LOCAL 105, IBEW
NEXT REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2009
685 NEBO ROAD, HANNON, ONTARIO
TIME: 8:00 P.M.
RRSP & Pension Statements Enclosed in Newsletter
Enclosed in your newsletter, please find your RRSP and/or Pension statement for the
quarter ending September 30th, 2009. When you are checking your statements, please
keep in mind that the hours are submitted one month behind. The contributions
reflected on these statements are the hours that you actually worked for the months of
June, July & August 2009. If you do not have any funds in your account, you will not
receive a statement. Please note: Funds in the pension plan, number 35947, cannot be
withdrawn or transferred until you retire or leave the union.
NEGOTIATIONS
The IBEW Construction Council of Ontario and the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario met
October 13, 14 and 15th to discuss proposing a Joint Proposal (JP) to our members for the next round of
negotiations. Our current contract expires April 30, 2010. The Joint Proposal has been used for our
bargaining since 1992 and in simple terms, is an agreement between the parties that there will be no strike
or lock-out for that round of bargaining based on certain criteria agreed upon prior to being voted on by
our respective memberships. In the past the Joint Proposal pattern was that the monetary settlement
would be decided by a Selector in the event the parties could not agree to an amount. The Selector would
pick whichever proposal made the most sense based on a number of factors such as inflation, competition,
market share, etc. Since we bargain ahead of most of the other Unions, there was also a clause that said
we would get the average of the two highest settlements of the other Trades in the event that others
settled for a higher amount than the IBEW. This was decided by the Electrical Trade Joint Board and was
usually applied in year two of the agreement. This system was generally problematic as the Contractors
Association had a different opinion than the Union as to who of the other Unions should count as a
comparator for the purposes of a Post Negotiated Wage Adjustment (PNWA).
In the 2007 round of negotiations, the IBEW insisted that the procedure for the PNWA would be
documented prior to any agreement for a Joint Proposal. This resulted in language being drafted as part of
the JP that stated clearly that the comparators would be all of the Construction Trades listed as part of the
Ontario Construction Secretariat, 25 trades in all. There was also a provision for some “catch up” money if
the Pipefitters were one of the highest but it turned out to be irrelevant. After all was said and done in the
last round, the IBEW came to an agreement for a monetary increase of $3.80 over three years and some
minor increases in travel and room and board allowances. When the other trades settled, the two highest
were the Sprinkler Fitters @ $4.95 over three years and the Demolition Labourers @ $7.00 over 3 years.
The Contractors refused to acknowledge Demolition as a legitimate comparator and a lengthy litigation
process ensued through the Selector. The Selector had to determine if the language in the Joint Proposal
included the Demolition Labourers and found in our favour. This resulted in a $2.15 increase in year two of
our agreement over and above our original settlement. As you can well imagine, this did not sit well with
ECAO.
When we met in October, it became evident that in this round of bargaining, they are looking for
concessions as part of the Joint Proposal. They want to reduce the number of comparator unions and they
want other concessions to assist small to medium contractors when bidding work that generally goes to
the non-union. This is a volatile issue with many of the Local Unions in the Province as they feel they
already give many concessions through various Market Recovery Initiatives to their contractors. As a
result, the talks broke off with no resolution and no Joint Proposal. We will be meeting again probably as
you are reading this letter or shortly before in an effort to decide whether or not we will be using the JP
again in the upcoming round of negotiations. If there is no resolve, we will go back to our old method
whereby we will try and reach an agreement by May 1, 2010 and in the event no agreement is reached
there will be either a strike or a lock-out. While I have never embraced the Joint Proposal as my preferred
method of bargaining, I must say that over the last 20 years it has served us well in that we are now the
highest paid trade in the Province and our market share has increased considerably due partially to a stable
environment in our industry. I will report further information to you as it develops.
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
More and more we are seeing Occupational Disease as a major issue for our members. Occupational Disease
generally is accumulated over long periods of time from various exposures to hazardous materials and
chemicals. WSIB recognizes this as a compensable injury, however, they must have proof of exposure in order
to initiate a claim. This is often difficult as a record of employment from the Union does not specify the exact
location of the work place where a member may have been exposed to dangerous materials. If you are
working on a site where you are exposed to any of these substances i.e. asbestos, benzene, silica etc., etc. you
can ask for an exposure form from your employer or contact John Martin at the Union office and he will
ensure that the forms are filled out and properly recorded. The second thing you should be doing is to keep a
log of all of the job sites you work on along with dates you were employed there and who your supervisor(s)
are and your co-workers. Also, make a notation of when you worked with or were exposed to hazardous
materials on a specific job. It is much easier to establish exposure with WSIB if this information is readily
available.
In Memoriam
We are saddened to report the deaths of the following retired Brothers: Robert Ottenbacher, Local 105
member for 42 years passed away on September 24th, 2009. Brother William Koo, father of member Russ
Koo passed away on October 9th, 2009. Brother Koo was a member for 42 years. It is also with much sadness
that we inform the membership of the untimely passing of Brother William Hunt on September 16th, 2009,
father of members: Bill Hunt Jr., Doug Hunt and Lorianne Woodhouse. Brother Hunt was a member with
Local 105 for 49 years. In addition, we sadly announce the passing of Brother Barry Lisson, who passed away
on October 29th, 2009. Brother Lisson was a member for 52 years. As well, our active member, Brother
Douglas Killeleagh, who was a member for 43 years, passed away on September 19th, 2009. Our deepest
sympathies are extended to all their spouses, children, family and friends.
Our Brothers will be deeply missed but not forgotten.
Union Plus Scholarship
The Union Plus Scholarship application can now be accessed online at
http://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/union-plus-scholarship. The application is
six (6) pages long and the deadline for applications is January 31st, 2010. Unlike the IBEW
Founders Scholarship Program, the Union Plus Scholarship Program as well as being available to
members, is also available to members’ spouses and the child dependents of IBEW members and
other AFL-CIO affiliated unions. If you do not have internet access, please call the union office to
obtain a copy of the application form.
Local 105 Baseball Tournament
The Local's baseball team put forth a strong showing again this year at the OPC Tournament
in Sarnia the weekend of September 19th & 20th, 2009. They lost by one run in extra innings
against Sarnia in the semi-finals. Sarnia went on to lose to the seven-time champs, Windsor.
Congratulations to all who participated! It was a hard fought battle and thanks to those who
came out to cheer us on. Following are a list of the Raffle winners:
1st prize: Bart Moodie - 37" LCD Hi-Def T.V.
2nd prize: Dawn Mitchell - Panasonic Palmcorder
3rd prize: Andrew Spencer - iPod Nano and Docking Station
Union Dues Increase for 2010
Members are reminded that the dues will increase $1.00 for a total of $27.70 per month effective
January 1st, 2010. Members are also reminded of the following regarding union dues:
Article XXI,
Section 1: No member is entitled to notice of the monthly or quarterly dues of his LU nor of
arrearages but must take notice when payments are due.
Section 2: Any member indebted to his LU for 3 months’ dues, or having any past due
indebtedness to the IBEW for dues or assessments shall stand suspended and the LU may refuse to
accept dues from any member who is indebted to it. Such member cannot be reinstated until all
indebtedness has been paid, unless waived by the LU. However, dues cannot be waived.
Section 4: Any member indebted to his LU for six (6) months’ full dues shall be dropped from
membership by the F.S. and cannot become a member in good standing again in the IBEW except
by joining as a new member.
Section 5: Members who are suspended forfeit all rights and previous standing in the IBEW,
including any pension or death benefits payable from the Pension Benefit Fund.
To summarize what the above means, if you are dropped from membership you are no longer a
member and your name will be removed from the out of work list. As well, you forfeit your
IBEW pension and death benefits. If you change your mind and wish to return to the IBEW, you
must apply as a new member and will have to pay the $102.00 initiation fee again. Your name will
be added to the bottom of the out of work list and your pension eligibility will begin from your
new initiation date. In order to receive your pension, you must have five years of membership
and have attained the age of 65. In order to qualify for the early pension (62) or disability pension,
you require 20 years of membership.
If you do wish to leave the local and have 20 years of membership, you may apply for a vested
pension where you would receive a reduced amount of your pension once you attain the age of 65.
Therefore, we encourage you to give serious thought to your decisions before you drop your
membership from the IBEW.
Training Centre Update
Night School Classes:
C.W.B. Welding Test Wed. , Dec 2nd, 2009: 6:00 p.m.
Forklift Safety Nov. 7 & 14: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fire Alarm Level 1 Jan. 2010
CWB Welding Jan. 2010
Motor Control Jan. 2010
Solar Training Certificate Class February 2010
Conduit Bending March 2010
Please call Clarke Hurley at 905 679-8880 to book a seat.
Any apprentice wanting to attend Basic trade school in January 2010 and has not yet received
an MTCU notice to attend, please call Simon Smith at 905 521-7501 to check availability.
Trade School : Reminder you must pay for trade school when you get your notice to attend. Bring your
paid receipt to the hall.
* Apprentices must REQUEST YOUR TRANSCRIPT from the college.
The college does not automatically mail out transcripts anymore.
**Apprentices are reminded to apply for the $1000 grant when they complete
Basic or Intermediate Trade school – go to the web site
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/goc/apprenticeship for information and application
***NEW “Apprentice Completion Grant” of $2000 when apprentices complete all trade school &
successfully writes the C of Q. This is retro to January 2009.
See above web site to apply.
….continued
Journeyman Electrician License Renewal;
Members are reminded to renew their Electrician License every 3 years. The Ministry only sends out notices to
current addresses they have on file, so it’s up to you to renew! Please call the Ministry at 905 521-7764 to
check on your renewal date or renew your license over the phone using a credit card.
CSAO Day Programs;
You must call CSAO 3 weeks prior to start date to book these programs 1- 800-781-2726.
Confined Space Hazard Awareness Nov. 10 ½ Day 8:30
Simulated Hazards Analysis Nov. 17 to 19 3 Days 8:30
Lock Out and Tag Out Nov. 24 ½ Day 8:30
Lock Out and Tag Out Instructor Workshop Nov. 24 ½ Day 1:00
Fluke - METER RECALL
http://us.fluke.com/usen/Support/Safety/33X-Recall.htm?trck=33xrecall
Fluke is voluntarily recalling certain 333, 334, 335, 336 and 337 Digital Clamp Meters that were manufactured
between January 29, 2008 and February 27, 2009. The models and serial numbers affected are listed in the table
below. If you own one of these clamp meters, please stop using it and send it back to Fluke for
replacement.
Model Family Starting Serial No. Ending Serial No.
Fluke-337 (All models including 337A) 96070000 98890607
Fluke-336 (All models including 336A) 96220000 98900400
Fluke-335 (All models including 335A) 97010000 98860104
Fluke-334 (All models including 334A) 97010000 98870101
Fluke-333 (All models including 333A) 97010000 98880240
Important: H1N1 Update:
The H1N1 flu virus is a new strain of pandemic influenza which is different than the seasonal flu. People have no
natural immunity to protect against this virus. The H1N1 flu virus emerged in April 2009 and surveillance of its
spread shows that it is affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu, which normally
affects seniors and young children. People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a
greater risk for severe illness.
How is it Spread: The H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza.
Symptoms: Almost always: Cough and fever; Common: Fatigue, Muscle aches, Sore throat, Headache,
Decreased appetite, Runny nose, Sometimes: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Prevention: Wash hands often with soap and hot water, especially after you cough or sneeze;
alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective,
try to avoid contact with sick people,
avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
keep common surfaces disinfected;
Cough and sneeze into your arm, instead of your hand, do not shake hands,
if you are sick, stay home until your symptoms are gone and you feel
well enough to participate in all activities.
Be Prepared: Make preparations to care for yourself and your loved ones. Make sure you have the following
items on hand: Pain and fever medication, like Tylenol or Advil, to treat fever and headaches, A thermometer,
Extra supplies of any essential medication, like insulin for diabetics, Cleaning supplies, like household
disinfectant, Soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer to keep hands clean, Non perishable food, like canned soup
and fruits and vegetables and liquids, like water and juice, in case you can’t get to the grocery store,
Treatment: If you get flu-like symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you should stay home to recover. If your
symptoms worsen or you experience difficulty breathing or serious shortness of breath, it is important to seek
medical attention. Antivirals are recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe illness, and for people
at risk of severe disease. Your doctor will decide if treatment is right for you.
For more information: Call the H1N1 flu hotline at 1 800 O-Canada or Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000.
John Grimshaw, Business Manager
Check out the Local 105 website at: www.ibew105.com