsequent curtailment of employment, so, the company was informed that the "water wash" would not be allowed during the Stat.
The company attempted to get us to change our position, using any number of reasons one, which was the possible loss of $330,000.00 in lost production. The company then made an application to the Labour Relations Board requesting a hearing be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 1997 in Vancouver.
When I got a copy of the application I immediately contacted our lawyer (John Rogers) and discussed the situation with him. John called me back about an hour later and suggested that we approach the company with the following proposal. "We will do the work, on a voluntary basis, under protest and go directly to arbitration, if you (company) agree to use one of the following three arbitrators" (names were given). The company later informed me that they would agree to one of two, hence the hearing at the Labour Board wasn't necessary.
The Steam Plant personnel were informed of the decision as follows: We (the local) have agreed to do the work, under protest, on a voluntary basis. If there are no volunteers the company can either wait until December 27, 1997 to do the work, if not, do it with Staff or contract it out. The work was done by volunteers from the Steam Plant on December 26th, 1997.
It should come as no surprise that the company wants to do this work at Christmas, in fact, with only one major shut down per year now, they (the company) are attempting to turn Christmas into a mini shut down to get them through.
As we will probably be faced with this problem every year, I think the decision to go to arbitration was a wise one. The arbitrator will decide whether the work fits the criteria or not and put an end to the arguments, once and for all.
I would also like to clarify that the reason to refuse the work was the fact that we didn't feel it met the criteria. It had absolutely nothing to do with putting pressure on the company during a negotiation year. I realize that this report may be somewhat confusing, so any member who wants more details, can feel free to contact me.
Re-Call of Helmut Geisbrecht - Skeena MLA
I realize that all members of local 298 did not vote for, or support the N.D.P., but I would hope that we all agree with the democratic process of using the "ballot box "to both "elect" and "unelect" our representatives, whether they be, local union, municipal, provincial or federal.
It must be very obvious that this re-call is more about overturning the Government then it is about holding Helmut accountable. I would ask that each member think very seriously of the consequences before they allow themselves to be convinced to sign a petition.
It would make more sense to allow the term to run to completion. Then hold the Government as well as the MLA for Skeena accountable through the "ballot bo"x process.
10 hour shift
I have been asked what I thought of the 10-hour shift? My response was and still is, personally, I'm not interested, but, if by working ten hour days, or thirty-two hours a week (for 32 hrs. pay) would guarantee some person (unemployed) a job, count me in.
Don't let my personal feelings toward the 10 hour shift discourage those that are interested. If the eligible members agree that they want to pursue it, then you can rest assured that I will work as hard as possible to make it happen. (I would however, like to suggest that a percentage of the eligible members, somewhat higher then 50% +1, should be required to make it successful).
Re-hab & Re-integration Committee
As posted in the mill the cut off for submitting names to this committee has been extended to January 15, 1998. Any member of local 298 that is interested in being considered for this committee, should submit their name along with a short reason why, to the union office not later then 5:00 p.m. Thursday January 15, 1998.
A vote if necessary will be held at the main gate and terminal (if required). The present committee members will remain in place until January 31st, 1998.
In Solidarity,
Bill Whitty
President
CEP Local 298 |
