English Can Comment June IBEW

John Lee

Description

The Canadian Comment With The IBEW Journal?The Canadian Comment is now being delivered to you attached to theIBEW Journal. Not only does this combine information into one conve-nient package but this is also a significant cost savings idea! Nowthat we have worked out our new publication processes, we expectto continue to deliver the Comment to you three times per year.June 2003IBEW Essential SkillsNeeds AssessmentINTERNATIONALBROTHERHOODOF ELECTRICAL WORKERSFIRST DISTRICTDON LOUNDSInternational Vice PresidentTHE IBEW’S ESSENTIAL SKILLS STEERING COMMITTEE FIRST MET IN NOVEMBER 2002. L-R: JOHN BRIEGEL,YVES ST. GERMAIN, DON LOUNDS, ROSSGALBRAITH, ROD GOY, PATRICK VLANICH, GARY LEHMAN, FERN TARDIF, RICK LOUSIER, ED NOTT AND JERRY WILSON. MISSING IS FACILITATOR CAROLEDWIN D. HILL MACLEOD OF CAROL MACLEOD AND ASSOCIATES INC.International Presidentirtually all jobs require a mix of essential skills An extensive process of consultation with a wideJERRY J. O'CONNORInternational Secretary- (e.g., problem solving, computer use) that range of industry stakeholders (e.g., instructors,Treasurer Venable individuals to perform job tasks and journeypersons, apprentices, contractors, employers,learn new skills. For example, electricians use read- provincial governments) is underway.JOE FASHIONInternational Executive ing and math skills to interpret the Canadian A blue-chip national Steering Committee wasCouncil Member Electrical Code. created to guide the research ...

Informations

• Publié par: Orgie
• Nombre de lectures: 27
• Langue: English

Extrait

TheWith TheCanadian CommentIBEW Journal? The Canadian Comment is now being delivered to you attached to the IBEW Journal.Not only does this combine information into one conve nient package but this is also a significant cost savings idea! that we have worked out our new publication processes, we ex to continue to deliver the Comment to you three times per year

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS FIRST DISTRICT

DON LOUNDS International VicePresident

EDWIN D. HILL International President

JERRY J. O'CONNOR International Secretary- Treasurer

JOE FASHION International Executive Council Member 8th District

June 2003 IBEW Essential Skills Needs Assessment

THE IBEW’S ESSENTIAL SKILLS STEERING COMMITTEE FIRST MET IN NOVEMBER 2002.L-R: JOHN BRIEGEL, YVES ST. GERMAIN, DON LOUNDS, ROSS GALBRAITH, ROD GOY, PATRICK VLANICH, GARY LEHMAN, FERN TARDIF, RICK LOUSIER, ED NOTT AND JERRY WILSON. MISSING IS FACILITATOR CAROL MACLEOD OF CAROL MACLEOD AND ASSOCIATES INC. irtually all jobs require a mix of essential skillsAn extensive process of consultation with a wide (e.g., problem solving, computer use) thatrange of industry stakeholders (e.g., instructors, lear V provincial governments) is underway.n new skills. For example, electricians use read- enable individuals to perform job tasks andjourneypersons, apprentices, contractors, employers, ing and math skills to interpret the CanadianA blue-chip national Steering Committee was Electrical Code.created to guide the research.They are meeting in Customer service representatives use oralJune 2003 to finalize the report. InternationalVice- communication and computer skills to handlePresident Don Lounds has invited the Steering inquiries. Workplacechanges, such as new technolo-Committee to present their findings at the 2003 All- gy, have raised the bar with regard to theCanada Progress Meeting to facilitate discussion in complexity of essential and technical skills nowcaucus meetings. required on the job. Last year the IBEW, First District, Canada began The IBEW wishes to thank the National a national research project to identify the essential Liter acySecretar iat,Human Resources skills learning needs of IBEW members.This project Development Canada, for financially support- promotes continuous learning and will result in the ing this research. development of related strategies and resources.

CANADIAN SPECIAL SECTION

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In addition, collective strength can be e d i t o r i a l used for our political benefit. Although we inthe IBEW have generally taken a non-partisan position in politics, the detri- first is a Compaq computer purchase, mental effects of bad political decisions which not only provides great quality for are becoming overwhelming and we can- a great price, but Compaq was also able not remain ignorant of our ability to to provide a national delivery and war- impact issues for our collective benefit. ranty program.The second program is This month’s article in the Educational the Congress of Union Retirees of Corner outlines the absolute need for all Canada retiree benefits plan. Along with of us to be more aware about how over 50,000 other CURC members, we important the impact of our vote really are able to take advantage of a reason- is. Please take the time to read this article ably priced benefit plan because of our and consider how we can make a differ- collective strength. Don Lounds ence with our collective strength. But collective strength does not stop International VicePresident And please remember, your vote at being able to purchase items or partake counts. fter reading this publication ofof programs, it is also evident in how we Best wishes. the Canadian Comment, I’m sureare collectively able to provide financial of c A Whitehorse. Donations from all acrossollective strength. The obvious gains Fraternally yours, you will again realize the benefitssupport to local unions like Local 1574 in of being united are evident in collectiveCanada amounted to over $23,000.00 to bargaining, but through the CLC, we areassist their membership in a hard foughtDon Lounds, now participating in two programs. Thestrike against their employer.International VicePresident Winter School Retiree’s Benefit Program A Success!!! e are pleased to report that there has been a very positive response to the first notice, last fall, about the Retiree Benefit Plan, wenty-two business managers from W and a good number of IBEW retirees have joined the plan. The across Canada attended a three-day T benefit plan is designed specifically for union retirees, who become members of Business Manager’s Orientation the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC), the plan sponsor. Course at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston, There are three types of coverage which can be purchased separately or in Ontario, earlier this year.The course was a combination, and include: component of ourVision of Excellence 2003 • LifeInsurance Winter School Program. • ExtendedHealth and Dental Care • EmergencyExcess Hospital/MedicalTravel Insurance Victoria, British Columbia, was the setting You would be eligible for the Life Insurance and Extended Health benefits of our second 2003 Winter School February 16 on a non-medical basis, if you make application: through February 18 where 20 IBEW local 1.within 60 days after the date of retirement, or within 60 days after the ter- union leaders focused on the preparation and mination of coverage through another group program, or presentation of arbitration.This intensive three- 2.within 90 days following receipt of the current information package day course was well received by the For more information, please contact the benefit plan administrator: participants. Anne Spencer CURC Benefit Plan Consultant Both Courses Canadian Benefits Consulting Group were delivered by 2300 YongeStreet, Suit3000 First District Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4 International Telephone: [phone] or 1-800-268-0285, ext. 252 Representatives. Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

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CANADIAN SPECIAL SECTION

Building and Construction Trades he Coast to Coast B&CT Committee mem-Treasurer Joseph Maloney and he spoke about the b e r sm e tt od i s c u s sa n dc o n s i d e rprogress of the “Smart Card” initiative that would str T that could be carried from job to job that wouldThe Honourable Paul Martin,uction industry. improvements for our members in the con-allow workers to carry all work related information the former Minister of Finance openly discussedadapt to the security systems of existing nuclear topics which included: the underground economy;and industrial facilities. He also reported that effec- t h eu s eo fE It oe a s ee a s t / we s tm o b i l i t y ;tive December 1, 2002, the Brotherhood of north/south mobility; the issue of Red Seal and theCarpenters and Joiners had re-affiliated with the need for national standards; tax breaks for travel-B&CT and that a proposal which would expedite ling workers.cross border mobility has been submitted to the Also in attendance was B&CT Secretary- WhiteHouse for consideration.

Free Loader Club am opposed to all unions, therefore I am opposed to all w I on through the years—paid benefits that unions have vacations, paid holidays, sick leave ,senior ityr ights,wage increases, pension and insur- ance plans, safety laws, workers compensation laws, Canada Pension, time and a half for overtime for hours in excess of eight in one day and 40 in any one week, unemployment ben- efits and job security. I refuse to accept any ben- efits that were won by the unions and hereby authorize and direct the company to withhold the amount of the union-won benefits from my pay cheque each week and donate to charity.

CANADIAN SPECIAL SECTION

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Politics Is Your Business efore election time politicians and political parties begin flooding the el B tunately, many peopleection. Unfor media seeking support for their base their election choices on newspa- per headlines, short sound bites or one-issue campaigns.The fact is that selecting the right political party is a very important decision. Issues such as health care, human rights, education, fair wage provisions, organizing and essential work- er slegislation are some examples of how political decisions affect your work life and your pay cheque. Here are some guidelines to follow that may help you make an informed election decision. 1.Find out who is running in your rid- ing and learn more about their background.

2.ties they repre-Find out which par s e n ta n dw h a tp o l i c i e st h e y suppor t. 3.u n i o nl o c a la b o u tA s ky o u r what issues are most important to them. 4.Ask the candidates in your riding what their positions are on those points.

5.Get out and vote! 6.Follow up with the successful candidate to ensure those preelection comments are kept. Initially, this may take some effort but, over time, it becomes increasingly easier as you become more familiar with the political issues and the process that has a major impact on your life.

“PMSPEAK” rime Minister Jean Chretien, well known for his confusing state- ments on major issues, had this to say yesterday when asked in the P health care deal: the House of Commons about old money versus new money in They say that the money that we had “ promised three years ago to be new money this year is not more new money. We have not paid it yet and it is old new money versus new new money. For me, new money is new money. If paying in $5 or $10, it’s the same money. ”

Bill Cathcart Awarded 65-Year Plaque & Pin EW WATERFORD—Billcomplicated. Cathcart reflected Cathcart of New Water-on his first few years ofwork N f o r dw a sr e c e n t l yand said he used to leave his presented with a 65-Year plaquehome in New Waterford by and pin from the Internationalhorse and wagon and travel to B r o t h e r h o o do fE l e c t r i c a lDonkin each day for work. With Wo r k e r s .He was the only42 years of active service in the Canadian to receive this honourIBEW (1937-1979), he was a very this year, which made this occa-dedicated employee who vastly sion even more special. Eric improvedthe working conditions MacDonald, E-Board member,for his co-workers and workers Brian Matheson, International 65-YEAR MEMBER OF THE IBEW: BILL CATHCART WAS THE RECIPIENT OF A 65- who came on board after his YEAR PIN AND PLAQUE FROM THE IBEW. HIS PLAQUE READ, "IN SINCERE R e p r e s e n t a t i v ea n dA l f i etenure with the company. AFFECTION AND DEEP GRATITUDE,WE PRESENT THIS CITATION AND PIN IN Sheppard, a retired member of HONOUR OF YOUR LOYAL AND FAITHFUL YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP IN OUR Although he has been retired the BROTHERHOOD. PICTURED ABOVE WITH CATHCART ARE THE PRESENTERS, the IBEW, were on hand to makepast 23 years, he still remains an ERIC MACDONALD,BRIAN MATHESON AND ALFIE SHEPPARD. the presentation to Mr. Cathcart.active member of the IBEW and Cathcart started his involvement with the IBEW in 1937 whenis viewed by today's work force as a pioneer in this industry. he began working for Dominion Utilities. At this time theyAlfie Sheppard, one of the presenters, actually worked with were running 25-cycle power compared to the 60-cycleCathcar tfor some 33 years before he retired in 1979. power we now have today. In the ’30s and ’40s even the sim-Cathcar twas thrilled to receive this award and thanked plest things like travel to and from work were a lot moreSheppard, Matheson and MacDonald for making this possible.

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