Chair’s Report to the Membership
January 31st, 2012

Sisters and Brothers,

The year is upon us and we have already encountered some challenges here at the met site. We have some drying issues and have been without our thickener at tailings since January9th. All personnel involved are working diligently around the clock to rectify this issue as quickly and safely as possible.

The weather has also been more active than in recent years thus requiring more attention from our services group. This crew consists of some of our most experienced and senior members from our now torn down plants. Credit is due to these guys for all for their effort considering the huge area of responsibility in what is basically their first active winter so far.

Planning your 2012 vacation should be well under way with your 2 weeks prime time at the very least in the books.

This year our Benefits rep Don Janveau will be completing his final stages of accreditation and he continues to work with Gary Hrytsak. For any inquiries Don is in our town office every Monday and Tuesday located at 75 Balsam street south.

Finally, the CAW and CEP National Unions are in early discussions to see if there is a possibility of a merger and form a stronger voice in the labor movement. You can read more on this issue on the CAW national web site (www.caw.ca) or contact me for more literature.

In solidarity,
Paul Fillion

Well 2012 is upon us, and the new Xstrata payroll system out of Montreal has already affected us locally. Retirees who were supposed to be paid a Bridge payment on January 1st will not receive it until January 12th, due to a “glitch” in the system. Well now, here’s hoping this is the only bump in the road with the new system, although local management has indicated to us it probably will not…….
Happy 2012 to one and all.

December 13, 2011

Sisters and Brothers,

Your Collective Agreements have arrived and will be distributed accordingly to all. Take a few minutes a day and read through it, I am sure it can serve its purpose in solving conflicts or misunderstandings at the initial stages.

We have several positions on the Executive Board that are vacant until we hold elections in May 2012. 1st and 2nd Vice-President, 1 Trustee and 1 Guide positions are still open. If there are any members that would like to sit on the Board until then, let us know.

Our Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee is now full with our services rep position being filled by Brian Catherwood.

The Concentrator is slated to run with a bare minimum crews for part of the Holiday Season due to mine shortfall. As 2011 is coming to an end, we must remain focused on our duties and tasks at hand. January 1st will re-clock our safety goals and aims. Together we will make 2012 our best year ever for safety.

On behalf of your Bargaining and Executive Board Committees I would like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays.

Be safe and stay warm,
Paul Fillion
Local 599

What exactly have Unions ever done for us? In a “what have you done for me lately” society, many would say nothing. To many non Union workers who take for granted many of our legislated rights, they may answer the same. Here’s a satirical video that reminds us of some of the things Unions fought for and won in the past (and a reminder of what we are fighting to keep)………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iObqguaNDdA

You will have to copy and paste the above link in your web browser to watch (sorry)…….