President's Message, July 2008
I would like to thank the members for coming out and voting at the May Local elections. There were over 300 members in attendance and this was the highest turn out for a local election in recent memory. I want to thank the election committee and those who ran for office. It is never easy to put your name forward and be judged by your peers. Finally, I think the past executive should be thanked for their time and effort in the last three years.
A number of members suggested before and after the election that the Local consider proxy voting in the future for members who are away on annual leave or who have family commitments. The Local is currently looking into different methods of proxy voting. The local by-laws would have to be amended for such a change.
There are a number of overlapping files outstanding from the previous Executive Committee to be dealt with by the Union and Management. These are:
• The Mega section proposal for BU 1, BU 2, Gt BU 3 - Meeting date pending.
• The change to the Business Unit Part Timers schedule - Meeting date
pending.
• The Major Restructure in Transportation - Parties met June 23, 2008, with a
follow up meeting scheduled for July 2. 2008.
• Removal of Bags - Parties met June 23, 2008, awaiting minutes from
management.
• The Major Restructure in LCD 4 - Meeting on July 7, 2008.
• The change to the rotation of duties schedule in Oversize on the FSM's -
Meeting date pending.
• RSMC Annual Leave for Waterdown - Meeting on July 3, 2008.
The employer was notified last week of the Local's intention to involve both the full time officers where possible in all consultations along with the Grievance officers and their departments. They were also asked to send notification to consult to the above so the local has full knowledge of what CPC is planning. The Local has proposed an electronic filing system to expedite grievances and save needless paperwork. And the local has requested quarterly Appendix P consultations starting in August.
There has also been a request to change the Health & Safety Committee in the HMPP from one large umbrella committee to separate committees in the Technical Services Department, the Docks, Transportation, and Communications. Notices will be sent out shortly canvassing the local for applicants in each workplace. The Canada Labour Code also speaks to separate committees on each shift. The Local is waiting for the employer's response on the proposals.
In Solidarity,
Mark Platt
President
Hamilton Local 548