JUNE 2014

Organizing Poster of the Industrial Workers of the World, circa 1910 from the Unifor publication Where did our rights come from? The Rand Formula and the struggle for union security.

Unifor Local 1285 News

EXECUTIVE

Leon Rideout

Maurice Kenny

President

Ardis Snow

Bill Turner

Financial Secretary

Trustee

2nd Vice-President

Laurie Fellows

Recording Secretary

Wayne Hunter

Danny Price

1st Vice-President

Mike Allen

Guide

Lisa Contini

Sergeant-at-Arms

Joe Giorgi

Trustee

Trustee

w w w. u n i f o r l o c a l 1 2 8 5 . c a

Publication of Unifor Local 1285 – Published in Brampton, Ontario. Submissions to: Unifor Local 1285, 23 Regan Road, Brampton, Ontario  L7A 1B2 (905) 451-8310 or fax at (905) 450-6877 The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editors, Editorial Board, Executive Officers or Unifor Local 1285 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40064845. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO UNIFOR LOCAL 1285, 23 REGAN RD., STE. 1, BRAMPTON   ON L7A 1B2 email [email protected]

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

EDITORS

President: Leon Rideout 1st Vice-President: Sergeant-at-Arms:

Linda Thompson Bill Turner

Maurice Kenny

2nd Vice-President:

Mike Allen Guide:

Danny Price

Laurie Fellows

Recording Secretary:

Trustees:

Bill Turner

Financial Secretary:

Ardis Snow

Wayne Hunter Lisa Contini Joe Giorgi

EDITORIAL BOARD Leon Rideout

  Printed by Thistle Printing 

Page 2 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

President’s Report

_______________________________________  

Local Elections

 _____________________________________

With our recent Local Elections, and the announcement that Gerry Harvey would be retiring at the end of September, we have had a number of changes amongst our three full time Local Officers and the remaining officers of our Executive Board.   I was acclaimed as the President of Local 1285, this gives me another three year mandate. It is an honor for me to represent the membership of our Local.   Maurice Kenny was elected as the 1st Vice-President of our Local; I would like to personally welcome him aboard. Danny Price was elected as the 2nd Vice-President of our Local; once again I would like to personally welcome him aboard.   The three full time officers divide the Units amongst ourselves and take on the

main responsibilities of any issues that are brought to the Local level, getting involved in the joint Labour Management meetings, outstanding grievances and we also help prepare for Bargaining, Strike Votes and Ratification meetings etc.   Maurice will be assigned as the Local Liaison Officer to BFG, Crosby, Hydro, Martin Brower, Oakley, Tilton and Vast Auto.   Danny will be assigned as the Liaison Officer to Android, Chrysler Parts, Saputo, Syncreon, Team Mopar, TI, and Transalta.

BY

Leon Rideout PRESIDENT

His second week on the job Danny is bargaining with Saputo: Talk about hitting the ground running. His experience at the Chrysler plant helped him transition into the role and Dave Ireland has been assisting.   Danny will also be trained to take on

President’s Report

continues on page 4 ___________________

June 2014———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 3

Unifor Local 1285 News

President’s Report continued from page 3 ___________

the WSIB responsibilities for Units that do not have their own WSIB representative. Gerry Harvey has committed to help us until Danny is fully trained.   As President my main responsibility is the day-to-day operations of the Local and I’m the Local Liaison Officer for the Chrysler Plant, Chrysler Salary Bargaining Unit, Abednego, Aramark, Linc, Team 1, Team 2 and GenBand. Representation for the vast majority of the Units is not locked in stone and sometimes the Local’s representation overlaps, depending on schedules. When it comes to Unit meetings, Retiree meetings etc., all of the full-time Local Officers are expected to attend all meetings held at the Local. There are also numerous community functions and events that we are involved in as well.   Ardis Snow, Chairperson of the Chrysler plant, was elected Financial Secretary of our Local. This position was previously held by Mike Piane. I would also like to personally welcome Ardis aboard as the Financial Secretary even though he already was a member of the Executive Board as Chairperson of the Chrysler plant. The Financial Secretary is an “as required” position and, to ease the concerns of the Chrysler membership, we will not take him away from the Plant on a regular basis. Having served myself as Chairperson of the Chrysler Plant I know for a fact that it is a very demanding job and requires strong leadership which Ardis provides.   Bill Turner was acclaimed to another three year term as Recording Secretary and is a valuable part of the Board and brings lots of experience to the table. Lisa Contini and Wayne Hunter were re-elected as Trustees and we are proud to have them back, their experience as Trustees plays a major role in auditing the books of the local. Phyllis Foster, who has served several terms as a Trustee, did not run for the position this term as she will dedicate her time to her job as the EFAP rep position at the Chrysler Plant and the Standing Committee Chair of our Local EFAP Committee. She did a great job as a Trustee and I know will remain a great Local Activist. Joe Giorgi was elected as the third Trustee and I would like to personally welcome him aboard. With the experience of Wayne and Lisa, Joe will become an expert in the position at a record pace.   Laurie Fellows was re-elected as Guide and returns with lots of experience and brings knowledge to the table; Mike Allen was re-elected as Sergeant of Arms and is a valuable asset to the Executive as well.

  The structure of our Local Executive board consists of the 10 Executive Officers, President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, three Trustees, Guide, Sergeant of Arms with the remaining members of the Board being the Plant Chairpersons of each Unit of the Local and the Retiree Chapter Chairperson.   I’m extremely proud of our Local and I know that our new Executive Board will continue to serve the needs of the Membership of the Local 1285, and the community‘s needs as a whole, where duty calls.   Dave Ireland, who was my 1st VicePresident for the past six years, and a close friend and confidant for over 20 years, will be retiring this year. Dave has been an integral part of our Local and served two terms as Financial Secretary before being elected as 1st Vice-President. I have worked with a lot of Union Reps over my career and never found one that worked

Great Seal of the Knights of Labor, 1878: “An injury to One is the Concern of us All.” From “Where did our rights come from? The Rand Formula and the struggle for union security,” (Unifor, 2013: http://unifor.org/sites/default/files/ documents/document/full_booklet_-_ english.pdf). harder and was more dedicated than Dave. I will miss him in the day-to-day operations of the Local but he has committed to remaining active, within the Local, and is extremely proud of his Local.   With elections it’s the Membership that makes the decisions on who gets elected and who does not. I have always respected the wishes of the Membership and have always said if the Membership felt I was not doing my job – then send me packing, that’s what democracy is all about.   Gerry Harvey, my 2nd Vice-President, is retiring at the end of September. I have known and worked with Gerry for over 20 years and we have become good friends.

Gerry has served as 2nd Vice-President since being elected to the position in 2001 and also looks after WSIB for units in the Local who do not have their own WSIB representative. Gerry has committed to help us with any outstanding WSIB claims and to assist Danny Price until he becomes fully trained. I also worked with Gerry as a Committeeperson and District Rep at the Chrysler Plant. His skills and knowledge will be missed at the Local.   Mike Piane, who was the Financial Secretary for the past two terms, ran for 1st Vice-President and lost out to a worthy opponent. Mike has been an integral part of our Local and a good friend and I know he will remain involved in our Local. There were not many Local events, meetings etc. that Mike missed. I have emphasized in the past that there are only a few of us on the Local Executive Board that do a lot and Mike is one of the few.

Android/Benteler

  Benteler is slated to close at the end of June at which time their contract expires with Chrysler. Android, an American Company from the southern U.S, was given the contract to supply suspensions to the Chrysler Plant. We reached a tentative agreement with Android on March 26, 2014 and ratified on April 28th, 2014. We did get Android to agree that they would give an opportunity for initial job openings to those affected by the Benteler closure if they filed applications with Android. They would have to meet Android hiring criteria and would have to serve a 90 day probationary period. We fought for successor rights but because it’s a new company with their own plant and equipment we did not win that battle.   We also had an agreement that everyone transferring from Benteler would have the same date of entry into Android (March 17, 2014) and would be placed on the seniority list based on their Benteler seniority. We did this because we knew that it would be tough due to skills and ability to have people moved in seniority order. In other words, if someone junior transferred before someone senior then, upon the senior person transferring, they would go ahead on the seniority list. We continue to work with Benteler transferring employees to Android cognizant of the fact that we could not jeopardize Benteler, who continues to supply parts to Chrysler until the end of June. Some members will not be moved until Benteler closes, as they cannot release the required numbers without

President’s Report

continues on page 5 ___________________

Page 4 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

President’s Report continued from page 4 ___________

jeopardizing their operations. The Letter of Understanding that we signed with Android regarding Benteler transfers is in effect until the end of August this year.   We were also able to maintain wages (top rate of $24.25 per hour, 50 cents more for Team Leader) and benefit packages the same as Benteler with the only change being the pension, which goes from a defined pension to a defined contribution (the Company pays four per cent of your earnings into a group retirements savings plan). For anybody that went through a wage progression at Benteler, they did not have to start over at Android, anyone going through a wage progression prior to transfer will continue after transfer. Once we are up and running on two shifts we will have the elections for Union Representation.

Chrysler Brampton Assembly

  We have been dealing with the issue, for some time now, of investment for the Chrysler plant, which is the largest private sector employer in the City of Brampton. Earlier this year Chrysler was in discussions with the Provincial and Federal Governments regarding financial assistance to offset the cost of retooling Brampton and Windsor assembly plants. Tim Hudak, the Leader of the Ontario official opposition Conservative party, in his infinite wisdom took to the press and said that the government should get out of the business of corporate welfare. Sergio Marchionne the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles withdrew his application stating he did not want to become a political football.   On one hand we have the Federal Conservative Government supporting investment in the auto industry and provincially the Liberals and NDP support the investment while Hudak and his party are vehemently opposed. It seems that the Hudak party will oppose any investment where organized labour is involved. It’s important at election time that we send a strong message that the Auto Industry is no different than any other industry in Canada that gets government monies and there are numerous examples. Every auto producing country around the world supports the Auto Industry due to the competitive nature of the business and the jobs that it provides.   Since the loss of the Auto Pact in 2001 we have seen a vast decline in Auto Assembly and the Auto Parts Sector. In our Local we lost SKD, Dana Long, Eberspacher and Benteler in June 2014,

to name a few in Auto Parts. Prior to the disbanding of the Auto Pact, if you wanted to sell your products in Canada, you either produced here or paid a huge tariff. It’s ironic that one country (Japan) that took Canada to the WTO and claimed discriminatory trade practices, built three Assembly Plants in the province of Ontario, two under the Auto Pact and one since the disbanding. Toyota has plants in Woodstock and Cambridge while Honda has one in Alliston. Both of these companies have taken advantage of government monies to retool their plants, the same fund that the CAW at the time was instrumental in lobbying both levels to provide. We continue to lobby under UNIFOR. The City of Brampton has also been very active and has assisted in lobbying and letter writing, offering full assistance of city resources to Chrysler.   We always encourage our Membership to take an active role in elections even if it’s just to make it out to vote. It seems

that Tim Hudak is taking voodoo politics to the extreme, firing 100,000 public sector workers and claims that he will create 1,000,000 jobs. The problem is that there will be lots of voters that believe these bogus claims. All of the analysts claim that this is literally impossible and it will drive the Ontario economy into a tailspin, sending the province back to the days when Mike Harris was Premier and attacked organized labour.   We need a government that takes care of the needs of working people and provides programs for those who are under privileged and less fortunate in the different communities in this wonderful country of Canada.   I would like to thank the Membership of our fine Local for your continued support and your patience and understanding as we transition with a new Executive Board. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.   In Solidarity   Leon Rideout

Investing in auto builds strong economies and strong communities Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says that government shouldn’t invest in the auto industry. He doesn’t think it’s worth it – which is strange because governments around the world are doing all they can to attract and support the auto industry. What would our community be like without this industry?

Consider the facts: ● 119,000 people in Canada are directly employed in the auto industry, with salaries pumping upwards of $6 billion into the economy. ● We manufacture 2.4 million vehicles a year, worth more than $65 billion. ● One job in major auto creates another nine in the wider community. ● Investments in auto are paid back within 3-4 years thanks to increased economic activity.

Families and communities are more prosperous and stable with a strong auto industry and the good jobs it creates. We cannot dismantle the auto industry we have taken generations to build – and on which our families and communities depend. Investing in auto is smart economic strategy. But Tim Hudak doesn’t understand that. Tim Hudak is not the leader we need.

June 2014———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 5

Unifor Local 1285 News

1st Vice-President’s Report No Better Power Than Members’ Collective Action _____________________________________ 

 _____________________________________

Thank you Unifor members for giving me the honour of representing you as 1st Vice-President. I started at Chrysler in 1994 and quickly became active in the CAW. I held various elected positions from 1997 to 2010. In the last three-plus years I worked on the assembly shop floor.   Let me state very clearly I love and appreciate my Union, although at times I have visualized and desired improvements within the organization and leadership. It is the whole concept of workers coming together and acting in their collective interest when dealing with management that strongly motivates my bottom line. If you work in an environment where you feel management is disrespectful, there is no greater union power than the collective action of the members. Remember an injury to one is an injury to all. We are only as strong as our weakest link. There is no better economic investment you can make than belonging to a union. My parents come from a blue collar, working class background and they knew a union was the entry key to a middle class lifestyle. It saddens them to see the middle class and union density in parallel decline.   The Federal conservative agenda under Prime Minister Harper, is about suppressing worker rights and economic progress. Harper’s trade agreements gave all the power to the corporations at the expense of good public policy. Provincial Conservative Tim Hudak has no experience or knowledge on creat-

ing jobs, but he knows how to destroy well-paid union jobs and replace them with inferior ones. If we are going to make progress with our employers in the workplace then we must recognize that we have to replace, Conservative or Liberal, corporate friendly governments. Canadian society from my perspective is in rapid decline and this is also reflected in your workplace as the Canadian economy and workplace is forced to conform to a lower global standard of living. Recently Unilever announced the plant closure of its Lipton food plant in Brampton. The 280 workers are losing their jobs because management stated in the media it did not make economic sense to export 80 per cent of their product to the U.S.. So, in their logic, Brampton cannot have any overwhelmingly good exporting companies. The real reason is likely a different jurisdiction tax incentive or grant, USA market economy of scale and of course lower wages and benefits.   At the time of this writing my assigned units are as follows: BFG, Crosby, Hydro One, Martin Brower, Oakley, Tilton, and Vast Auto. It will be good to work again with Paulo Ribeiro the National Rep for these units. To the

units I am not directly responsible BY for, I will make the Maurice effort to know the Kenny broader issues and 1ST stay visible. The VICE-PRESIDENT members were very vocal during the election campaign, that they want to see all Local representation from time to time. The election campaign often meant three to five hours (in addition to my own eight hour work day) of trying to meet people during an eight-week stretch. Even committing this much personal time, I believe there must still be quite a few members I have as yet not met.   Thank You Gerry Harvey and Dave Ireland for years of service and dedication. I look forward to working with active and retired members, in plant representation, Local staff Valerie Bronizewski and Maria Egizii and the Local executive of Leon Rideout, Danny Price, Bill Turner, Ardis Snow, Mike Allen, Laurie Fellows, Lisa Contini, Joe Giorgi and Wayne Hunter.   In Solidarity,   Maurice Kenny

Retiring 1st Vice-President’s Report

_______________ 

 _______________

I would like to congratulate the newly elected Local Officers Maurice Kenny, Danny Price, Ardis Snow and Joe Giorgi to their newly elected Representative positions at our Local.   I would also like to congratulate Lisa Contini, Wayne Hunter, Mike Allen and Laurie Fellows for being re-elected to their positions at our Local as well as Leon Rideout and Bill Turner on being acclaimed for another term. Good luck to all, and all the best of success in your positions moving forward and the same goes to the rest of the Executive Board.   I would like to recognize Gerry Harvey for the many years of his leadership role here at the Local and at the Brampton Chrysler Assembly Plant. I would like to also recognize Paul Lewis from the Mississauga Chrysler Parts Depot for his

leadership role, and wish both of them all the best in health and wealth in their retirement and thank them for their friendship as well.   As I reflect back on my 22 years in the roles of the Union Representation positions that I had the privilege of being

BY

Dave Ireland

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT

Retiring 1st Vice-President’s Report

continues on page 7 ______________________________________

Page 6 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

2nd Vice-President’s Report Looking Forward To The Challenges Ahead ________________________ 

 ________________________

On Monday May 5th Unifor Local 1285 held elections for the various Local Union positions. As my first report, I would like to take this opportunity to send out a sincere thank you to all the members of Unifor Local 1285 who voted, participated, or were involved throughout the election process.   Campaigning is not easy, not for the people running and not for all the members who have to put up with all the different people who are jockeying for their vote, coming through their work stations or waiting for them at their plant entrance ways. So I can say for myself, I am glad it is over.   I was elected to the position of 2nd Vice-President. I am truly honoured and proud to be representing you, the membership at this level. I will do my absolute best to maintain and improve, and continue to represent each and every one of you to the best of my ability. Together we can strengthen and continue to move this Local forward in a positive direction.   As 2nd Vice-President I will be the

liaison officer for Chrysler Parts Depot, Team Mopar, Saputo, Syncreon, TI Automotive, Transalta and the newly formed Android. I look forward to meeting all the committees and membership at these units in the weeks to come.   During the transition period over the next few months, Gerry Harvey and Dave Ireland will be cleaning up all their outstanding business before their respective retirements. It is going to be my pleasure to tap into the wealth of knowledge that comes with their 60 plus years of Union involvement.   Currently, as of writing this report, I am participating in contract negotiations with Saputo in Georgetown. Dave Ireland (1st Vice-President), Paulo Ribeiro (National Representative), the

Retiring 1st VicePresident’s Report

continued from page 6 _____________________

elected to, I want to thank-you the membership of Local 1285 and for those who have retired for the support you gave me during that period of time. I do understand that times change within our organization and can accept that I will be stepping forward in my life towards my retirement with memories of friendships and many accomplishments. I want to thank Leon Rideout for his guidance at the Local and wish him all the best. Also thanks to Mike Piane and Phyllis Foster who served on the Executive Board for all of their dedication and hard work as well. I want to put my arms around both Val and Maria to give them a hug and thank them for all of their staff support that they gave me during my past 12 years on the Executive Board here at the Local. I also want to thank our Unifor National Staff Representatives that I worked with, and the entire Chrysler Council for their support.   I will always be a proud member of our great organization Unifor, and especially of my Local 1285.   All the best to everyone, and I will see you around.   Thank-you respectively.   In solidarity,   Dave Ireland   1st Vice President.

BY

Danny Price

2ND Saputo bargaining VICE-PRESIDENT committee and myself will be working diligently in the upcoming weeks to put together a tentative contract that can be presented to the Saputo membership on June 8th. Should there not be an agreement at this time, the June 8th meeting will then become an information / strike vote meeting. It is the expectations of all parties involved to come up with an equitable agreement and avoid a possible strike.   I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead learning a new position and I am excited about meeting and working with all the members at Unifor Local 1285.   Danny Price

Retiring 2nd Vice-President’s Report

__________________________  

 ___________________________

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone continued success, good fortune and good health.

  I reflect back on the support over the years from you all in the numerous positions I have held, and truly it has been an honour and a BY privilege to represent all of you. Gerry   Leadership is not something to be taken Harvey lightly. Tremendous responsibility and 2ND expectations are placed on a person taking VICE-PRESIDENT a leadership role. Every day something will present itself as a challenge. In my time representing you at the Chrysler facility and here at the Local, I received excellent training and education which I am very thankful for, as it allowed me to preform my duties on your behalf.   On behalf of my family and myself, I look forward to seeing you all as Retirees in the future and once again thank you for your friendship and support over all these years. It truly has been an honour and a privilege. Thank you.   In Solidarity,   Gerry Harvey   Retiring 2nd VP Local 1285

June 2014———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 7

Unifor Local 1285 News

 Balance Sheet (Cash basis)

ASSETS November 2013 December 2013 January 2014 CASH The Bank of Nova Scotia 313,138.66 238,338.37 285,880.19 Petty Cash 25.00 25.00 25.00 Credit Union Certificates 34,403.73 34,403.73 34,403.73 Royal Bank Security Bonds 492,826.93 512,434.26 512,434.26 Scotia Bank Savings Acct 507,415.38 527,846.16 553,281.85 Scotia Bank GIC 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 TOTAL ASSETS $1,647,809.70 $1,613,047.52 $1,686,025.03 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES E.I. Payable 187.97 181.97 1,227.09 CPP Payable 305.66 299.22 2,426.04 Income Tax Payable 5,829.34 8,140.64 6,232.97 RECEIVER GENERAL PAYABLE 6,322.97 8,621.83 9,886.10 TOTAL LIABILITIES $6,322.97 $8,621.83 $9,886.10 EQUITY General Fund 1,641,486.73 1,604,425.69 1,676,138.93 TOTAL EQUITY 1,641,486.73 1,604,425.69 1,676,138.93 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $1,647,809.70 $1,613,047.52 $1,686,025.03

BY

Ardis Snow

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Trustees’ Report

__________________________________________________ 

 __________________________________________________

We would like to thank everyone for supporting us in our election. Local 1285 trustees will be Wayne Hunter, Lisa Contini and let us welcome our newest trustee, Joe Gorgi.   We look forward to serving the membership of 1285 over the next three years.   We would also like to congratulate Maurice Kenny and Danny Price in their elections for 1st and 2nd Vice-President respectively and Ardis Snow as the Financial Secretary. Congratulations are extended to Laurie Fellows and Mike Allen on their re-election to their positions of Guide and Sergeant-atArms, and to President Leon Rideout and Recording Secretary Bill Turner on their acclamations. We are looking forward to working with the new Executive.   We would encourage everyone to come out to Carabram and the Local 1285 Picnic. Volunteers are needed and anyone

CONSIGNMENT TICKETS

Attention all Unifor Local 1285 Members The discounted tickets listed at right are available at the Union Hall, 23 Regan Road, Brampton, ON: If you are interested please drop by the Unifor Local 1285 Union Office at 23 Regan Road, Suite 1, Brampton, to purchase your tickets. In Solidarity, Leon Rideout President

Park

Lisa Contini

LOCAL 1285 TRUSTEE

Wayne Hunter

LOCAL 1285 TRUSTEE

Joe Giorgi

LOCAL 1285 TRUSTEE

interested in volunteering can contact the Local directly. We hope everyone has a wonderful summer and we will see you at the Labour Day Parade on the September long weekend.

Adult Canada’s Junior/Senior Wonderland Park opens May 5, 2013 Pay Once Visit Twice (P1V2) Adult Wild Water Kingdom Children Adult African Lion Safari Children 3-12 Years Adult Toronto Zoo Children Adult Ripley’s Aquarium Youth (6-14) of Canada Child (3-5)

Discounted Price Regular Price $42.00 $37.00 $55.00 $27.00 $20.00 $31.00 $25.00 $23.80 $15.30 $30.49 $20.32 $10.15

$67.79 $40.67 $67.79 $36.00 $26.99 $37.23 $29.32 $28.00 $18.00 $33.88 $22.58 $11.28

Page 8 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Recording Secretary’s Report

__________________________ 

 ____________________

We were able to run several introductory computer classes through the spring at the Union Hall. These were offered free of charge through the McMaster-Unifor Labour Studies program. Over 90 retirees took advantage of the opportunity.   Because the training was so well received and successful, our intent is to continue the program after the summer. We are also working to schedule and make available a “Level 2” for those who have already taken the first class.  Over 25 workers attended a “Retirement Preparation” course that we held a few months ago. We are going to schedule another such seminar in the fall. Watch for a posting in your plant.   It’s not just Unifor Local 1285 that have had elections recently. There was an election to select the executive of the Canadian Labour Congress at a convention in Montreal May 5-9. Our local belongs to the CLC.   Our Union in Politics or “political action” committee was sent for the duration of the convention. When it became apparent that the election for the executive was going to be very close, our Local sent our maximum possible delegation for the day of the vote. It was a very close vote. The end result being a significant change to the executive of the CLC. Hassan Yussuff, a former CAW worker, originally from what was then the GM Scarborough Van Plant, is the new President of the CLC.

Most view Hassan’s election as a positive indicator of change, a willingness to take on the “austerity budget mantra” that has been forcing cutbacks on workers across our great nation.   Unifor Ontario Regional Council met late in April. Unifor Ontario Regional Director Katha Fortier presented several recommendations for debate and vote. The topics covered included: c Health Accord, Medicare and a BC Court Challenge. What happens in other provinces, does affect us in Ontario. The issue before the British Columbia courts involves privatization of health care, and whether or not the rich should be able to buy their way to the front of the line. c Recognition of the National Day of Mourning. 243 workers died on the job last year in Ontario alone. c There were recommendations regarding the Ontario Provincial Election, upcoming municipal elections, having full attendance at the CLC convention, our ongoing “Rights at Work” campaign, and Collective Bargaining Support. c  The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is one of the few organiza-

BY

Bill tions in our counTurner try that conducts RECORDING labour friendly SECRETARY research and prepares thoughtful reports. Canadian Media often picks up the right wing “Fraser Institute Gang” reports then distributes these special interest funded documents as “fact.” The CCPA challenges that thinking and ideology. Ontario Regional Council supports the efforts of the CCPA. c Passenger Rail in Canada lags other developed nations. Unifor represents workers in the Rail industry. Let’s lobby the government to maintain what little service remains after years of cutbacks. While we’re at it, why not improve the service and provide Canadian citizens with viable transportation choices? c We’re going to continue our Rights at Work Campaign, and educate all folks in our workplaces about important legal precedents including, here in Ontario, the Rand Formula. c A “Good Jobs Summit” will be held in the fall.   Enjoy a pleasant and safe summer vacation.

Ten Tips For Writing Opinion Pieces We encourage members, along with those holding an elected position, to write for the Local’s newspaper. Here are a few points to remember when submitting opinion pieces.   1. Mainstream news media often present views on issues that are not Labour-friendly, Local 1285 News provides a forum to discuss Labour’s point of view.   2. You are not writing an editorial, it is your perspective on a current topic of interest which you want to share with the membership. Remember the readers’ perspective: Why should they adopt your opinion?   3. Respond to unfair attacks on labour or bad politics, criticize what you don’t agree with but be respectful. Make your argument about ideas, not people.   4. Present a clear perspective or opinion; everything you write will offend someone, but write with passion and reason. Don’t be afraid of emotion.   5. Open with an attention-grabbing remark. Let the reader know up front why you are writing.

  6. State your argument, stick to a single point, use interviews or stories to illustrate your point of view.   7. Back up your position, provide examples, check your research.   8. Briefly acknowledge alternative views – then demolish them but try not to be too obvious.   9. Have a beginning (lead with a short summary of your argument), a middle (which outlines your argument, presents facts and figures, appeals to emotions and attacks opposing views) and an ending (which restates your argument and offers a solution, prediction or conclusion).   10. Write no more than 600 words.   This information was adapted from a power point presentation given at the 2014 CALM Conference by David Climenhaga, a professional newspaper writer. The editors hope you will find the contents helpful and you are encouraged to submit a piece for an upcoming issue. As always the editors are here to help you be the best you can be.

June 2014———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 9

Unifor Local 1285 News

New benefits program offered to members in community chapters

A

s part of Unifor’s founding commitments, members in community chapters will have the ability to opt-in to one of six Green Shield benefits plan offering basic health, dental and drug coverage. Having access to health and dental coverage is an important part of increasing the working and living conditions for Canadian workers. Unfortunately, many workers do not have access to benefits with their employment arrangement. By working together in a community chapter, groups of workers can gain access to a selection of benefits plan for themselves and their families. The details of the benefits plan offered to members in community chapters are now available.

10 things that make everyone a union organizer:

U

nifor is committed to building a culture of organizing at all levels: in the national office, within local unions and in the rank and file membership. We encourage you to adopt some of these strategies to contribute to making organizing a true priority for our union: 1.

Share your story about being a unionized worker to other workers and family members.

2. Bring one new person to your union’s event or meeting. 3. When people around you make erroneous statements about union members, correct them and share your experience! 4. Read up on the CLC’s Union Advantage campaign and learn the facts about how union members in your area benefit http://www.canadianlabour.ca/about-clc/unionadvantage-2013

There are six different plans that vary in benefits and cost. They are available to members of a Unifor community chapter who have committed to membership for at least one full year. The plans are called the “Health Assist ZONE”, which provides individuals and their dependents not covered under a group benefit plan with exactly what they need protection against risk by providing coverage for day-to-day medical and dental expenses, as well as other unforeseen health expenses.

5. Engage your local union or your executive on potential groups in your sector or area that could benefit from being members of Unifor.

These benefits are a clear advantage of being a member of Unifor. They are flexible and affordable, and offer benefits to workers who have no other options for coverage for you and your families.

9. Participate in solidarity events for workers in your community who are on strike, locked out or who are organizing a union.

There are six plans to choose from: three that offer guaranteed acceptance. The complete breakdown of each plan is available at www.unifor.ca/communitychapters. Local unions should include information about these benefits in any discussion about forming possible community chapters.

6. Identify local groups of workers in non-traditional fields who could benefit from working together as a community chapter. 7. Ask a non-union worker if they have ever considered unionizing. 8. Send letters to newspapers when they offer biased reporting against workers and unions.

10. Highlight the positive actions that your union and local union are doing every day!

at “Unifor Organizing”

Contact the Organizing Department: 1-877-495-6551 or [email protected] Page 10  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Union In Politics Committee Report Elections Here They Come! ______________________________  

 ________________________

Well Sisters and Brothers I hope you like elections because there are a whole bunch of them coming our way!   We just finished our local elections and I would like to congratulate all of our newly elected leadership. I’m sure that they will do a great job with their new responsibilities.   I would like to thank Mike Piane, Gerry Harvey, and Dave Ireland for all of their hard work and many years of dedication to our union. If it was not for them Unifor Local 1285 wouldn’t be the strong and vibrant local union we have today. Good luck to you all in your future endeavors.   Saying that, I would also like to thank the Local Election committee and their Chairperson Mary Lou Muck on doing such a fine job on running our past local election. Mary Lou spent countless hours preparing for this election and it showed. This election ran very smoothly. Great job again Mary Lou!   On June 12 the citizens of Ontario went to the polls to decide who they want to form the next government in this province. No one has the right to say who the members of Unifor Local 1285 should vote for in any election; it’s an individual’s democratic right to vote for the candidate who they think best reflects their values and champions the issues and concerns that they face.   However I think that it is a reasonable request to ask our members to research the policies of the parties and to consider carefully who they vote into office.   We all vote for parties and candidates

for different reasons. Many of us face different issues in our lives at home and at work but I also feel that we all share many of the same interests and concerns about the future health of our workplace, our families and our community. We don’t live in isolation. We need to get back to the mindset that an injury to one is an injury to all! It’s an idea that is the basis of the Canadian Way of Life!   So when a canvasser from one of the candidates came knocking on your door, I hope that you all took the time and asked them questions on the issues that concern you. Did you ask them about the high cost of auto insurance, or the long wait times in the ERs, or even the increasing costs of higher education?   One issue that most people have on their radar is the lack of good jobs. It’s all fine and good for a political party to say that they will create a million jobs but what kind of jobs are these? Are they going to be good-paying jobs with benefits or are they going to be minimum wage part time jobs with no benefits that you need to go through an employment agency to be hired.   But like I said earlier, the provincial election is but one election. On the horizon is the municipal election for Mayor,

BY

Jim McDowell

City Council and UNION IN Regional Council POLITICS COMMITTEE and also for the CHAIRPERSON School Board Trustees. These will take place on October 27, 2014. In general the municipal elections have the lowest turnout of the three levels of government but some would say have the most impact on our daily lives. Municipal government controls the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the roads we drive on. So on October 27th take the time and get out and vote.   And of course we will be looking at a Federal election in the spring of 2015. This could be a very interesting election, but as of writing this, there is, as yet no date for this election.   One thing that all three elections have in common is the importance of voting. This is one of the biggest ways we, as Labour, can make a difference and this is the way we Fight Back!   In Solidarity   Jim McDowell   Unifor Local 1285 UPC Co-Chair   1st Vice President   Peel Regional Labour Council

Environment Committee Report

___________________  

The Environment Committee is active in the local community year round but the spring of this year was much more demanding than usual due to the aftermath of the winter ice storm and the extended cold weather delaying our farmers spring planting. Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) Earth Day Tree Planting with Partners in Project Green was a rain out with few if any members attending.   After years of trying I have got IT at the Brampton Assembly Plant to grant access to the Credit Valley Conservation web site. All computer stations in the plant will have this access giving our membership

 ____________________

the chance to see when and where environmental events are happening.   The Environment Committee is open to all membership. If you are interested in joining please contact me at any time.   In Solidarity and Environmentally Friendly,   Michel Le Page   Unifor Local 1285 Environment Chairperson   Unifor/BAP Environmental Rep Chrysler Canada Inc.   Brampton Assembly Plant   Environment, Health and Safety   Ph: 905-799-5156 T/L 752-5156   E-mail: [email protected]

BY

Michel Le Page

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Page 11

Unifor Local 1285 News

Women’s Committee Report Elections And Other Fun Stuff ___________________________ 

 ___________________________

Wow this year is the year for elections!   Here in Ontario we have the Provincial, Municipal in October, and of course Federal next year.   Within the Labour movement the CLC (Canadian Labour Congress), just held their elections. With the election of brother Hassan Yussuff we look forward to increased involvement and commitment from the CLC to all our Labour Councils across Canada.   Of course, as we are all aware, we had our Local elections in May.   I would like to thank everyone who supported me in that election. I would also like to congratulate our newly elected full time Local officers, Danny Price, 2nd VP, and Maurice Kenny, 1st VP. Congratulations also, to everyone who ran for a position. It takes a lot of nerve & courage, regardless of the results. I would hope that it was a great learning experience for all.   I was happy to have gotten to know brother Danny Price, during the much too long campaign process, we were often at the same workplace campaigning. I was able to hear from, and speak to so many of our members during the campaign process and hear their thoughts & concerns. We have a great membership here at Local 1285 and I hope to see many of you at upcoming meetings, courses, etc. Never forget: you are the union, if you have concerns or questions, please come to meetings, or email your elected representatives.

Hassan Yussuff speaks at Unifor Ontario Regional Council.   As mentioned we are in the midst of a Provincial election. We must stop Hudak, he will destroy Ontario if allowed to win this election. Hudak: “I’m going to lay off/fire public servants, but create 100,000 jobs.” Seriously, how the heck does that work... Getting rid of good paying jobs, with pensions and benefits and replace them with low paying, no benefit jobs, is not the kind of Ontario I want for my children and grandchildren. If you have never

BY

Gwen Campbell UNIFOR LOCAL 1285 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

had the opportunity to work on an election campaign, now is the time. I’m fortunate to have started at Jagmeet Singh’s campaign office yesterday. Wow, what a hub of activity. Jagmeet respresents the riding of Brampton-Gore-Malton. For a political junkie like myself, this is a dream job!! Yesterday, my first day, I spent the day in the “data room,” inputting whatever info I was handed, and believe me, the data never ended. I can’t imagine what it must have been like years ago without computers, my guess is, a lot less info was gathered, but also a lot more hand written or typed documents. I worked alongside two young women, one finishing up high school, the other has completed her first year of university. Jagmeet has really connected with the young people in his riding, his office is full of young volunteers,

Women’s Committee Report

continues on page 13  �����������������

The Ontario Health Coalition is highlighting the deficiencies in long-term care patient standards. Page 12  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

International Women’s Day was celebrated with a guest speaker, a brunch and a march.

Women’s Committee Report

continued from page 12  �������������������������������������������� it’s electric, they are so full of energy! We are in great hands with dedicated and passionate young people who will one day lead this country.   Last week in Brampton, the giant rocking chair arrived at Gage Park. The chair is currently appearing all over Ontario to highlight the deficiencies in long-term care patient standards. The Ontario Health Coalition is calling it “the Giant Rocking Chair Tour.” It is bringing attention to seniors care in this province. As our population ages, it is imperative that we give our seniors the time and care standards that they deserve. Funding for health care has flat-lined, while the needs are increasing. When this occurs hospitals, and long-term care facilities cut programs and staffing levels, as well as one-on-one time given to seniors living in these facilities. Currently, only 40 per cent of seniors waiting for a long-term health placement get their first choice of facilities. Often they are forced to go to a facility not in their community or close to loved ones, making it even harder on them, and their families. The Ontario Health Coalition wants the province to set a minimum of four hours hands-on care per day for every resident in a long-term care facility. Please visit their website and sign the petition. A lot of nursing homes are now privately owned, and we know when that happens, profits come ahead of patients.   Our third annual Peel International Women’s Day (IWD) brunch, held at Sagan Hall on Sunday, March 10 was very successful. We raised over $14,000 to be donated equally between Interim Place Womens Shelter, Honeychurch Family services, Hope Place in Brampton, a sexual assault and rape crisis center. Thank you to everyone who donated and to those who attended.

  In April, the Ontario Region Council (ORC) was held in Port Elgin, this was a first time visit there for many of our sisters and brothers from former CEP. The ORC Women’s Committee met the day before Council started to discuss issues that affect women in our union and the broader community. We held a “strategic planning” session to determine priorities moving forward. This is a work in progress, as our meeting was not long enough to accomplish everything we set out to do. We were however able to establish a few goals. Short term we are trying to connect with Women’s committees across the province. In the former CAW we had what was known as Women’s Networks where committees from close-by locals would get together to work on projects. We had an active Network in our area, with sisters from Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville and Niagara area. We will reestablish that, and work with our new

members, and pick one or two issues to get involved in. We are all busy, and there is no point in repeating the work of Local women’s committees or other standing committees. Please email me if you would like to get involved in anything, any bit of help you can offer is greatly appreciated.   The success of the Women to Women campaign, from years ago, was discussed. The idea behind that was to get women out to vote. We held educational sessions to give sisters a better understanding of how politics affects all aspects of our lives and how important it is to get progressive people into positions. Our National union will develop that program again for the Federal election next year. We will keep you posted via FB, twitter and email as this gets underway.   Have a safe and fun summer,   In Solidarity,   Gwen Campbell  Unifor Local 1285 Women’s Committee Chairperson   Women’s Advocate

Marching to the Injured Workers’ Monument on the April 28 Day of Mourning for Workers Injured at work.

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 13

Unifor Local 1285 News

Human Rights/Employment Equity Report As Michigan Becomes The 24th Right-To-Work State _____________________  

 ______________________

The right to work is a Human Right, the right to work for less is inhumane.   “What they are doing is trying to take away our rights to bargain for better wages… these so-called right-to-work laws, they don’t have anything to do with economics, they have to do with politics.” “What they’re really talking about is to give you the right to work for less money.”  A “right-to-work” law is a statute in the United States that prohibits union security agreements, or agreements between labor unions and employers, that govern the extent to which an established union can require employees’ membership, payment of union dues or fees as a condition of employment, either before or after hiring. Right-to-work provisions (either by law or by constitutional provision) exist in 24 U.S. states, mostly in the southern and western United States, but also including, as of 2012, the Midwestern states of Michigan and Indiana. Such laws are allowed under the 1947 Federal Taft– Hartley Act. Is this the beginning of the end of union influence?   Canadians deserve better. If you worked in Canada and put in your time then you should be paid when it’s your time to retire with dignity and pride.

immigration pamphlet that was circulated in Brampton. Some local residents are upset by the flyer, which questions the racial demographics of the city’s population. It shows two photos — the first a group of white people, the second a group of Sikhs. Balpreet Singh of the World Sikh Organization of Canada said the flyer is disrespectful to the whole community and is “quite offensive. ” to some members of his community, but he doubts it qualifies as a hate crime.

Human Rights Update

Unifor

  “Without unions and collective bargaining, it will be impossible for most Canadians to attain a decent, secure life,” Unifor National President Jerry Dias has said. “The current attack by governments across Canada on our basic labour rights will fundamentally damage our quality of life – and that’s why we are determined to stop it.”   The Harper government’s Bill C525 would make it easier to decertify unions in the federal sector, on the basis of biased voting rules. In Ontario, Conservative Leader Tim Hudak wants to eliminate the Rand Formula, while Alberta’s Conservatives have made it illegal for some unions to even talk about striking.

41st Provincial General Election June 14, 2014:

  You had the right to vote to let your voices be heard I hope you voted for a voice that will speak for you, the dedicated hard working, middle class Canadian!.

Anti-Immigration Flyers Upset Brampton Residents

  Peel Regional Police are investigating allegations of racism related to an anti-

BY Ontario, not ambiMike tious federal politAllen icians, should design HUMAN RIGHTS Ontario’s immigraCOMMITTEE tion programs and CHAIRPERSON set the number of immigrants. While immigration to Canada has remained stable, Ontario’s share has steadily declined from more than 50 per cent a decade ago to 38 per cent in 2012 — from 140,000 in 2005 to less than 100,000 in 2012. In contrast, Quebec has maintained and slightly increased its share of immigrants.   We need to find ways to incorporate all members in society into our communities especially in Brampton, one of the fastest growing municipalities. Harassment free is the only way to be!

  “I think the pamphlets are in very bad taste, but I don’t think that they go into the territory of hate crime, so I don’t expect anything to be done,” he said.   Ontario’s economy requires an immigration program tailored to this province.

  Abuja, Nigeria – One month after the armed group Boko Haram kidnapped more than 300 girls from a boarding school in Chibok, the schoolgirls are still missing... Shame! n  n  n  n  n   I would like to take this opportunity to thank the membership for electing me as your Sergeant-At –Arms.   In Solidarity,   Mike Allen

General Minimum Wage

Current wage rates $10.25

Effective June 1, 2014 (As announced) $11.00

Student Minimum Wage

$ 9.60

$10.30

Liquor Servers Minimum Wage

$ 8.90

$ 9.55

$51.25

$55.00

$102.50

$110.00

$11.28

$12.10

Minimum Wage Rate

Hunting and Fishing Guides Minimum Wage

PER HOUR PER HOUR PER HOUR

PER HOUR PER HOUR PER HOUR

RATE FOR WORKING LESS THAN FIVE CONSECUTIVE HOURS IN A DAY

RATE FOR WORKING FIVE OR MORE HOURS IN A DAY WHETHER OR NOT THE HOURS ARE CONSECUTIVE

Home-workers Wage

PER HOUR

PER HOUR

Page 14  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Pride Committee Report Halloween Gala Fundraiser in support of PFLAG ________________________________ 

 _________________________________________________

On Saturday Oct 25 2014, the Pride committee of Unifor Local 1285 is proud to host an evening of glitz, glamour and hope with our first ever fundraiser in support of PFLAG Peel Region. Pflag which stands for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, does a tremendous amount of work throughout Canada in support of youth and their families.   PFLAG Canada is a national charitable organization, founded by parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their non-heterosexual children. The “coming-out” process can be a critical time for families. When the adjustment period is particularly long or painful, relationships can become permanently damaged, resulting in a lifetime of emotional scars. People cannot always rise above the challenge of accepting themselves or their family member, and the results can be devastating, even fatal. We support these families today, and give them hope for a better tomorrow. Go to www.pflagcanada.ca for more info.   The evening will start with a cocktail hour followed by a three course sit down dinner and of course our main event... The Deceiving Divas on stage! The Deceiving Divas are a group of female impersonators who do an incredible amount of fundraising in support of Pflag raising tens of thousands of dollars yearly for this outstanding organization!   Tickets go on sale June 1st, $50 per person with proceeds going to PFLAG and can be purchased at Unifor Local 1285, 23 Regan Rd Brampton or by calling the Local at 905-451-

BY 8310. Payments by Debit and Visa can Chris be made at the Local. There will also be Mackey door prizes and a silent auction. For those PRIDE who wish to get into the Halloween spirit, COMMITTEE prizes will be given for best costume so CHAIRPERSON get those imagination juices flowing!!!   For those working at the Chrysler Plant, tickets can be purchased at the Social Club Office or by contacting Chris Mackey A Shift Paint Dept. Flow Seal area, Lori Kerr A Shift Trim 1, MaryLou Muck B Shift

Toronto/World Pride

  This coming June, Toronto will be hosting World Pride for the first time! An estimated 2.5 million people will be attending the week long festivities starting on June 20th and ending with the massive Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29th. We are asking all those Unifor members their families and friends to come and join our National float and march along with us on this historic occasion! Posters with all the info will be going up soon in all our units. Watch for them!

Peel Pride

  For over 10 years, The Pride Committee of Peel has served the Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon areas. The Pride Committee is a volunteer non-profit organization, with the goal of bringing Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgendered, and our allies together in Peel Region. We are pleased to bring you Pride events right here in Peel Region!   Our Mission: The Pride Committee of Peel is a volunteer non-profit organization. Our goal is to host social events in a positive, safe and inclusive environment for the LGBT Community and our allies in Peel Region.   The Peel Pride Committee formed in 2003 and has been honoured with the full support of the City of Brampton, with the annual Proclamation of Pride week in Peel Region, and the flying of the Rainbow colours over Brampton City Hall. Pride Celebrations are now Proclaimed by The Town of Caledon and The Region of Peel, and celebrated by LGBTQ community members and their allies throughout the region! In addition to hosting events in our community, we have proudly participated in past regional and provincial events including Niagara Pride, York Pride, the annual Peel Regional Race Against Racism, Halton Pride, Hamilton Pride, and marched with Peel Regional Police at Toronto Pride   This year Peel Pride will hold their annual Pride Day on Saturday, June 20th at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton. For more into on this event please go to www.peelpride.ca   In Solidarity and Pride   Chris Mackey June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 15

Unifor Local 1285 News

Aboriginal And Workers Of Colour Committee Report

_______________________________________  

‘Still I Rise’ By Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries. Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t you take it awful hard ‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own back yard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise. Maya Angelou died at age 86 in May 2014.

 _______________________________________

The 100th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru, a Japanese steamship that arrived in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour on May 23, 1914 carrying 376 passengers from Punjab, India, seeking asylum, was celebrated. Back then, due to discriminatory immigration policies that were in place, the passengers were prevented from leaving the ship. Two months later, the ship was then escorted out of the harbour and back to India.   The Incident of the Komagata Maru was forgotten in Canada even though it ended in a tragedy. On its return to India, the British police boarded the ship and a riot started, killing 19 passengers.   Today, in Canada, there are multiple events being held to mark this event. There is a special stamp by Canada Post, whose CEO is of Indian origin. In Vancouver, museums hosted exhibitions and multimedia on the Komagata Maru. It is with the continued persistence and success for change from the IndoCanadian community that has led to changes in immigration policies over the years.

BY

Tricia Brown

ABORIGINAL & WORKERS OF COLOUR COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

New First Nations Treaty Map For Ontario Schools

First Step in Greater Understanding and Awareness of Treaties   Ontario is sending a First Nations and Treaties map to every elementary and high school in the province as a first step towards raising awareness about treaties.   The map will help teach students about the significance of treaties and the shared history of First Nations and non-Aboriginal Ontarians.   In partnership with First Nation leaders, new school curriculum about treaties is being developed to give students a better understanding of First Nation communities, cultures and perspectives. Ontario will also be working with First Nation partners to look for other opportunities to raise awareness and to better understand different perspectives on treaties and related issues.   Working with First Nations is part of the government’s plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow and focuses on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.

Quick Facts

c A treaty is a negotiated agreement that sets out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of Aboriginal people and the Crown, including the federal and provincial governments. c First Nations and Treaties is the first detailed map of treaties that the Ontario government has published since the 1940s. c Prior to contact with Europeans, First Nations were distinct, independent nations. The treaties they made with the Crown reflect a mutual commitment to working together on areas of common interest and mutual benefit. c Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements such as land purchases by the Crown signed between 1781 and 1930

Page 16  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

DODGE

JEEP

CHRYSLER•DODGE•JEEP•FIAT Brampton Mall CHRYSLER • DODGEAuto • RAM • JEEP • FIAT Auto Mall

0

%

Purchase Financing Available!

BUILT IN BRAMPTON!

BLOW OUT PRICING

THE BIG STORE WITH THE LOW PRICES! Serving Brampton and surrounding areas since 1958!

(905) 459-1810 (905) 459-1810

410

QUEEN

BRAMALEA

QUEEN

DIXIE RD

CHRYSLER•DODGE•JEEP•FIAT

CHRYSLER•DODGE•JEEP•FIAT Brampton Brampton Auto Auto Mall Mall CHRYSLER•DODGE•JEEP•FIAT Brampton Mall Auto Mall BramptonAuto Auto Auto Mall Mall

BOVAIRD

BOVAIRD

BRAMALEA

JEEP

JEEP

410 HWY 10

JEEP DODGE

DIXIE RD

DODGE

HWY 10

DODGE

McLAUGHLIN

YEARS...1995 - 2006

SANDALWOOD SANDALWOOD McLAUGHLIN

11

# # WINNER BRAMPTONGUARDIAN GUARDIAN BRAMPTON READER’S CHOICE READER’SBRAMPTON CHOICEGUARDIAN WINNER READER’S CHOICE WINNER 12 CONSECUTIVE 12 CONSECUTIVE YEARS...1995 - 2006

STEELES AVE

STEELES AVE

FIVE STAR

FIVE STAR

www.bramptonchrysler.ca www.bramptonchrysler.ca

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 17

Unifor Local 1285 News

Brampton North Dental FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

A BRIGHTER, WHITER SMILE IS A PHONE CALL AWAY

CALL US TODAY

905-840-1511 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Family Dentistry Children Dentistry Wisdom Teeth

Invisalign Implants Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

“All Your Dental Care Under One Roof”

Periodontist on Staff Ask about our special offers

Free whitening New Patient exam

We offer Direct Billing to your Insurance 1E Conestoga Drive suite #300 (Kennedy and Conestoga Drive)

EMAIL: [email protected] Page 18  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

How the Conservatives expanded the temporary worker pipeline

!!! woo-hooomo re here’s someur, my cheap labo ! ds ien fr

Who benefits and who gets hurt?

Let ‘er rip, steve!

ine... d of the pipel the other en at , le hi nw ea M

For decades, Canada has relied on migrant workers to help develop the economy. Many come through the government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This program was intended to fill very specific jobs on a short term basis—jobs that required workers and skills that did not exist in the country. But since 2006, the Harper government has made it much easier for employers of all kinds to use migrant workers. It’s like they’ve built a pipeline that can be easily tapped into. Employers were invited to recruit migrant workers to almost every sector of the economy, from agriculture, to construction, to health care, to retail, even media and government. Employers are now able to hire temporary migrant workers to harvest crops, fly planes, drive trucks, care for children and elders, respond to trouble tickets on IT help desks, and—incredibly— serve coffee at Tim Hortons and flip burgers at Wendy’s! The Harper government effectively changed the purpose of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program...

FROM:

helping employers fill specific labour or skills shortages on a short-term basis

to:

helping employers profit from a global supply of cheap, vulnerable and disposable labour for just about any job you can imagine

Yeah, and how about the migrant this is workers who are outrageous! being abused and how come we exploited? never heard about it? how is it well Let’s take a affecting closer look local at what THE workers? CONSERVATiVES did-and what’s wrong with it.

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 19

Unifor Local 1285 News

A little help from their friends

To get some advice on how to “improve” the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the Conservatives put together an advisory group. Here’s a who’s-who of the group’s members.

The Conservatives created loopholes allowing employers to get more temporary work permits

Canadian Meat Council

1 2

They have played fast is that Temporary foreign and loose with the amount ready! worker application of time employers are ready to go? required to advertise job three... openings. It used to be six weeks. two...one... They reduced it to as little as six days at one point. Then they increased it to 14 days. Now there is a “guideline” for employers to advertise jobs nationally for only four weeks.

And there was a bonus!

Unt il 2013, the application process was FREE, which amounted to a $35 million-per-year subsidy to employers!

Hotel Association of Canada

Canadian Trucking Alliance

Petroleum Services Association of Canada

Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council

Canadian Federation of Independent Business

3

They set the stage by adding ...for any legally recognized one line to the 2007 budget, inviting employers to recruit occupation from any country. temporary migrant workers...

Merit Canada

Canadian Construction Association

Since 2006, the Harper government has quietly made critical changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. “Quietly” means they did it largely away from parliamentary oversight—like so many of the other things they do! Here’s some of what they did:

4 5

So people, ke ma how can we rk ers migrant wo us? work for

Canadian Restaurant & Food Services Association

They opened special offices in Alberta and British Columbia to fast-track the approval for some employers seeking migrant workers. It was a sort of fast lane for employers who were looking to hire workers in occupations that they called “under pressure,” in other words, facing a shortage of workers. How a shortage was determined was never explained, other than employers claims of shortages. They later introduced an across-the-board fast lane for all employers. Their goal? To process employers’ applications in as little as ten days!

NOTE:

For one year they allowed employers to pay 15% less to ALL workers doing the “high-skilled” job for which temporary work permits were sought. The discount was 5% for “lowskill” jobs.

This fast track/pay less window for employers was recently closed due to public pressure. But this government is on public record saying the fast track window is only “temporarily suspended.”

rant workers by the Employers applied for mig ment happily obliged. ern thousands, and the gov uments reveal that Access to Information doc are over 70% of applications ed! rov app

come on people, let’s keep those approvals coming!

With these changes, the use of migrant workers has skyrocketed. Employers have been given about half a million temporary work permits, including 340,000 migrant workers in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program at the end of 2012. And there’s an alarming trend: employers have been able to fill more and more low-skilled jobs with migrant workers. This includes jobs in retail and fast food! In early 2013, a list of employers that were granted work visas for “high-skilled” temporary workers was made public. The list is 90 pages long and contains thousands of workplaces—and among them are fast food outlets like Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen, Quiznos and A&W. 80,000

Migrant Workers by Job Type, 2012 Sales and Service McJobs

70,000 60,000

10,000

Trades and equipment operators

Health Services

20,000

Business and Finance

30,000

Management

40,000

Logging Mining Oil and Gas

50,000

for Harper’s changes allowed the in se rea inc tic a drama use of migrant workers for McJobs!

So what’s wrong with allowing employers to use more migrant workers, anyway?

let’s take a look at some of the problems this policy is causing...

0

Page 20  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

any more om trouble fr e you and you’r xt ne e th on , plane home fella!!

Rampant abuse of migrant workers Migrant workers, particularly those in low-skilled jobs, often face multiple forms of abuse and exploitation!

It can start with the labour brokers and recruiters who bring the migrant workers from overseas on behalf of employers. They often lure this can’t be migrants to Canada with misleading right. I information about the job they’ll be doing want to speak up... or false promises of gaining citizenship for themselves and family members. Brokers then often charge migrants illegal job placement fees, which robs workers of ...but I need to make money to send to their wages and increases debt. Migrants often my family have to cope with bosses who don’t honour employment contracts—which can sometimes mean failure to pay the workers properly. Employers often force migrants to work in unsafe conditions, or to live in cramped and costly housing. Why don’t migrant workers just change jobs if they’re being abused? According to the rules, they can’t (at least not very easily). This puts them in a vulnerable position—employers can threaten them with deportation if they “misbehave”. So the workers tend to remain silent.

In Canada today, more than a million workers are unemployed and millions more are under-employed. Youth unemployment is off the charts and so is unemployment among aboriginal communities. Yet, employers by the thousands claim they face labour shortages. Clearly, some employers prefer to use easy access to migrant labour rather than investing in job training or paying decent wages and benefits—and the current federal government promotes this behaviour.

Tim Hortons claimed these were regrettable but isolated incidents in a company with thousands of franchises. But this is exactly the type of behavior employers feel they can get away with in a program that gives employers all the power. One of the owners in Dawson Creek is alleged to have told his workers he was “the owner of their lives”— and that about sums it up! There are literally thousands of cases of abuse of migrant workers in Canada, and the government is doing little to stop it.

labour shor tage! labour shortage!

There are thousands of Live-in Caregivers working in homes across Canada.These mostly women workers make the challenging decision to leave their own families behind in search of better economic opportunities abroad. They care for our elders and children for years on their hopeful road to Canadian citizenship—and ideally, family re-unification. However, Canada’s Live-in Care Program enables some employers to easily abuse these workers. In July 2013, a BC court found an employer guilty of employing a migrant worker illegally and misrepresenting the situation to immigration officials. This was the the first conviction for human trafficking under the Immigration Act.

When employers are given the upper hand over workers, they can manipulate wages and working conditions downward.

A sweet deal and a kick in the teeth In the end, the Conservative government’s expansion of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a sweet deal for employers, and a kick in the teeth to all workers. Employers get off scot-free by avoiding spending on job training or apprenticeships, and by getting a free pass to profit off an easy-to-exploit migrant workforce. Meanwhile, next to nothing is spent on protecting migrant workers rights!

In 2013, four migrant workers from two Dawson Creek Tim Hortons outlets filed a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. They alleged that the owner was overcharging them for rent in a crowded house, that he had confiscated their passports, and that he had uttered repeated racist comments like “lazy” and “idiot” Mexicans. Meanwhile, in White City, Saskatchewan, six Tim Hortons migrant workers complained of being forced to share three bedrooms and a kitchen without a stove or full-sized refrigerator. They were paying $500-$600 each per month in rent.

Canadian employer guilty of human trafficking!

The result is a vulnerable, compliant workforce!

Problems for the national labour force

Tim Hortons—as Canadian as it gets?

A flexible workforce makes canadae a great plac s to do busines

In international law and Canadian law, human trafficking means the act of recruiting, transporting, holding or receiving people by the use of force, lies, fraud, abuse of power, or payment for the purpose of exploitation. This historic court ruling exposes how flawed the TFWP is and the case represents an important win to protect workers’ human rights.

what can we do to oppose this blatant anti-worker agenda?

I dunno. there must be something. Let’s go see.

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 21

Unifor Local 1285 News

Mighty bank bows to public pressure and worker solidarity!

Their agenda exposed! In the spring of 2013, news reports exposed that IT professionals at the Royal Bank of Canada were training migrant workers to do their jobs, only to be later replaced by them. It was a complex arrangement involving a job outsourcing firm and a program for hiring migrant workers called the Intra-company Transfer. The bottom line was simple: workers were losing decent jobs due to an employer profiting from lower wages and job off-shoring. Other workers soon pointed out similar things were happening in their workplaces. From miners, to pilots to healthcare workers, employers were taking advantage of temporary work permits when and where they could. These cases gave the public a peek at the Conservative government’s shady scheme to give all employers easy access to vulnerable international labour. The government was embarrassed by the public outcry and quickly announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. But the changes are little more than cosmetic tweaks, aimed at diverting people’s attention.

When news broke about IT workers at the Royal Bank of Canada losing their jobs to off-shoring, there was immediate outrage across the country. Union members organized “greeters clubs” to talk with RBC customers outside bank branches, urging them to re-think where they bank. Unions also threatened to pull out their pension funds. RBC’s CEO quickly realized that it was time to change their way of doing business. The bank has since made a public commitment to curtail its practices of offshoring and worker displacement.

Neither migrant workers nor the national labour force are adequately protected.

don’t worry, folks

We’re “fixing” the program

Workers demand fundamental change! For a strong, equitable and just economy, the Canadian government must:

1

End the abuse of migrant workers!

2

Increase permanent immigration to build a strong citizenry!

3

Invest seriously in job training and apprenticeships!

AHEM!! Not allowed!

ACTlON ALERT!

4

Scale back the TFWP by closing the low-wage pipeline. Establish caps and verify that shortages are genuine.

Support the campaign for migrant worker justice!

Contact your MP and insist that the government: dramatically scale back the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This includes: closing the pipeline that allows employers access for low-wage, vulnerable work permits; requiring that applicants provide objective proof of shortages, alongside measurable plans to train and hire from within the country. invest seriously in job training and apprenticeships and develop a labour market strategy that puts unemployed and under-employed people back to work with decent wages and working conditions— with special priority on helping racialized workers, newcomers, youth and aboriginal communities. return to a policy of permanent immigration, not abusive temporary migration schemes.

Lobby provincial, municipal and First Nation governments and ask them to put in place measures that both protect migrant workers and require employers to demonstrate they are hiring locally.

Join with the CLC, your union, labour federations and allies and support their work organizing migrant workers.

Organize rallies, flash mobs and direct actions targeting industry associations, labour brokers and employers abusing migrant workers.

Canadian Labour Congress • www.canadianlabour.ca Special thanks to: United Food and Commercial Workers Canada, United Steelworkers, Unifor, Public Service Alliance of Canada Designed & illustrated by Tony Biddle, www.perfectworlddesign.ca Copyright © 2013, Canadian Labour Congress

Page 22  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

There's strength in numbers Refer a colleague Breckles Insurance Brokers is Unifor's exclusive provider of group home and auto insurance. Being part of a union that is over 300,000 members entitles you and your colleagues to many insurance savings and benefits

Discounts of 15% on home and auto insurance when you combine your policies (Ontario Only)

2 year rate guarantee (Alberta Only)

Refer a colleague for your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! When your Unifor colleagues call

1-877-229-4677 for a home or auto quote and tell us you referred them, you'll

$1 million in excess liability coverage^

Receive an online insurance quote in 5 minutes or less at uniforinsurance.ca

be entered into a draw for a chance to win. Prizes awarded monthly!

Pantone 187C

70%K

60%K

10%K

Unifor’s group home and auto insurance program is administered by your fellow members at Unifor Local 1524 Group coverage is underwritten by Traders General Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aviva Canada Inc. Unifor Auto & Home Insurance is owned and operated by Breckles Insurance Brokers Limited. ^ $1 million in excess liability applies to all personal lines policies insured with Aviva in all provinces, subject to maximum limits. Terms and conditions apply. Visit avivacanada.com for specific details. For contest Rules & Regulations please contact Breckles Insurance.

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 23

M-2381-Unifor Refer a Friend Update.indd 1

2/11/14 1:10 PM

© 2014 Siemens Hearing Instruments Inc. All rights reserved.

Unifor Local 1285 News

Siemens rechargeable hearing aids are always ready-to-go. Get up to 18 hours daily use without changing batteries. www.siemens.com/hearing

eCharger

Reduce waste and virtually eliminate the need to buy or handle batteries. It can recharge batteries in just six hours, refreshing and dehumidifying the hearing instruments. Motion™ SX Pure™

Motion™ PX

Life sounds brilliant. Serving the local community since 1970

905-791-2203 18 Kensington Rd, Suite #100

www.bramptonhearingaid.com Providers for Greenshield Insurance

Page 24  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Health & Safety Committee Report  _______________________ Musculoskeletal Disorders Can Be Devastating ______________________  

Musculoskeletal Disorders: They sound trifling compared to terminal cancers caused by toxic chemicals, or crippling incidents that put workers in wheel-chairs for life. Few Canadians even know what they are. In real life, however, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be devastating; a shocking reality is one in 10 Canadian adults experience a musculoskeletal disorder serious enough to limit basic movements that most of us take for granted.   Symptoms include aches, pains, burning, tingling, locking joints, swelling and loss of joint movement and strength.   Some assembly line workers try dulling the pain of our agonizing repetitive strain injuries with over-the-counter or prescription drugs that affect our muscles, nerves and tendons.   Many workplace factors trigger MSDs. Repetition, rapid work pace, awkward positions, forceful movements, vibration, cold temperatures, occupational stress, continuous walking/ standing and no recovery time from hard physical labor are the main culprits.   Most of the 2.3 million Canadians experiencing MSDs – also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) – are hurt at work. The economic costs are also huge, estimated at $26 billion annually. Most

MSD-related costs aren’t covered by employers operating unsafe workplaces, but by Canadian taxpayers. Yet most governments have not taken decisive action on preventing MSDs and repetitive strain injuries.   I encourage everyone to call for an assessment of their job and its elements if any part is suspected of giving you an RSI/MSDs. Seek support from supervisors, ergonomists, committee-persons and health & safety rep(s).

Local Elections

BY

Sewak Manak

UNIFOR LOCAL 1285 HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

  Congratulations to Ardis Snow elected as our new Financial Secretary. Congrats!   My sincere thanks to those who voted and supported me.   I congratulate Brother Leon Rideout and all other winners. Also, a great job done by sister Mary Lou Muck and her team for conducting fair elections.   Sewak (SAM) Manak.   Chair, Standing Committee H/S

Condolences to our members who have lost a family member:

Jimmy Dunn Claudio Battaglia Virgilio Golea Ngoc Quyen Reg Barrett John Dunning Robert McConnell Boyde Norman Linda Hettwer Kevin Witherall Sheila Carter Mike Schweir Charlie Spiteri Mary Alexander Jim McDowell Robert Martin

John More Sandra Crabb Roy Machado Bruce Hayes Mark Massa Zabeer Karim Diane Drovers Wendy DeBruyn Thanh Truong Ian Dermott Vera Bozulic Juanita McConnell Syd Mugford Mark Hettwer Darryl MacNeal Mark Ferkul

Timm Schweir Ronald Mendoza Lisa Contini Lien Pham Bentley Sevink Rakesh Kumar Kurl Cliff Hatcher Darren MacKenzie John Moniz Rohit Tulram Muntaz Alli Shelly Wilson Ken DeBruyn Son Huynh Mark Devereaux Robbie Bozulic

Craig Small Primo Torreal Ivano Patat Dick Thyssen Terri Taylor-Halleran Anne Pecoskie-Schweir Mohan Kangappaden Doug Fair Natalie Weissbach Jeff Skinner Brian Leslie Rocky Bishop Joe Moniz Joe Novo Barbara Phillips

Condolences to the families of our members who have passed since our last publication:

Steve Varga Jason Monk Peggy MacNeal

Nirvair Singh Gerry Larocque

Alex Zaidi Alexander Kostiuk

Frank Dragos Leonard Jones Mark Jones

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 25

Unifor Local 1285 News

2014 Corporate GAD Ticket Online ATTENTION: Unifor LOCAL 1285 MEMBERS Operating Season is from May 17th to October 12th, 2014

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR MARINELAND HAS OFFERED GAD TICKETS ONLINE ONLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING TICKETS PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:

Step 1 Go to the Marineland website direct URL: http://www.marineland.ca Click on Buy Tickets online as Step 2 SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM of that page where it says “Corporate Code”. c Using the corporate code below, enter it in the box and press GO>> You only need to enter the corporate code ONCE  Note: If you are copying and pasting, please make sure not to pick up extra spaces Step 3 PURCHASING TICKETS c You are now on the special page for your company/organization. c This is where you will be making your purchase(s). c Select the first age category you wish to purchase a ticket for; either regular, junior or senior, add required quantity of tickets in the box and “Click” add to cart Step 4 c You need to repeat the same process for each additional age category. c To purchase additional tickets, press CONTINUE, and add to cart each time. c Repeat #3 for each age category and add to cart each time until your cart shows all required tickets. Step 5 VIEW YOUR CART BEFORE CHECKING OUT. This is the time, to change and update quantities or remove items if need be. The total amount owing is shown at the bottom of that page.

In Solidarity, Leon Rideout President

Step 6 CHECKOUT & BILLING INFORMATION PAGE A – Billing Information c  You need to have, on hand, Visa (VbV) or MasterCard (MCSC) c Make sure to write your address exactly as it is shown on your credit card statement. c Failure to do this step accurately will result in a declined purchase. c Look up FAQ at the bottom of the page if experiencing difficulties. B – Access Code c The Access Code was provided by your organization, it is not the same as the corporate code, it must be entered for the transaction to go through. C – Payment Information Enter your credit card information here and then “Click”, proceed to confirmation. You will be directed to the payment authentication screen which is where you will enter Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code information. If you experience problem with this screen, please contact your credit card provider (it is a credit card issue not a Marineland). Step 7 No confirmation email will be sent to you – PRINT your tickets immediately or SAVE a PDF copy, before exiting the site. We also strongly suggest that you keep a copy of this PDF for possible use in the future for reprinting should you misplace your tickets. Similar to cash and tickets for sporting events or concerts, your tickets should be stored in a safe place.

Corporate Code: a0e168c8 Access Code: ML11259

Page 26  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Employee & Family Assistance Program Report

____________  

 _____________

I have found over the years of being the Women’s Advocate that there are numerous support groups for women who have experienced child sexual abuse to get help. It is often rare to find a group for the males that have had this unfortunate experience. I am aware of one group that is offering a program for men, Horizon Counseling, Consulting and Training.   Horizon CCT made possible with the support from the Ministry of The Attorney General, are pleased to announce that they are now proudly providing FREE and confidential individual

Counselling, Phone Counselling, and Peer to Peer Support Groups to male survivors of child abuse in Peel Region. They are located at 60 West Dr. Suite 107 in Brampton.   They are currently accepting registrations for individual counselling and / or closed group programming. Registrations which can be completed on our website at www.horizoncct.com , under the program link, or in person by calling 416-994-2455. A new closed group session is going to begin in March.

EFAP Report – Mental Health Mental Health Awareness Week is the first week of May. Contrary to popular opinion, a big part of my job entails assisting people who have mental health illnesses. Many assume that if a person is in my office, it is for addiction, which is not always the case. However, saying that, addiction is a mental health illness.

What Is It?

  Most of us have heard the terms mental illness or mental disorder or psychiatric condition. These terms are used to describe a wide range of different conditions but what they have in common is that they all affect a person’s emotions, thoughts and behaviours — how they see themselves, see the world around them, and how they interact in that world.   The key difference from “having a bad day or week” is both the duration and magnitude of the impacts on your life.   There are many different kinds of mental disorders. One in five Canadians, over the course of their lives, will experience a mental illness and what that ultimately means is that every single family in Canada will in some way be affected. There is nobody in Canada who can stand up and say, “Not my family, not my aunts or uncles or cousins or grandparents, children, siblings, spouse or self.”   And yet the reluctance to talk about mental illness, to acknowledge it openly, to treat it as a form of human suffering like any other illness, relates in part to how threatening this set of illnesses is to our sense of who we are. Mental illness cuts across all age, racial, religious, or

socio-economic categories.

The Impacts Are Staggering

  The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by the year 2020 depression will become the Number Two cause worldwide of years lost due to disability. That’s a profound impact. The number of suicides in Canada is almost 4,000 people a year.   For people aged 15 to 24 in Canada, suicide is the No. 2 cause of death.   Mental illness is the Number One cause of disability in Canada, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of disability claims and 70 per cent of total costs.   Mental health disorders in the workplace cost Canadian companies nearly 14 per cent of their net annual profits and up to $16 billion annually.  The unemployment rate among people with serious mental illness is 70–90 per cent.   There is a 60 per cent drop in family income when a breadwinner is diagnosed with mental illness.

Types of Mental Illnesses:

  Mood disorders – involve changes and disruptions in a person’s mood and emotions. Depression and bipolar disorder are examples of mood disorders.   Anxiety disorders – are the most common type of mental disorder. They cause people to be overly anxious and afraid of situations or events that most people consider normal. Panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are anxiety disorders.  Schizophrenia – involves people losing the ability to know what’s real and what isn’t (this feature is called

BY

Phyllis Foster

EMPLOYEE & FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CHAIRPERSON

psychosis). Schizophrenia also makes it difficult for people to think, speak and interact in an organized way. Psychosis is not just a part of schizophrenia, but may also be seen on its own, or with other disorders like mood disorders.   Eating disorders – involve a distorted body image along with serious behaviours to manage food and weight, making it difficult to nourish oneself properly. Eating disorders can be lifethreatening. Examples of eating disorders include anorexia and bulimia.   Personality disorders – affect the way a person acts, feels and gets along with other people. They can also cause people to be more impulsive. Borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder are examples of personality disorder.   Substance use disorders (commonly called addictions) – occur when a person becomes dependent on a substance such as alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.  Dementia – involves the loss of brain cells and results in loss of memory, judgment and reasoning, along with changes in mood, behaviour and communication abilities (beyond what might be seen in normal aging). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.   Attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (ADD or ADHD) – can be diagnosed in adults but is usually found in children and youth and affects their ability to focus their attention. This con-

Employee & Family Assistance Program Report

continues on page 28  ����������������

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 27

Unifor Local 1285 News

_________________________________________  

Recreation Report  _____________________________________

c  April 12-13th – National 10-Pin Bowling Finals   –  45 teams attended, some coming from Chatham, Windsor and Oshawa.   – Five teams from our Local, and two of them in top 10.   – Winning Men’s Team from Local 112   – Winning Women’s Team from Local 200 c  April 18th-19th – National Hockey Finals   – 19 teams participated   – Winners from Open Division Hornsby from Local 1285   – Winner from 35 & over from Local 707   – Winner from 45 & over from Local 88 c  May 3rd – National Trap Shoot   – 25 teams attended, the weatherman predicated thunderstorms but all went well with just a light shower and no delays. Finished up the day with a great meal.   – Winners from “A” Division from Local 636   – Winners from “B” Division from Local 1285 (this is my team!)   – Winners from “C” Division from Local 112

Upcoming Events & Dates To Remember

c July 11th, 12th & 13th CARABRAM 2014   You can get your passport at union hall and come out to see the Canadian pavillion   Still need volunteers, any time is appreciated – contact Maria or Val at 905-451-8310 c  August 3rd National Show and Shine in London   Got a nice car? Well it’s time to show it off – details are posted. c  August 10th Local 1285 Summer Splash at Wild Water Kingdom   See page 37 for details.   Looks like a busy couple of months hope to see you there.   In Solidarity,   Debbie Lake   Rec Chair of Local 1285   National TCRC Rec Chair

Employee & Family Assistance Program Report

continued from page 27  ����������������������������������������� dition may also include hyperactivity, which is when a person becomes easily over-excited.

Myths and Facts

 Myth: Young people and children don’t suffer from mental illness.  Fact: It is estimated that more than 18 per cent of young people (ages 15 to 24) in Canada may suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community. Suicide accounts for 24 per cent of all deaths among 15 to 24 year olds and 16 per cent among 25 to 44 year olds. Ninety percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental illness. The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women. n  n  n  n  n   Myth: Mentally ill persons are dangerous.   Fact: The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In fact, they are more often victims of violence rather than perpetrators of violence. In the cases where violence does

occur, the incidence typically results from the same reasons as with the general public such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs. n  n  n  n  n  Myth: People with mental illness can work low-level jobs but aren’t suited for really important or responsible positions.  Fact: People with mental illness, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation. n  n  n  n  n  Myth: A person who has had a mental illness can never be “normal.”   Fact: People with mental illnesses can and do recover and resume normal activities. The vast majority recover.   (Stats and some information has been taken from CMHA and CAMH websites).

In Closing

  One in five people will have some form of a mental health illness within their lifetime. Some of these illnesses

BY

Debbie Lake

LOCAL 1285 RECREATION COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

may last a life time but others may only last several months or a few years. Great strides in treatment, whether it is different kinds of therapy or with medications, have been made.   “We have learned more about the brain in the last 20 years than we learned during the previous 100 years” Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President and CEO, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health   We need to change the perception of these illnesses. Having one of these illnesses does not mean the person is weak. These and many other perceptions and myths, have a lot to do with why people are not seeking the assistance that they may need. If you had a broken leg you would seek immediate help; society should look at mental health illness in the same way. In fact, the longer you suffer without treatment, the worse the illness may become.   If you see yourself or a family member somewhere in this article there is help available. You can get non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate assistance through my office. Give me a call.   Office: 905-458-2672 or if in emergency Cell: 905-702-4456   In Solidarity,   Phyllis Foster

Page 28  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Chrysler Brampton Assembly Plant Report

__________________ 

 __________________

I would like to commend everyone who ran in the recent Local elections. To those who were successful in their election – congratulations. Thank you for trusting me to be your Financial Secretary. It is also an honour and a privilege to be an elected delegate to Ontario Regional Council (formerly CAW Council) and Canadian Council (formerly CAW/TCA Joint Council). Ontario Council will meet twice per year and Canadian Council will meet once every two years.   On May 6th, CEO Sergio Marchionne laid out his five year plan for the corporation. We were hoping for a commitment to the plants. There was none. The entire lay out focused on the products the company plans to build. There was some good news. Chrysler Brand CEO Al Gardner said this year Chrysler will release a sportier version of the Brampton Plant’s Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars. We have been building these pilots. Something we expected but had had no commitment for was the announcement of a refresh of the 300 model next summer. Gardner also said there are plans to export the 300 to China with a new model arriving in 2018.   As a result of a legal work stoppage at Lear Seating Ajax, the Brampton Assembly Plant employees were short-shifted for two days. On Monday May 5th the company informed the Union they were not going to pay the employees their Short Work Week benefits. There was no explanation why. A grievance was filed and heard at the fourth stage. At the time of writing the company has not answered the grievance and still has not provided the language they are using to deny this benefit. As we wait for this answer, we thank the employees for their patience and for their solidarity.   In June, there will be a Provincial election. We are fearful of a majority Tim Hudak Conservative government. Yes this is the same Tim Hudak that publically spoke out against Chrysler’s request for a $700 million government loan towards a $3.6 billion dollar investment in the two Canadian plants. This investment would have secured our jobs, parts supplier jobs and local businesses for many years. Tim Hudak has promised to eliminate 100,000 civil service jobs. We need a government that’s going to create good jobs with decent wages and benefits. I’m not going to tell you who to vote for but I am asking you not to vote for Tim Hudak’s Conservative Party. They are not a friend of Labour and not a friend to you.

  Under WCM our workloads are getting busier than ever. If you are not able to keep up make sure all defects and incomplete operations are punched in. This will give us the ability to show management the difficulty you are experiencing on your job. If you feel your job is over cycle, contact your Committeeperson. If you are unable to keep up on your job, BY the job can be put “in dispute.” To do Ardis this there must have been some change to Snow your job. The job will then be time studUNIT CHAIRPERSON ied. If it is determined your job is over cycle, work will have to be removed.   At Chrysler Council held in Port Elgin in April it was agreed to move forward with the Apprenticeship program. Arrangements are being made to set up the testing. The employees who were in the program when it was cancelled in 2000 will not have to write the test again. These employees will also be the first to be offered a position. Employees accepting an apprenticeship, will start at 60 per cent of the wage of their trade. Every 1,000 hours in the trade the employee’s wage will increase by five per cent until reaching the full wage rate of their trade. Once this has been finalized, information will be made available.   The next session of Union Awareness will begin on May 20th. This is a great opportunity the see what is happening within your Union. We ask that all members attend as this helps create 45 jobs in the plant. It is also an opportunity to get a break from the everyday strain on your body.   All full time employees have now been recalled. Unfortunately this will only be for the summer to cover employee requests for time off. As a result of this, contractually TPTs are now permitted to be used during the week. Any employee requesting a TPT during the week can make the request to their supervisor.   The company is currently scheduling and holding summer student orientation classes. These summer students will be used to cover the full time employees requesting summer LOAs.

Martin Brower Unit Report

_________________________  

I would like to start out my report on an issue I have talked about in the past.   Martin-Brower informed the members at our Brampton Distribution Center that they would be moving forward on acquiring a piece of land to build a new Distribution Center to accommodate increased business.   I’d hoped we knew at this point where the new DC would be located but we are told we will know the location in the near future.   Just this week the company released a set of drawings of the new interior of the new building and requested feedback from all the employees on the lay out of the new facility.

 __________________________

  We are currently struggling at our current distribution center with not having the capacity to work safely and meet our scheduled delivery deadlines.   In order to alleviate some of the congestion issues during our peak period this summer Martin Brower is looking to have three large volume refrigerated products shipped to a third party for order selection and then returned to our distribution center to be delivered.   Have a safe and enjoyable summer.   In Solidarity,   Mark Brownridge

BY

Mark Brownridge UNIT CHAIRPERSON

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 29

Unifor Local 1285 News

We accept a wide variety of insurances, including:

Sunlife, Green Shield, Liberty Health, DVA, WSIB

S e r v i c e OSHAWA Oshawa Centre (Inside Revere Optical)

(905) 438-0111

A i d

C e n t r e

BOWMANVILLE 127 King St. E. (West of Liberty St.)

(905) 623-6500 Ample parking Complimentary hearing tests 3-year warranties! All makes of hearing aids Will not be undersold! Batteries and repairs Assistive devices, including Bluetooth phone and TV adapters

Page 30  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Union Awareness Report Union Awareness; Round V, Day 2 ___________________________________________ 

 ____________________________________

Hello everyone,   Just want you to know we launched Union Awareness V, Day 2; May 20th, 2014.   We had excellent feedback from you the membership about our last Program, especially the pension and pre-retirement module and were hoping you will feel the same about our new day. Topics this round included Unifor’s Democratic Structure, Regional Representation, Bargaining and Political Victories, current campaigns, CETA & South Korea Trade Agreements, Income Inequality, Energy & Environment and Good Jobs Summit.   As in the past it is in your best interest to attend a full day session. If you come from the plant, and you have been sent after they have discovered that they have too many people on shift you will arrive late. Coming from the plant doesn’t allow you enough time to get to the hall before 7:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. and if the class already has 25 students, or you are late, you will be sent back to the plant because late arrivals disrupt the class. Let management know you would like to attend a full class and come prepared for class rather than the production line. Some of you live close to the Union Hall and that extra time before shift is always welcomed, others have already changed into coveralls and refuse to attend Union Awareness that day because they will arrive late at the class. If you cannot attend on the day that the supervisors are asking make sure you let them know you are not refusing the program just that particular day, so you can be rescheduled. Some supervisors are putting people on their “refused” list simply because of refusal due to late notification. We are also going to

be asking supervision to give us a reason why you have refused and maybe the list won’t be so long. We understand that you Gail Charlene may car pool, or be LuybenWard on straight shifts or Powers FULL-TIME just life’s events hapUNION INSTRUCTOR, pen. AWARENESS ALT.   Please remember COORDINATOR COORDINATOR that you are entitled to attend Union Awareness and should be given prior notice when it is your turn to attend. Also, remember this is negotiated training and creates 60 extra jobs in the Plant. It also provides a forum to relay information to the membership.   Those members who chose not to attend previous rounds might want to consider that by coming to class you help keep another member working and discussions are relevant, timely and your Brothers and Sisters are relaying important messages which are important to you and your families. We look forward to seeing you during this round and hope you will encourage any member who has never attended to give it a try.   Thanks, In Solidarity,   Gail Luyben-Powers Charlene Ward   Union Awareness Coordinator Full-time Instructor, Alt. Coordinator

Congratulations To Our Recent Retirees John Dunning

Hydro One Brampton

Randy Barlow

Robert Gomes

Chrysler Canada

Frank Hinz

Michael Publow

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Mohinder Bhogal

Genny Hoang

Chrysler Canada

Dennis Bolton Chrysler Canada

Herbert Cuff

Kai Ng

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Ross Reid

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Wai Yan Hui

Brenda Shannon

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Eliseo Joson

Peter Szpular

Minh Chi Dam

Jay Larocque

Gabriella Thomas

Michael D’Annunzio

Mary Anne Mainprize Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Irwin Edwards

Charles Mason

Grazyna Wencel

Jose Fernandes

Bhupendralal Mehta

Todd Willsher

Jim Fitzgerald

Daniel Mountain

Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada

Lean Truong

Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada

Rick Wilson

Chrysler Canada

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 31

Unifor Local 1285 News

Benteler Automotive Unit Report Last Unit Report Before Benteler Plant Closes ____________________________ 

This will be the last unit report from Benteler Automotive, as you all know the plant will be closing down on June 30th and the work is being given to another supplier. We could spend a whole article speculating on why the plant is closing down.   One important point we all have to remember is: We Were Supposed To Close Down In 2009. The reason given then was that our bid was too high due to our wages and benefits. With the assistance of Jerry Dias we were able to get the work back, but only after the workforce agreed to substantial concessions on vacations and benefits so we had already started on the slippery slope backwards even way back then.   At the next round of bargaining in 2012, right at the open-

 ________________________________

ing exchange of proposals we were told by Larry Paine that Nothing we gave up in 2009 were coming back, the company were looking for more concessions this time as well and on top of that we were told “We will be coming back for more in BY two years’ time.” Ian   This surely proves the old union posScott ition of once you give in to concessions UNIT it never stops with the employers. How CHAIRPERSON much further back are you prepared to go? Some of us are earning less in wages and benefits now than we were 20 years ago. Our first CAW National President, Brother Bob White warned us about workers getting sucked into what he called “A race to the bottom.” Well guess what brothers and sisters, welcome to the race.   This will also be the shortest article I’ve ever written, as I’ll close now by thanking you for allowing me to be your Plant Chairperson for the last two and a half years, you certainly made it interesting. All the best in the future.   Ian Scott

Mopar Parts Depot Unit Report  __________________________ A Strong Show Of Solidarity To The Company _________________________  

First off I would like to thank everybody who supported me in my recent re-election for Ontario Regional Council. I would also like to congratulate all those who were successfully elected and applaud all those who ran for their efforts.   Also on the topic of elections, and this being the first newsletter since the Mopar Parts Depot’s in-plant elections, I would like to thank the entire membership at the Parts Depot for my acclamation, and also on behalf of George, for his. This show of confidence not only goes a long way for us in doing our jobs to better represent the membership, but also is a strong show of solidarity to the company that even during tough times we will stick together.   I would also like to congratulate Dave Derouin for his election as Health & Safety/Equity/Benefits Rep, and George Avgeropoulos and Walter Hinton for their election as Bargaining committee members.   The Parts Depot has been a very busy place so far this year, with the main focus being on waiting for an answer regarding us getting some new work. To date, 2014 is the first year in four years where we have not seen a reduction of our manpower. This is a positive sign, but as I continue to tell the membership, our job security is directly tied to us getting some new work into our facility, and the in-plant committee is committed to keeping that on the forefront of all discussions with the company. Hopefully we will hear something regarding new work before the next newsletter.   With the summer and (hopefully) nice weather, around the

corner, the Parts Depot will see both of our laid off members return in June to cover the extra vacation allotments for June, July, and August. After years of battling with the company, the in-plant committee was able to get enough vacation spots open to ensure all of the members at the facility were able to get some vacation during the summer months, if BY they so desired. We look forward to seeTodd ing our laid off members, Jennifer Poole Riverso and Melody Pedersen, return, and hope UNIT CHAIRPERSON that this time around we will be able to keep them for the long term!   Lastly, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Dave Ireland for all his help during the last six years. Dave was instrumental in aiding the in-plant committee with bargaining the 2012 contract negotiations, and insuring the pattern from assembly plants was kept in our contract. He also made himself available at any time to the membership of the Parts Depot, and will be missed. Good luck in your future endeavors, Dave!   I would like to wish all of Unifor Local 1285’s membership a safe and happy summer.   In solidarity,   Todd Riverso

Page 32  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

TI Automotive Group Unit Report Tough Bargaining At TI Automotive _____________________________ 

Hello Brothers and Sisters

TI Automotive Bargaining

This past round of Bargaining was a nightmare and personally my toughest to date. At times it looked encouraging and other times it was disheartening, an emotional rollercoaster. Always looming was the threat of closing. The Company came prepared with a power point presentation, of how they would close us over a two year span. Reasons that were given: wages too high, pensions and benefits too costly, just not profitable. My opinion, are they making money? Answer: Sure they are or we wouldn’t be open. Do they make enough money? Answer: Could we ever make enough money for the Original Equipment Manufactures?   There is not much to elaborate on the New Collective Agreement, actually for the first four days of Bargaining, we thought we were bargaining a Plant Closure. In the end, we were not able to make any gains. There were a lot of freezes, and some losses when it came to pensions and jobs. The Company continues to cut jobs by finding ways to run leaner and meaner. There is a bright side to all of this and it’s the fact that the majority of us still have jobs, hopefully for another three years, but it’s getting harder and harder to compete in today’s Global Market.   Once again the Company has told

 _____________________________

us that our oldest line in the plant which is The Bundy Weld Line has ceased production on May 23, 2014. Unfortunately we will have to wait for the OK from Corporate to dismantle and ship to China. What’s unfortunate about the wait is we could use the extra space to attract other potential business. There are no guarantees that we will get a Nygal Line or another Poly Pro Line but having the extra space and having those new lines incorporated with lines we presently have, it only makes sense. It would definitely be a morale booster if we could acquire some new business for our plant.

Local 1285 Elections

  I would like to congratulate the newly Elected Executive Board. To the past Executive Board Members, thank you for all your hard work. It has been a pleasure working with you all.

Provincial And Federal Elections

  The Provincial elections were held on June, 12th, 2014. Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak cannot be trusted. He would like to attack workers’ rights, implement cuts to health care and give more power to corporations. And while Hudak has backed away from plans to scrap the Rand formula in Ontario, he has been clear in his continued support for the plan, add-

ing that if Ontario starts restricting basic labour rights other provinces will soon follow suit. BY  The Federal Zeb (Roger) elections are not Teves until October, UNIT 19th, 2015 or CHAIRPERSON sooner and we all know the history with Stephen Harper and his Progressive Conservative party and the thousands of manufacturing jobs this country has lost while Harper was in power. When you go to the polls keep this in mind. Vote for ABC. (Anyone But Conservative)

Deepest Sympathies

  Our condolences go out to Brothers Rocky Bishop, Roy Machado, Darren MacKenzie, Joe Moniz, Bruce Hayes, John Moniz, Joe Novo, Mark Massa, Rohit Tulram and Sister Barbara Phillips, and their Families and all who have lost loved ones.   On behalf of the TI Automotives Union Committee   I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone and their Families a safe Summer Vacation.   In Solidarity   Zeb (Roger) Teves

Team Industrial Mopar Unit Report Union Course Was A Tremendous Experience ___________________________ 

Here at Team Mopar we handle dock work, recycling and janitorial duties at the Mississauga Mopar parts Facility. Currently we have 27 members including two skilled trade lift truck mechanics.   All is well at the moment as none of our members are on layoff, WSIB or sick leave. Our relationship with management is fair and I am happy to report that there are no grievances in the log at the moment.   On a personal note I would like to mention that I recently had the opportunity to attend the youth activist course at the Unifor Education Centre in Port Elgin and I would like to say that the experi-

 ___________________________

ence was tremendous. Not only was it inspirational to meet and get to know many young activists and leaders from within our union, it was also very refreshing to see the many different sectors that our new union represents.   Finally, I would like to thank departing first vice president Dave Ireland for all the hard work he has done with our unit. Dave has been a mentor to me as a young union rep and I would like to wish him the best in his future endeavors from all of us at the Team Mopar unit.   In Solidarity,   Steve Green

BY

Steve Green

TEAM INDUSTRIAL MOPAR UNIT CHAIRPERSON

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 33

Unifor Local 1285 News

Chrysler Brampton Office, Clerical And Engineering Unit Report Thank You To All Who Served On The Executive Board ________________________________________________________ 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those individuals who served on the Executive Board and who will no longer be working with us, you will be missed. Without your dedication, commitment, and hard work our Local would not be the success that it is. As leaders, you have provided an example for us to follow; my hope is that we will continue the standard that you’ve set, and live up to the expectations of our members.   My congratulations go out to those who were elected to the Executive Board, and the Canadian and Ontario Council, as Delegates. I would also like to thank those who supported my efforts in running for Ontario Council Delegate. In my opinion,

 ________________________________________________________

there is no greater call than to serve our Brothers and Sisters. When we as individuals rise up and take on that duty to answer the call of service, it is imperative we do so with commitment, honesty, and integrity, because our members will demand nothing else!   On behalf of the Salaried Bargaining Unit Committee, I would like to wish everyone in the Local a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.   In Solidarity,   Justin Minello

BY

Justin Minello

UNIT CHAIRPERSON

Oakley Sub Assembly Unit Report Extra TPTs Hired At Oakley _______________________________  

Hello Brothers and Sisters.   We had an election for “A” shift committeeperson and I would like to welcome Mike Otto as our newest committee member.   The rest of the committee now consists of myself and Ryan Furtado.   We just completed the local’s elections and I want to congratulate all the newly-elected and reelected Brothers and Sisters.   We had one grievance in the system and that was resolved two days before scheduled arbitration. The company saw the error of their ways and accepted the union’s position. This resulted in over $5,000 of

 _________________________

back pay being disbursed to the members named in the grievance. I would like to mention, and thank, Brothers Gerry Harvey and Paul Ribeiro for their efforts in resolving this issue.   Oakley continues to be very busy working six days a week. The company hired extra TPTs with the idea of making it easier for full time members to have Saturdays off if requested.   Spring has finally sprung. The committee here at Oakley would like to wish all our Brothers and Sisters in Local 1285 a happy and safe summer.   In Solidarity,   Don Easton

BY

Don Easton

UNIT CHAIRPERSON

Team Industrial Paint Unit Report Job And Income Security Are Biggest Issues _____________________________ 

Sisters and Brothers,   I would like to begin by thanking Gerry Harvey and Dave Ireland for their service, hard work and dedication at the Local and to the labour movement. Gerry and Dave, all the best with your deserved retirement, you will be missed. I have learned much from both of you. Congratulations to all those elected to Local positions full time and part-time, I am sure you will serve 1285 well.   As for our unit in the paint shop, we have undergone some changes on the midnight shift to maximize efficiency. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

 _____________________________

Much will be done on overtime because of years of reducing our full time work force. In 1998 there were 66 of us between paint and stamping, today we have 28. In the past five years, understandably, job security and income security have become the biggest issues. These were dealt with at bargaining this past July.   On behalf of Team in the paint shop I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer, as for winter, good riddance.   In Solidarity   Ed Flude

BY

Ed Flude

UNIT CHAIRPERSON

Page 34  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Crosby Canada Unit Report  ______________________________ Things Are Moving In A Positive Direction _____________________________  

Hello brothers and sisters   First off I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe summer. Enjoy this long awaited beautiful weather.   Things here at Crosby are still busy and looking strong and moving in a positive direction there is a lot of overtime and the company is still hiring.   The committee would like to welcome all of our new members. We are thriving, growing together, moving forward with all of our brothers and sisters.   Our health and safety committee is working on safety awareness to ensure that we all work in a safe environment so that each day we all go home safely to our families. With the current number of incidents and accidents the health and safety committee is working with the people on the floor and getting suggestions on how to make things safe and make people more aware of their surroundings during their work hours.   We are happy to say that we are busy and with that comes a lot of overtime, which is great, but we also need to make

sure that the brothers and sisters work together and watch out for fatigue so that we don’t harm ourselves or others. Team playing is a great mechanism for that. Again the committee stresses having a positive attitude moving forward. BY   To all the retirees we thank them for Odingo many years of service and accomplishGreen ments; we wish them well and hope they UNIT enjoy their family time together. CHAIRPERSON   Also the committee sends their condolences to the brothers and sister who have lost loved ones.   As the summer is approaching the committee, as well as the joint health and safety committee, would like to wish everyone a great summer.   Odingo Green

Hydro One Brampton Unit Report  ______________ Bargaining Completed, New Contract Ratified ______________ 

Hello Brothers and Sisters   We just completed bargaining and ratified a new contract in April. I’m proud to say that we were able to achieve increases in wages, shift premiums and bereavement leave without a work stoppage. We were finally able to get a PEL fund of $0.02/ hour. The company has never wanted anything to do with this since we joined the CAW in 1991. I want to

thank all the members of the bargaining committee, Paulo Ribeiro and Gerry Harvey for getting this deal done.   In Solidarity,   Jim Fogt

BY

Jim Fogt

UNIT CHAIRPERSON

TransAlta Mississauga Cogeneration Plant Unit Report Semi-Monthly Payroll Not Without Hiccups ________________________________________________________ 

The new semi-monthly payroll system at Transalta Mississauga is not going well. Transalta implemented the twice-a-month payroll on March 1, 2014 in an effort to align with the practice in Alberta, but it seems that this type of pay schedule is not for the 24/7 shift workers with an auto worker type collective agreement. The variances in our shift schedules, shift premiums, work week, vacation and stat holiday’s leads to a confusing pay statement that is not transparent and easy to figure out. As expected this is an unwelcome system and is drawing a lot of complaints. The Union filed a grievance on behalf of their members, as the system does not meet

 ________________________________________________________

the minimum requirements of The Employment Standards Act.   Congratulations to all new Officers at the Local. Here at TransAlta, Desmond Corea was elected as Vice-Chairperson. I’d like to thank Darrell Stover, past Vice-Chairperson, for the great support he gave me over the past three years.

Good Luck!! Gerry Harvey

  Your support at Local 1285 will be greatly missed. Early retirement is unheard of these days but you’re doing it, way-to-go.   Joe Correia

BY

Joe Correia

UNIT CHAIRPERSON

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 35

Unifor Local 1285 News

Unifor Legal Aid Services Report Spousal Support And Early Retirement ______________________________  

 ______________________________

Next year your Legal Services Plan turns 30 and along with the passing of the years has been the aging of our member client base. Many of our existing or new clients are now retired or anticipating retiring in the upcoming future.   For many members/retirees this raises the issue of how to meet existing legal obligations to their former spouses when one’s income drops at retirement. Most (in fact almost all) court orders and separation agreements do not address specifically that the obligation will end or reduce at retirement (never mind by what amount) for the good reason that it is very difficult to speculate on what each spouse’s circumstances will be at some distant point in the future.   This is why the law generally requires that when a support obligation is initially created, it is based on the information available at the time of the initial settlement or court order. However, in most circumstances, the law does provide for a right to seek a variation of the obligation when there is a material change in circumstances on the part of either spouse.   If possible, it is valuable to make clear in an agreement or order that retirement will be such a material change of circumstances. But that does not guarantee that a court will grant a reduction or termination in the support obligation if the spouse who is retiring does so voluntarily and in the face of a clear obligation to support a dependent former spouse. Absent such language, it is the obligation of a spouse seeking a variation in a support obligation to prove that a material change in circumstances has taken place.   What is the age at which a person can retire and reduce his or her legal support commitment without being challenged? There exists no clear answer unless this

has been negotiated and inserted into a written agreement between the parties. Such agreements are rare. Instead, most spouses rely upon the law, which confers a high degree of discretion upon a judge to determine whether a material change has taken place, and then, whether and by how much a support obligation should change.   In today’s more difficult economic times, people are working to a later age, and early retirement is less common than it was two or three decades ago, partly due to increases in health and life expectancy, but also due to record levels of household debt. It is a given that the breakdown of a spousal relationship adds financial stresses to the lives of both spouses.   I believe it is still safe to assume that a decision to take retirement at the traditional age of 65 or later would be seen as reasonable and not open to challenge. However, the greater the difference between 65 and an early retirement age, the more likely it becomes that the decision will be placed under a microscope and the retiree expected the justify the reasonableness of the decision to take retirement at that point.   The courts will look at the impact of the retirement on the lives of both spouses and will take into account the following and sometimes other factors in deciding whether to grant relief to the payor: c The health of the payor (this is the single most important factor) – medical evidence that retirement is necessary for the health of the payor will generally result in a successful variation outcome. c Evidence of bad faith, namely that a spouse is retiring principally to avoid a support obligation, can be fatal. c  The existence of retirement incentive programs and/or problems in

Wendy Napier

Kathleen Howes

Frank C. Carlone

UNIFOR LEGAL SERVICES PLAN

the workplace (such as the financial viability of the employer) can make a decision seem reasonable. c Is there a prospect of other employment income being earned by the retiree after retirement. c  The length of the relationship between the parties and the degree of relationship dependence will be relevant. Is the spouse able to be selfsufficient at this point? c  Circumstances of clear need can influence the outcome. c  Are there still dependent children who might be affected?   This article provides general information only and is no replacement for an opinion by a family law lawyer, which will be based on all of the unique circumstances found in the specific family.   In family law matters, eligible members, including retirees, of the Unifor Legal Services Plan are entitled to 12 hours of prepaid time with a lawyer, provided that six months has passed since the completion of any previous case. It would be wise for any member planning to retire to seek legal advice as to the effect of the retirement on existing support obligations before proceeding to apply for retirement. DO NOT ASSUME THE SUPPORT WILL CHANGE AUTOMATICALLY.   For further information, please contact the Unifor Legal Services Plan in Brampton at:   23 Regan Road   Brampton, L7A 1B2  905-790-6400

ALL UNIFOR LOCAL 1285 MEMBERS! SIGN IN TO BENEFIT FROM OUR WEBSITE AT:

www.uniforlocal1285.ca Page 36  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

!ee kknnooww hhooww yyoouu ffeeeell.. IItt ddooeessnn’‛’tt hhaavvee ttoo bbee tthhaatt wwaayy..

!nnnhhhaaappppppyyy

!ooosssttt ! ss oo ll

aa tt ee dd

!uumm

bb

uuussseee !ooonnnfff

ddd

hhhuuurrrttt!nnggrryy

nnn eee !mmmmmmooobbb!lll ooo lll !zzzeeeddd !

!EEEERR--TTOO--!EEEERR SSUU!!OORRTT !RROOGGRRAAMMSS FFOORR MMAALLEE SSUURRVVIIVVOORRSS OOFF SSEEXXUUAALL AABBUUSSEE HHHooorrriiizzzooonnn      CCCCCCTTT      oooffffffeeerrrsss      aaannn      oooppppppooorrrtttuuunnniiitttyyy      tttooo      gggrrrooowww,,,      hhheeeaaalll,,,      aaannnddd      gggaaaiiinnn ssstttrrreeennngggttthhh       fff rrrooommm       ooo nnneee       aaa nnnooottthhheeerrr       iii nnn       aaa       sss uuuppppppooorrrttt       ppp rrrooogggrrraaammm       sss pppeeeccciiifffiiicccaaallllllyyy dddeeesssiiigggnnneeeddd       fff ooorrr       mmm aaallleee       sss uuurrrvvviiivvvooorrrsss       ooo fff       ccc hhhiiillldddhhhooooooddd       aaa bbbuuussseee... IIInnndddiiivvviiiddduuuaaalll      cccooouuunnnssseeelllllliiinnnggg,,,      ttteeellleeeppphhhooonnneee      cccooouuunnnssseeelllllliiinnnggg,,,      aaannnddd      ooouuurrr      pppeeeeeerrr-­-­-tttooo-­-­pppeeeeeerrr       sss uuuppppppooorrrttt       ppp rrrooogggrrraaammm       iii sss       aaa vvvaaaiiilllaaabbbllleee !RRREEEEEE       ttt ooo       aaa ddduuulllttt       mmm aaallleee       sss uuurrrvvviiivvvooorrrsss... RRReeegggiiisssttteeerrr       fff ooorrr       ttt hhhiiisss       888       www eeeeeekkk       ppp rrrooogggrrraaammm       bbb yyy       ccc aaalllllliiinnnggg 444111666-­-­-999999444-­-­-222444555555... TTThhhiiisss      ppprrrooogggrrraaammm      iiisss      fffuuunnndddeeeddd      bbbyyy::: !000      WWWeeesssttt      DDDrrr...,,,      SSSuuuiiittteee      111000777      •••      BBBrrraaammmppptttooonnn,,,      OOONNN wwwwwwwww...hhhooorrriiizzzooonnnccccccttt...cccooommm       •••       444 111!-­-­-999999444-­-­-222444555555

MMMIIINNNIIISSSTTTRRRYYY      OOOFFF      TTTHHHEEE AAATTTTTTOOORRRNNNEEEYYY      GGGEEENNNEEERRRAAALLL

June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 37

Unifor Local 1285 News

Canadian Pavilion

Enjoy the History, Music, Dance, Crafts, Beverages, Food & Culture of our great Nation.

C on t inuous En te rt ainme n t Location: Unifor Local 1285 Hall 23 Regan Road

Take Bovaird Drive West of Main Street, then go North on Van Kirk. The first left is Regan Road.

July 11th to 13th, 2014 Hosted by

905.451.8310

Contact Unifor Local 1285 www.uniforlocal1285.ca 

Page 38  ����������������������������������������������������������������� June 2014

Unifor Local 1285 News

Canada’s largest and best water park will be hosting a Unifor Local 1285 day: Scheduled for Sunday, August 10, 2014 All Unifor Local 1285 members and friends are welcome to join us for the following on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Included in your fun-filled day are: all attractions to the park as well as organized games, and a BBQ lunch.

Games at 11:00 a.m.   BBQ Lunch at 12:00 noon Cost for Members $10. adults – immediate family   $5.00 per child (4-9 years old) (dependents only) 00

Friends are welcome at a cost of $25.00 per adult    $20.00 Kids price One free parking pass per family Tickets will be available on Monday, June 16, 2014 at Unifor Local 1285 Union Office, 23 Regan Road, Brampton. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In Solidarity, Leon Rideout, President

Clothing For Sale T-shirts, long & short sleeves – $10.00 Hats – $10.00 Jacket – $25.00 Available at the Unifor Local 1285 Union Office June 2014——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————  Page 39

UNIFOR LOCAL 1285 HALLOWE’EN GALA FUNDRAISER SAT. OCTOBER 25, 2014

$50 PER TICKET c COCKTAILS @ 6PM c DINNER @ 7PM c SHOW STARTS AT 9PM ALL PROCEEDS GO TO PFLAG – PEEL

Canada Post Corporation Publication Mail Agreement No. 40064845