Saturday, August 11, 2007 turned out to be another great event attended by many members and their families. The weather could not have been better. The entertainment committee had everything well organized and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day. There are several photographs on our website to view at your leisure. Thanks to Paul Robitaille, Adam Graham, Geoff Terrett, Raye West, Lance Knowles and Tammy for all the time and effort they put into the planning that made it the success it was.
Saturday, October 13, 2007 Polish Veteran’s Hall Oshawa
Please see attached flyer. Bus transportation will be provided by Local 894 from Peterborough. Please note that
the bus from Peterborough has been cancelled due to lack of interest.
Another reminder concerning absenteeism is warranted as a result of contractors calling the office and reporting the number of members absent on any given day. As I stated in last months letter, the Ontario Labour Relations Board very seldom, if ever, hands down a decision in favour of an employee who has been terminated for documented absenteeism. One contractor reported up to 20 members absent every day. We have a signed collective agreement, the union and the employer, and both are expected to abide by the terms and conditions of the agreement. The agreement states we have a 36 hour work week and when a member is dispatched to a project he/she is expected to work 36 hours, not just any part of 36 hours he/she desires. By not showing up for 36 hours a week is a violation of the collective agreement. I have been informed if this kind of absenteeism continues warranted disciplinary action will be taken.
The retro-active wage increase for all members, of all trades, employed on EPSCA projects, will be paid when the information for all employees in the Province, from all contractors is completed. At this writing we have no further information as to when the retro-active pay increase will be issued by each employer. Information provided indicates Black & Mac have paid their employees.
On Thursday, August 16, 2007 General Motors & JJ McGuire/Roncelli sponsored a catered, hot roast beef dinner for all construction workers in recognition of working 340,000 hours with a safe work record. Trade unions were asked to participate by donating prizes that were drawn after lunch and the response from all trade unions was excellent. The afternoon shift received the same.
Having no other nominees, James Horvath, Ron Smith and Gerry Scratch are acclaimed as the new Pension Trustees.
General Motors – 220 bay completion date moved back to October 26, 2007
- Process work out for tender
Oshawa Courthouse – progressing slowly, Plan Electric not hiring yet
Trans Canada Pipeline Station – Lockerbie Hole, soon hiring more
OPG Pickering/Darlington – Black & Mac, slow, some layoffs
- AECON, hiring slow
Loblaws Ajax - Urban Electric, slowly increasing their manpower
Home Depot Bowmanville – Lancor Electric, hiring started
Ajax Hospital – Oz Corporation, not hiring yet
Peterborough Hospital- more than 50% complete
E.S. Fox – OPG Darlington, final clean up
Gerdau Ameristeel shutdown- Bright Electric has not placed a call for manpower
Work Safe
John Gillett
Business Manager
IBEW Local 894
Oshawa & District