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May 1
The arbitration regarding the unfair dismissal of
one of our Union brothers (Mike Lang) and subsequent refusal of Marshall
Hamilton to fulfill
his commitment to an agreed resolution has been awarded in the Locals favour.
The whole award decision can be read
here
The Company announced profit sharing today in the
amount of 1.55/hr. They gave no explanation of how the figure was arrived at.
When a more detailed breakdown is provided it will be reported at the general
membership meeting on May 26.
April 1
Due to the Companies lack of commitment to the
W.I.S.E program W.I.S.E is no longer endorsed by USW Local 5890. Everyone should
still look out for one another as you always have done but WISE cards are no
longer required.
March 1
There are two Scholarships programs available; the
Secondary School Scholarship, and the Columbia Institute Scholarship. For more
information call the local USW office 569-9663 or visit
www.usw.ca
January 29
Request forms to have Profit Sharing paid into
either G.R.S. money market account or paid directly into bank accounts are supposed
in circulation in the plant from supervisors. The request form can also be
downloaded
here. Please hand your
form into your supervisors.
January 19
Talks between Local 5890 and IPSCO regarding an
apprenticeship program are scheduled to begin on January 30
January 18
Anyone interested in the "Steelworkers Secondary
School Scholarship Program" for 2008 please email for information using
this
email.
January 11 2008
The Wise Program is going to be put back on track.
I was given the
assurance today from Olan Smith that Information reported on a wise card
will not in any way
be used in any discipline.
I
was asked to make sure this message gets to each and every member of Local 5890.
Ipsco has agreed to restart the training and I am asking each any every member
to please fill in Wise cards.
This is our safety program and its up to us
to make sure it works.
Bill Edwards
Third stage grievance meeting is
scheduled for both Tubular and Steel on January 15, 2008
November 19
To ensure a timely pay out (before Christmas)
of third quarter profit sharing a motion was voted on and carried at today's
monthly membership meeting to pay out third quarter profit sharing directly into
Local 5890 members bank accounts with applicable taxes deducted outlined in the
Income Tax Act. The fourth quarter profit sharing and subsequent payouts will be
paid out in accordance
this Letter
of Understanding.
Pay out should be within days.
The Local is in need of two new OH&S Committee
members due to resignations. Please apply by letter to one of the Executive
Members.
November 15
Here is the Letter of Understanding
concerning profit sharing resulting from the sale of IPSCO to SSAB.
November 9
There were
Union/Management meetings today for both Steel and Tubular.
Meeting agenda
for Tubular side was:
-
Lack of WISE cards being filled out
(Company issue)
Meeting agenda for Steel
division was:
More information about
discussions will be provided at the Membership meeting on November
19.
November 6
The Union has received the Companies
response to the Letter Of Understanding that was proposed to the Company on
October 31. The Executive Committee is currently reviewing the Companies
response and will notify here when we respond.
October 31
The Bargaining Committees for
both 5890 and 6673 met with the Company on October 30, 31 to work on updating
profit sharing language to address changes surrounding the sale of Ipsco to SSAB.
As of today the locals are in negotiations that hopefully results in a Letter of
Understanding with the Company to resolve payment issues for the year 2007
and/or until language can be agreed to for the remainder of the current CBA
term. We expect the negotiations for the Letter of Understanding to be completed
fairly quickly and the third quarter 2007 profit sharing pay-out to follow.
Locals 5890 Bargaining
Committee
There is an upcoming provincial election
on November 7, 2007. Everyone in 5890 should consider it their duty as a citizen
to vote. You are allowed 3 consecutive hours to cast your vote. The following
excerpt is from Provincial Legislation.
-
Every voter
is entitled to three consecutive hours during which the polls are open in
order to vote. Employers whose employees have three consecutive hours of
their own time during polling hours need not allow additional time for
voting. If, however, an employee is scheduled such that he or she does not
have three consecutive hours off from work during polling hours, the
employer must grant the employee time off. However, this time off must be
requested by the employee and must be at a time convenient to the employer.
Once requested by the employee, the employer must grant this time off with
no penalty to the employee.
Regular
polling places are open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST on Election Day,
November 7,
October 29
Chain meeting today with Calgary Local
6673. Bargaining on Profit Sharing begins on October 30,31.
October 23
The 2" pipe mill production line
Arbitration was today. Results will be announced later when the Arbitrator
renders a decision.
October 19
The Union won the Ken Mair
Arbitration. The arbitrator ruled that IPSCO was wrong in suspending Mr.
Mair. Mr Mair will be paid back the money he would have made if IPSCO would not
have unreasonably and unjustly suspended him.
Sept 25 26
The Arbitration for Ken Mair was held on
the 25th and today. Results will be announced later as the Arbitrator did not
give a date today when he would render a decision.
Sept 17 2007
Anyone who has not picked up their
commemorative glass for the locals 50th anniversary can do so by coming by the
Union office from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.
May 31 2007
The local is in need of committee members
for all committees. Anyone interested in being on a committee that interests
them please contact one of Executive officers. Remember, this is on a lost time
and volunteer basis.
May 14, 2007
This local has a Welfare Committee
consisting of Lonnie Bloos and Owen Walker. If anyone becomes aware of anyone in
our local entering the hospital please contact these two people who will make
sure everything that can be done to make them more comfortable.
Feb 27, 2007
Based on discussions with the Human
Resources department your Local Executive Committee has taken a course of action
in an attempt to compel/ persuade the Company to prove to use that they are
serious about changing their direction and inter-communications with all
divisions of this local and abide by the terms of the Collective agreement the
Company signed with us in November 2005.
It was agreed that if the Company is
serous and fixes one currently contentious issue that affects many if not all
our members in different ways then your local Executive Committee would "slow
walk" other contentious issues and give them time to address each and every one
and not have the Company wait for the expiry date of the current collective
agreement to do so. The reason for this, again, is the problems didn't grow over
night and we cant expect all to be fixed overnight.
The issue agreed on is "temporary
transfer" language and problems surrounding the "bidding process". We believe
that when the Company has achieved compliance and our Collective Agreement in
this area that they will have made a fundamental change in attitudes and/or way
of thinking about how to apply our Collective Agreement language.
Feb 2, 2007
It has been approximately 9
months since this Executive Committee took office. Since that time we went
through a transition period from old to new, summer, which is always a slow time
to organize and get Union work done and a transition period where one of the
Industrial Relations Supervisors was replaced. We have had numerous meetings
with the company on a wide variety of issues all through this period. On some of
these issues we had made small advancements in our working relationship.
On Jan 19 we had third
stage grievance meetings for both Pipe and Steel where we presented both old and
new grievances. We have received replies from the Company. We are now going to
evaluate the answers then decide on which grievances to pursue in Arbitration
and which grievances to drop.
Based on the Company's
response to our grievances and responses to all other concerns raised, the
Executive Committee will be meeting shortly to discuss which direction this
local will be pursuing after evaluating the effect of any and all changes in our
relationship with IPSCO. After this is done we will make a more comprehensive
report first at the monthly Union meeting then again on this webpage.
Local 5890 Executive Members
If you want a notification of web page update,
click here.
Dec 17 2006
Secondary School
Scholarships - 2007
The Education Fund of the United
Steelworkers is offering 20 scholarships of $1000 each to secondary students
across Canada. Currently there are 5 scholarships available in District 3.
Please contact Denise to obtain an application and the applicable conditions.
Nov. 12, 2006
Pipe Meeting
A meeting was held on Nov. 8, 2006 with
Pipe Management regarding issues that have come to light over the past several
months in the Pipe Division. Your Executive has been watching and taking notes
on complaints and concerns since August and certainly since the trial agreement
for the "Dead Shift" was put into use. Some were small and several were
concerning. We made it explicit to the company that we expect our concerns to be
addressed over the next 10 or so months and to move forward in our relationship
between IPSCO and the Steelworkers. Everyone has to realize the situation in
Pipe didn't get to this state over night and it wont change overnight. We do
expect the Company to move forward on all the concerns we raised.
Issues raised:
Holidays: Booking of part weeks,
answers to requests in a timely fashion (granted or not), better postings of
holiday schedule, problems with pay (pay not received when expected)
When people are sick: Bullying of
people when they come back to work after being sick.
Job Bids: Bids are beginning to go
up for jobs so that issue is somewhat resolved, timely moves to bids, problems
with uninformed foremen telling people they don't have a bid
Rotation of Jobs: We were assured
by the company that jobs are being rotated. Any examples of jobs not being
rotated please contact one of Top 5 Officers.
Foreman's Attitude: There is a
problem with some foreman who are either uninformed or don't understand the
C.B.A and are misinforming members.
Rules and Policies: There was
discussion regarding consistent application of work rules and policies such as
cell phones (Please do not take your cell
phone on the plant floor. If you have a special circumstance then arrange it
with your supervisor) We asked for a
review of the jewelry policy. We had a long discussion regarding discipline that
the "punishment fits the crime"
This meeting lasted over 3 hours. Not all
issues addressed can be listed here in detail. If you have ANY questions
please contact one of the Table Officers.
Nov. 1, 2006
Maintenance Shutdown
(Steel Division) Update
Your executive committee met
today with the company regarding the upcoming shutdown. As was reported before
the shutdown will tentatively begin on Nov. 8 in the Melt-shop and Nov. 11 in
the Rolling Mill. We were told that the shut-down schedule would be firmed up by
the end of this week (Oct. 30 - Nov. 3). Each department shutdown, as of today,
will be ten days long.
The company also stated that
the way conditions look today that they do not expect the three day layoff
clause will be used during the shutdown.
On remembrance day the
company still intends to honour the holiday for most employees. Caster
Maintenance employees will be working. Melt-shop Maintenance employees can
expect an inquiry by their supervisors if they wish to work that day. There will
be 6 contractors in that day continuing work that we were told takes the full 10
days to complete. Management told us they would find work for any Melt-shop
Maintenance employees that wish to work on that day. The Rolling Mill be be on a
fire- watch crew that day. Slitter and CTLL crews should check their schedules
for Nov. 11.
As before, We are expecting
an update from the company by the end of this week. We will let you know if
there are any changes then.
Heavy Plate Cutback
It was reported at a meeting
between management and Heavy Plate employees that if bumping forms are not
filled out by Dec. 31 2006 that members will "sit at home" for ten days.
This is not true! The individual
that stated this has been corrected by his supervisors.
It IS in every ones
best interest to start the process of placement or bumping as soon as possible
so everyone affected by the Heavy Plate cut back will know what job they will be
doing by the time of the cutback.
Oct 24, 2006
Maintenance Shutdown
(Steel Division)
On Nov 8 2006 the Melt-shop will shutdown
for maintenance for 10 days. On Nov 11, 2006 the Rolling Mill will shutdown for
maintenance for 10 days. The only department unaffected is the CTLL which will
run the whole shutdown.
We have been informed that members may
request Holidays during the shutdown if they so wish. Management asks that
people make their intentions known as soon as possible so the planning of the
shutdown can go more smoothly.
As well the company has informed your
Executive that the 3 day lay-off clause may be invoked in some cases. There may
also be precautionary lay-off notices for some members.
On Nov 11, 2006 (Remembrance Day) it is
the intention of management to scale back to a "skeleton crew" or a "fire-watch"
crew in most of the Steel Division.
As we get more information of
developments of the shutdown we will update you here
Oct 13,2006
To clear up any confusion about the cutback in the
Heavy Plate Department; your Executive Committee was assured by Regina Works
senior management that none of the Heavy plate equipment will be removed from
the Regina works. Management said they are keeping the equipment here in case,
in the future, it is viable to produce Heavy Plate material again.
Sept 12 2006
LOCAL 5890 MONTHLY
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday Sept 18, 2006
REGINA UNION CENTER
2709- 12TH AVE
Agenda
Reports from Schools
Reports from conventions
Reports from officers
Any new business that may come up
Swearing in of new members
This is your
Union !!
Whether you are a new
member or a longtime member, take some interest, be active in your Union and go
to meetings
August 1 2006
Pipe Division Employees
A
special meeting will be held on August 18 2006
REGINA UNION CENTER
2709-
12TH
AVE
7:30
AM
7:30
PM
Topics
of Discussion
Absenteeism
Job
bids
2”
mill line of progression
Dead
shift language
There
will be a vote on a proposal to resolve the issues surrounding the “dead shift”
in the pipe division with trial language (pipe division only) subject to review
every 12 months.
July 05, 2006
On June 22 your Executive
committee met with company representatives to attempt to resolve among other
things the issues concerning the 2" pipe mill line of progression and job
combination changes.
This was an attempt at
rebuilding the working relationship with management in the tubular division. It
was clearly stated to the representatives from the Company that day, their
decision on this outstanding 2 inch issue would be an indication where the
relationship between Pipe Division management and this local is headed.
Dead shift, job bids and
overtime were also issues at that meeting.
After the situation was
studied and discussed we made an offer to resolve the issues involving the roll
assembly person and roll assembly helper. We proposed that the Roll assembly
helper stay rolled into the Assistant Mill Operators job IF the company agreed
to leave the Roll Assembly Persons job as a stand alone job.
On July 5th
we met again with the pipe management and have the following to report.
We
are disappointed to inform you that the management in the Pipe Division is NOT
interested in any changes in their new current 2 inch mill jobs.
In our opinion we presented
a fair and reasonable alternative to using a Third Party to settle this issue in
the 2 inch pipe mill. This issue will not go away but the other issues still
need to be addressed by the local and WE WILL DO JUST THAT.
Dead
shifts were discussed again with the company agreeing
with us that what both sides need and want is a clear understanding of how the
employee’s and company’s scheduling needs are to be met in the pipe division.
The company has put forward,
posting a minimum of 1 months notice if they plan to work on the dead shift. In
return they have asked that our members who wish NOT TO WORK inform their
supervisor 1 week in advance to allow the company time to arrange for
replacement manpower.
The final decision on
this will be made by the members in pipe division at a special meeting to be
held as soon as possible.
JOB BIDS
The seniority committee will
be meeting with management in the near future to make sure all jobs in the pipe
division that need to be bid are bid in a timely fashion.
ABENTEEISM
This still is an issue for
the entire division to deal with.
YOUR
LOCAL EXECUTIVE
USW
5890
June 23 2006
TO THE PIPE DIVISION
MEMBERS OF LOCAL 5890
The Local Executive
has met with management of the pipe side in an effort to resolve some
outstanding issues and concerns of both the members and the company.
These concerns
include restructuring of the 2 inch mill workforce.
The lack of clear
language around dead shifts as applied in the division.
Job bids and
the rumors on the floor, that some jobs will not be filled by bids.
Absenteeism
Your Union has been
given assurance that all jobs in the division will be filled by the
bidding process.
The Dead Shift
and 2 inch mill issues where left in the company’s hands to respond back to
our ideas and suggestions.
Absenteeism
is an issue both sides agreed needs immediate attention and action .The levels
of absenteeism are higher then ever in the division.
As your President I
have and always will encourage members to be at work for your regular shifts.
Bill Edwards
Dwayne Mitchell
Tory Sand
Monty Clifford
Doug Massier
USW 5890
June 22 2006
Kevin Hicks has resigned as both a
shop-steward and his seat on the Steel Division Joint Seniority Committee due to
conflict with his commitment to his family. If anyone is interested in becoming
involved on the Steel Division Joint Seniority Committee please respond with
this email link
June 9 2006
LOCAL 5890 MONTHLY
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday June 19, 2006
REGINA UNION CENTER
2709- 12TH AVE
Agenda
Reports from Schools
Reports from conventions
Reports from officers
Any new business that may come up
Swearing in of new members
This is your
Union !!
Whether you are a new
member or a longtime member, take some interest, be active in your Union and go
to meetings
May 21 2006
Jeff Bruch has resigned from all positions
in the Union due to an illness in his family. If anyone is interested to be
considered for the position of Recording Secretary please contact one of the 4
table officers or email the admin of the webpage
here.
As well there is an opening for both
Outside Guard and Trustee.
April 10 2006
The results of the election are:
Bill Edwards in the position of President
Doug Massier in the position of Treasurer
Brenda Pawlychyn as O&T Bargaining Committee Member
Jeff Fry as P&M Bargaining Committee Member
March 23 2006
ELECTION NOTICE
Elections for President, Treasurer and
both O&T and P&M Bargaining Committee members will be held on
Monday April 10 2006.
You will be able to cast your at the
following places:
Operations Building change room ( Janitor room ) 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Spiral Lunch Room 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Main Office Lunch Room 11:00 to 1:00 PM
An advanced poll will be held on Monday
April 3 2006 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Union Office #26 395 Park Street.
The candidates for President are Bill
Edwards and Dave Grant
The Candidates for Treasurer are Tory Sand
and Doug Massier
The candidates for O&T Bargaining
Committee member are Paul Euteneier and Brenda Pawlychyn
The candidates for P&M Bargaining
Committee member are Brent Henningsen and Jeff Fry
As reported below on March 21 the rest of
the Executive Committee members were elected by Acclamation
THIS IS YOUR UNION!
YOUR
REPRESENTATIVES ARE TO BE DECIDED BY YOU. TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY AND EXERCISE
YOUR RIGHT AND YOUR OBLIGATION TO YOUR UNION BROTHERS AND SISTERS. VOTE ON
MONDAY APRIL 10 2006!
March 21 2006
Nominations were closed at the March 20
monthly local union meeting.
The names below are the nominee's and
acclaimed members for each position.
Please remember that all nominees that
were not put in place or office by acclamation will have their eligibility
scrutinized according to the United Steelworkers Constitution and qualified or
disqualified accordingly.
President: David Grant, Bill
Edwards
Vice President: Dwayne
Mitchell (Acclaimed)
Recording Secretary: Jeff Bruch (Acclaimed)
Financial Secretary: Monty
Clifford (Acclaimed)
Treasurer: Doug Massier, Brenda
Pawlychyn, Tory Sand
Trustee: Ralph Bilsky
(Acclaimed), Wayne Shearer (Acclaimed), 1 vacancy
Guide: Owen Walker (Acclaimed)
Guard: Floyd Sellsted
(Acclaimed)
Chief Shop Steward Steel Division:
John Forster (Acclaimed)
Chief Shop Steward Pipe Division:
Ryan Padar (Acclaimed)
Chief Shop Steward O&T Division:
Paul Euteneier, Brenda Pawlychyn
Bargaining Committee P&M: Jeff
Fry, Brent Henningson
Bargaining Committee O&T: Brenda
Pawlychyn, Paul Euteneier
March 2 2006
NOTICE
OF NOMINATIONS
NOMINATIONS FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCAL UNION EXECUTIVE POSITIONS ARE NOW OPEN:
q
President
q
Vice President
q
Recording
Secretary
q
Financial
Secretary
q
Treasurer
q
Trustee
q
Guide
q
Guard
q
Chief Shop
Steward (Pipe)
q
Chief Shop
Steward (Steel)
q
Chief Shop
Steward (O&T)
NOMINATION FORMS CAN
BE OBTAINED FROM CURRENT EXECUTIVE MEMBERS, FROM DENISE AT THE UNION OFFICE OR
FROM THE here.
NOMINATIONS WILL
CLOSE AT THE next MEMBERSHIP MEETING, WHICH WILL BE HELD At
2709- 12TH
AVe . PRIOR TO CLOSING,
Nominations WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED FROM THE FLOOR.
DATE: Monday, March 20, 2
LOCATION: 2709-
12TH
AVE
ONLY ELIGIBLE USW MEMBERS ARE
ENTITLED TO CONTEST FOR A POSITION. IN THE EVENT THAT THERE ARE NO ELIGIBLE
MEMBERS WHO ACCEPT NOMINATION, NON-ELIGIBLE MEMBERS ARE ENTITLED TO BE NOMINATED
AND RUN FOR THE POSITION.
IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE, A MEMBER
MUST HAVE ATTENDED 1/3 (ROUNDED OFF TO THE NEXT HIGHEST WHOLE NUMBER) OF THE
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS HELD IN THE LAST 24 MONTHS. THE NUMBER OF MEMBERSHIP
MEETINGS IS REDUCED BY ANY EXCUSED ABSENCES DUE TO WORK, ILLNESS THAT CONFINES,
ARMED SERVICES, JURY DUTY, BEREAVEMENT LEAVE AND UNION BUSINESS. EXCUSED
ABSENCES ARE TO BE IN WRITING FROM THE RECORDING SECRETARY.
Jan 12 2006
LOCAL 5890 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MONDAY,
JANUARY 16TH
REGINA UNION
CENTER
2709- 12TH
AVE
7:30 P.M
Agenda
Topics
REPORTS FROM FINANCIAL OFFICER’S
COMMITTEE'S REPORTS
NEW BUSINESS SINCE THE POSTING OF THIS NOTICE
SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS
Dec 15 2005
LOCAL 5890 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MONDAY,
DECEMBER 19TH
REGINA UNION
CENTER
2709- 12TH
AVE
7:30 P.M
Agenda
Topics
REPORTS FROM FINANCIAL OFFICER’S
COMMITTEE'S REPORTS
REPORT FROM STAFF REP
SCHOOLS, CONFERENCES
NEW BUSINESS SINCE THE POSTING OF THIS NOTICE
SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS
IN KEEPING
UP WITH THE CHRISTMAS TRADITION, A SOCIAL WILL BE HELD AFTER THE MEETING.
Dec 8 2005
The Company has said they will deposit the
3000 dollar signing bonus into your bank account by Dec 12. Pay stubs will be
available for pick-up on Dec. 9
Employees who requested the signing bonus
will have their monies placed into the RSP account held by GRS Securities and
will see this transaction into their accounts shortly.
For anyone who chose the RRSP option,
there will not be a pay stub. The RRSP contribution will show on your pay stub
dated Dec. 16
Nov 25 2005
New hats in stock. Click
here for pictures
Nov 23 2005
Our contract has been ratified. 61% in
Regina and 78% in Calgary
Nov 22 2005
If, for some reason, you were not able to
make the ratification meetings or you needed more time to ponder before you cast
your vote you may vote between 7 AM and 8 PM on at the Union offices ( #26 395
Park Street ) on Wednesday November 23. The results will be posted Wednesday
night as soon as the tellers have completed their count.
Nov 20 2005
These three documents were finished at
5:00 PM Sunday afternoon for your viewing. EVERYTHING will be explained tomorrow
at the ratification meeting.
Document
One,
Two and
Three
Nov 15 2005
RATIFICATION MEETING
ON NOVEMBER 14TH, THE LOCAL BARGAINING
COMMITTEES FOR REGINA LOCAL 5890 AND CALGARY LOCAL 6673 REACHED A
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH IPSCO.
A RATIFICATION MEETING WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY,
NOVEMBER 21ST TO VOTE ON THE AGREEMENT THE COMPANY HAS PROPOSED TO
THE UNION.
DATE:
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST
TIME: 7:30 A.M & 7:30 P.M
PLACE: ITALIAN CLUB
2148 CONNAUGHT ST.
THIS
IS YOUR CONTRACT AND YOUR FUTURE, PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND ONE OF THESE MEETINGS!
November 7 2005
This shall serve as official notice
that the local bargaining committee will return to the bargaining table
on 14,15 November 2005.
The committee will
meet on 09 November 2005 and discuss the disposition and current status
of where we are. I would ask at this time that we do our best to curb
the rumors and await official word from myself or other Executive
members for the release of official information and the current status
of bargaining.
Best Regards
David S. Grant
Oct 26 2005
The company broke off negotiations last
night at 11:00, the following is a excerpt from notes taken right before the
company walked away from the table.
Ray Rarey - "First Keith
(Keith Turcotte is the lead negotiator for the chain), I want to
compliment the entire committee, they handled bargaining very professionally and
I mean that sincerely. The last proposal looks to me like we're not going to get
an agreement. I am offering a few cents on the
increments. I tried to to tell you we can't do anything on the base unless you
get rid of the "earn back.I spoke with David Sutherland today,
told him where we are at, he then stated " We're not going to mortgage the
future of Regina for the sake of a few pipe orders".
Right now bargaining is in a holding
pattern. Your bargaining committee is always willing to work through these
difficult periods and await word from the company to return to the table to work
through outstanding issues still left on the negotiating table.
David S Grant
A message from Dave Grant
here
A message from Bob Dejarlais our temporary
staff rep here
A message from Keith Turcotte
here
A CONTRACT FOR OUR FUTURE
NOT!!!
CONTRACTING OUT OUR FUTURE

Oct 25 2005
Bargaining began Wednesday Oct 19 2005.
There have been many unfounded rumors floating around the plant involving all
manner of issues. As of now and probably until negotiations end there won't be
any information released from the Bargaining Committee. The reason for this, as
in the past, and is common practice in other locals during negotiations is our
local does not need 750 people "arm chair quarter-backing" every issue
discussed. That would become completely unworkable very quickly for all of us.
If you hear any rumors involving
what is going on in negotiations between the company and your committee it is
not true unless it comes directly from one of the Bargaining Committee members.
The only news that is valid as far as I
am concerned is negotiations are progressing. If things were not progressing
then our Bargaining Committee would tell us.
The most important thing we all have to
remember is We have to trust and support our Bargaining Committee. These
are the people that we elected to bargain. This is their job, if we don't
like what they bring back to us for ratification we can vote against it.
Again.
Support your Bargaining Committee!!
In Solidarity
Tory Sand
Oct 18 2005
The O&T subcommittee will consist of three
members: Brenda Pawlychyn, Carolyn Kryba and Denise Stasuik.
Oct 17 2005
Bargaining
will begin on Wednesday Oct 19 2005
The situation with Dennis Topp and his
eligibility was fully explained at the monthly membership meeting. Since Dennis
originally had the most votes, would bring over 32 years of experience from
working in maintenance and observing the battlefront of our work being
contracting out both in the maintenance department and throughout the whole
plant, he was unanimously endorsed by the Bargaining Committee to have an
integral part of contracting out negotiations.
It was also announced that the Office and
Technical workers would set up a sub committee to help the Bargaining Committee
address all their needs and concerns during bargaining.
Please support your Bargaining
Committee!
Oct 16 2005
Due to the
overwhelming outcry regarding Dennis Topp's eligibility to hold a seat for the
Bargaining Committee the President has ordered the Vice-President and
Recording Secretary to recount Dennis Topp's attendance at regular monthly
meetings. It was found that Dennis did not have the required meetings to be
eligible to hold a seat on the Bargaining Committee therefore Dennis has been
disqualified.
The next
qualified candidate is Jeff Bruch who will sit as a member for P&M.
Oct 7 2005
For anyone that will be unavailable on
Oct. 14 to cast their vote to elect the Bargaining Committee representative an
advanced polling station will be held at the Union Hall (#26 - 395 Park
St.). It will be open both on Wednesday Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 between 8:00
am and 4:00 pm.
Oct 5 2005
A polling station will be set up on
Oct. 14 both
at the Hilton change room and at the Union hall (#26- 395 Park St) from 5:30 AM
to 7:30 PM (Hilton) and 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Union hall) .
Further, you can pick up your bargaining
survey when you vote to make sure your voice is heard regarding bargaining
issues.
Mikey White has resigned as a trustee for
our local. On behalf of the executive we thank Mikey for his years of
involvement.
Oct 3 2005
The nominees for P&M Bargaining Committee
are, in alphabetical order:
Jeff Bruch (pipe)
Bill Edwards (steel)
Garth Fondrick (steel)
Brent Henningsen (pipe)
Doug Massier (steel)
Brett Schultz (steel)
Dennis Topp (steel)
One member from P&M will elected.
*Note: Only members from the P&M may vote
for the P&M committee member.
For O&T Bargaining Committee, Paul Euteinier
has been elected by acclamation.
On behalf of the local union executive, we
would like to congratulate all candidates and look forward to working with you
during bargaining.
We encourage all members of P&M to make
every effort to cast your vote on Oct. 14
Due to the acclamation of the O&T
representative, there will be no voting by the O&T members.
A Bargaining Survey was handed out at the
nomination meeting. Those who attended may hand their surveys in to a shop
steward. For those of you who did not attend you may pick one up at the union
hall or possibly when you vote on OCT. 14.
Oct 2 2005
The executive will be flying to Calgary
for a chain meeting to discuss bargaining on Thursday Oct. 6.
They were originally going to meet back in
June but some of their leaves were denied by their area managers.
Sept 27 2005
There will be a
special meeting on October 3 to nominate two members for the negotiating
committee. One from O&T and one from P&M. If you care about your future show
your support and interest by attending this meeting! This is your union.
This to quell any rumours about our COLA.
Quoted directly from Dave Grant " WE WILL NEVER
NEVER NEVER EVER NEVER EVER GIVE UP OUR COLA as
long as I am president."
I may have missed a never or an
ever in there somewhere.
New clothing in the works. Coats and hats. Pictures
here. Please check out the pictures and send your
comments.
Sept 19 2005
The Executive announced that the Company
has approached 5890 to begin early bargaining. As a result of this there will be
a members meeting on Monday October 3 to nominate and begin the process
of election of elected bargaining committee members according to our local union
bylaws.
Sept 19 2005
LOCAL 5890 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
MEETING
TODAY!!!
REGINA UNION
CENTER
2709- 12TH
AVE
7:30 P.M
BE THERE!!!
THIS IS YOUR UNION. TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FUTURE!!!
Sept 15 2005
"Just Ask Dave" should be
up and running again. If you make a post and don't get a response after 2
days please email the site administrator or 5890@uswaregina.ca
There was a third stage
grievance meeting today for steel division. Present were Dave Grant, Jeff Bruch
and Doug Massier. The representatives for the company were Roger Juaraz, James
Asante,Tom Hakl and Mike Carr. A full report will be given at the general
membership meeting on Sept. 19 .
Sept 14 2005
A CWS back pay issue was settled today
with the company involving 6 employees. The back pay was for a time period where
employees in the CTLL were being paid job class 13 instead of 14 for #1
operator.
Sept 12 2005
We would like everyone to
come down to the union hall and pick up strike signs. We support the City
workers and encourage you to walk the line for a few hours with them.
Sept 11 2005
The annual Steelworkers fish camp was put
on the week of July 24-30. Twelve kids were shown a good time with many fun
activities hosted by the Steelworkers including three from Local 5890.
Pictures of the fun
here
Sept 9 2005
LOCAL 5890 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
MEETING
MONDAY,
SEPTEMBER 19TH
REGINA UNION
CENTER
2709- 12TH
AVE
7:30 P.M
Sept 2 2005
A decision from the Court of Queens bench was
handed down in favour of the union regarding the decision of the Saskatchewan
labour board on the illegal lock out of members of 5917 at Wheat City
Metals. They were locked out illegally because they would not accept a 4
year agreement with Wheat City Metals.
Wheat City Metals is wholly owned by IPSCO.
August 30 2005
The members of 5917 Wheat City Metals unit took a
ratification vote on a contract proposed by their bargaining committee. It was
approved by 73% of their membership.
Some of the things achieved in bargaining:
1.05 wage increase
over 3 years
3.00 increase in
pension from 29 to 32 per year
modest bumps in life
insurance, weekly indemnity and shift differentials
Now that Wheat City Metals contract with their employees
is ratified I wonder if the price of scrap in Regina is going to go up. And if
the cost of scrap miraculously goes up in Regina will the laid off employees at
Wheat City Metals be able to go back to work?
Still no decision from the Court of Queens Bench on Wheat
City Metals appeal of the Labour Boards order to pay their employees for lost
time during the illegal lockout at Wheat City Metals. They have been waiting for
over 60 days for a decision. At the end of the appeal court session the judge
stated he would have a ruling in 30 days.
I wonder why?
Just a reminder in case anyone doesn't know ...... Wheat
City Metals is wholly owned by IPSCO
August 21 2005
Our last raise for this contract should be on the next
stub including back pay to August 1
August 16 2005

Randy
Yakobovich (Yaky) passed away on Sunday August 14 at the Pasqua hospital from
Esophagus cancer.
His
family was with him until the end.
Yaky
will always be sorely missed by his many friends and co-workers in the Melt Shop
and by anyone that has worked with him over the past 20 years.
August 11 2005
UNION MEETING AUGUST 15
Date: August 15
Place: Union Office 26, 395 Park St.
August 8 2005
Newsletter is in the mail
August 3 2005
Dave Grant was given a written warning for attending a
meeting with upper management without requesting permission to leave from his
immediate supervisor.
June 26 2005
The Executive of Local 5890 would like to welcome all new
employee's to the Steelworkers. We would also like to welcome you to the Union
meeting at 7pm at the Union Center on the corner of 13th Avenue and Angus St.
June 10 2005
Due to a conflict of schedules of the Executive the
Regular Monthly Membership has been rescheduled to Monday June 27 2005.
Sorry for any inconvenience
June 3 2005
Wheat City Metals, owned by
IPSCO
is refusing to comply with Saskatchewan Labour Relations
Board decision. Get the full story
here
May 31 2005
Dave Grant, Dwayne Mitchell, Jeff Bruch, and Doug Massier
returned from a contracting out conference in Toronto. It was put on by the
International Steelworkers. No news yet on what the strategy is. IPSCO and HR
will probably be the first to know.
May 24 2005
Our COLA has gone up 21 cents per hour. COLA in now 93
cents per straight time hour worked.
May19 2005
ILLEGAL LOCKOUT AT WHEAT CITY METAL!!!
Wheat City Metals received a ruling from the Saskatchewan
Labor Board that it is in violation of the Trade Union Act by locking out 38
members of 5917. It is against the law in Saskatchewan to lock out workers demanding
a longer collective agreement that 3 years. All of your brother workers at Wheat
City Metals will get paid for the time they were locked out illegally.
Wheat City was ordered to cease and desist all lockout
action against local 5917.WCM was ordered to bargain "in good faith". WCM was
also ordered to end the lockout undertaken for the unlawful purposes of
forcing their employees to accept a term of agreement longer than three years.
It was also ordered that WCM will pay each of its locked out workers an amount
equivalent to what they would have earned had they not been locked out within
fourteen days. (The workers will receive seven weeks pay!)
No word yet on whether Wheat City Metals was fined or if
they will have to pay restitution to the Steelworkers for funds spent on trailer
and rentals during the illegal lockout.
Everyone also needs to remember that IPSCO wholly
owns Wheat City Metals through a company called Jamel Metals. Your brother
Steelworkers were basically locked out illegally by IPSCO.
May 9 2005
April 19 2005
We had a very productive meeting
last night at our monthly membership meeting . Both Darwin McDonald and I
reported on our trip to the international convention. We voted to send two
grievances to arbitration. Guy Sifert, a unit grievance chair from 5917,
reported on the state of affairs regarding their battle and lock
out with IPSCO and Wheat City Metals. Some decisions and motions were passed to
change the monthly payout to the Area Council.
It was decided that local 5890
would donate 25 dollars to each employee of Wheat City Metals this month and 10
dollars every month until they settle their contract. We have to support these
38 people because we could easily find ourselves in the same position they are
when our contract with IPSCO expires in 2006. They are dealing with the same
company as we are.
It was also decided to change our
monthly contribution of 200 dollars to the area council to a different system
where we pay 25 cents per person per month. We also passed a motion to give 25
cents per member per month for the South Sask. Area Council Education fund. This
is mostly to facilitate better education for our brother locals 5917 and 6717to
make sure they can educate all of their members in all of their units.
The United Steel Workers of America
is now known as the Steelworkers. During our international convention for USWA
it was announced that PACE ( paper allied chemical and energy workers ) were to
join forces with USWA making us the largest private sector union in North
America. It was a very interesting, exciting trip full of excellent speakers. At
one time we had over 6500 steelworkers in the same room. After the announcement
of the merger there was a 15 minute standing ovation.
There were 9 new members of our membership
fired last year without representation from the local. We are adamant that once
a employee begins work at IPSCO he is represented by local 5890. This is the
reason we are sending a group grievance dealing with this issue to arbitration.
The other grievance we are going to send to arbitration is dealing with IPSCOs
refusal to pay new employees for both days of a 2 day indoctrination. This is
not only illegal based on Saskatchewan Labour Law, people expect to be paid for
any required attendance at a job, new or not. A new employee is not a second
class citizen.
Wheat City locked out again!! Click
here for more details
For those of you Pipe employees who are laid off there is a
2" inspector bid posted. If you are interested get down to the plant and bid.
There are supposed to be bid forms at the security. Fill them out then
inter-office mail them Cindy Hinger.
- Sign up for electronic version of Newsletter click pic
- What affect will the payment of Profit Sharing have on the current claims for benefit? Click here to view this question answered and more.
- Raising money for union paraphernalia (new shirts, caps, and jackets) on the way
- TransCanada pipeline in the works Click here for more information
- Union committee storms out of contracting out meeting when company refuses to supply letter outlining policies and procedures in regard to contracting out - further, the company threatens to lay pipe guys off and give the work to contractors if the union forces them to "narrow" their ability to use contractors.
- Federal Budget ignores bankruptcy protection for workers.
- Ipsco Inc. racking up a profit of $439-million (U.S.) last year
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