Presidents Report

PRESIDENTS REPORT
October 19, 2012

We hope that everyone has had a good summer and has enjoyed some time off.
Our Local had an organizing drive at another mine owned by Walter Energy in Chetwynd called Willow Creek, which we were trying to organize with over 150 employees; it is under a CLAC, (Christian Labors Association of Canada) certification.

Brothers Dan Will, Colin McIssac, Randy Gatzka, Mario Ficarni, Ken Mclean, Monty Mearns, Gordie MacIntosh, Glenn Steele and Sister Shannon Euverman worked very hard over the month long campaign. We were unsuccessful in the end, however, we feel that we have laid a good foundation for the future raiding period next year.

On behalf of the Local we would like to thank the organizers involved and our National and District offices for their assistance in the drive.

With all the mining activity in our Local Union boundaries we have a great opportunity to grow our Union. Your assistance is appreciated as a number of these employees work in the mines but come back to their home towns on their days off and in conversation you may be able to assist us in a conversation about joining the Local Union.

Bargaining is ongoing in the local with Quintette Mine in Tumbler Ridge this week and next week. We hope to be finished the non-monetary issues next week. The money issues will be settled very quickly as they simple have to be in the same ball park as the other mines in Tumbler Ridge.

With our Automobile Dealership in Smithers, (Coast Mountain), bargaining will be commencing this month for the renewal of the Agreement. Bro. O’Rourke and Bro. Johal will be heading this set with our chairperson.

I and Brother O’Rourke will be meeting with Conifex Power to reach an agreement for the Hydro generating plant in Mackenzie that is under construction. When it is completed it will employ around seventeen and will produce enough power to cover two thousand homes.

On a very exciting note for our members in Burns Lake, the local has received a letter this week stating that members seniority is extended and that a working committee will be put in place to work out the details for the rebuild of the sawmill at Babine.

Tech change provision will not be applied, as the old equipment was destroyed in the fire and it is like a brand new mill start up.

We are still waiting on the decision for the Lakelands members, hopefully we hear before Christmas.

We need to focus on our next round of bargaining for the solid wood side of the Local. So please turn your mind towards forwarding resolutions to your plant wage and benefits meeting and electing your representative to send to the interior bargaining agenda meeting in the New Year. Your officers believe this is the year for parity with the others that work in the Forest Industry.

As this our last meeting this year we want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year!

Frank Everitt
President