Friday, June 28, 2013
Thanks to your support we have secured a major victory in the fight against Bill C-377.
Earlier this week, Bill C-377 was amended by Conservative Senator Hugh Segal to exclude local unions and branches, as well as trusts, from the onerous requirements of the bill. Only national offices, with a total national membership of 50,000 or more, will be required to report. The amended Bill was passed by the Senate and will now be returned to the House of Commons.
When the House of Commons resumes in the fall, the House will have the option of accepting or rejecting the amendments made in the Senate.
In the coming weeks and months, as the intentions of the Government become clear, we will be reaching out to you specifically for your help to communicate with your MP and other key decision makers.
Thank you for your hard work over these last few months. The fight on C-377 is not over, but this is a significant milestone.
Sincerely,
Workers Build Canada
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) and our affiliated Local Unions would like to send our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all those in Southern Alberta affected by the devastating and catastrophic flooding that have occurred. Many of our concerned members throughout the province have been inquiring as to what assistance or contributions we are making to ease the burden on those affected by this tragedy or how they can contribute personally.
The Building Trades Executive Board made a strategic decision to provide financial support from the BTA to the Red Cross with monies being earmarked for Alberta flood relief. The services of the BTA were then to be utilized to coordinate all other union donations to create a lump sum donation. On Monday morning the Building Trades of Alberta presented an initial donation of $200,000.00 to the Red Cross. Since then, additional commitments for another $85,000.00 have been received up to the time of writing and will likely continue to increase throughout the week. This would not have been possible with out the support and generosity of our affiliated Local and International Unions and the Provincial and Canadian Building Trades organizations.
On Tuesday we were also notified by the Premiers Office in Calgary that a request for volunteers to assist in the cleanup efforts would be forthcoming. Business Managers will be notified to appeal for volunteers when the timing is appropriate. The Building Trades of Alberta is proud to demonstrate to our community that we are always available to assist in times of urgent need and play a vital role in Alberta’s emergency response network.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Yesterday I attended the SCOTFORD TRIPARTITE SAFETY LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE at the Dow center in Fort Saskatchewan where we were informed the Upgrader Turnaround was going to be completed ahead of schedule and under budget with an overall absenteeism of 2 to 3%. This is a fantastic accomplishment for the Building Trades of Alberta and the Unions involved, we can show that using Unionized workers does and will pay off . To any of our Local 110 members who were involved give yourself a pat on the back for representing Local 110 and all Unionized workers, Showing we do 10 hours work for 10 hours pay and we do it safely, we the Officers at the Union thank you ! Of course there were also issues with bussing and logistics' but Shell is working with the Contractors and the Union's to iron these out and ensure that future turnarounds are run with as few distractions as possible. Congratulations Shell on an initiative that is clearly working.
Monday, June 17, 2013
On Saturday June 15th here are the results of the membership voting, if you were accepted, Congratulations, please contact the union hall to complete paperwork and pay membership fee.
– John Laud Anderson, 1st year permit, Accepted
– Pierre Maguet, 1st year permit, Accepted
– Sheldon Sather, 1st year permit, Accepted
– Brad Carberry, 1st year permit,Accepted
– Peter Wiscombe, 1st year permit, Accepted
– Sidney Bishop-Adams, 1st year permit, Accepted
– Jade Schultz, 1st year permit, Accepted
– Brian Deschenes, 1st year permit, Accepted
– Troy Whitford, 1st year permit,Accepted
– Kingsley Okerri, 1st year permit,Accepted
– Jarrett MacDonald, 2nd year permit, Accepted
– David Gutierrez, 3rd year permit, Accepted
– Aaron Johnson, Journeyman permit, Accepted
– Rene Genaille, Journeyman permit, Accepted
– Levi Gavelin, Journeyman permit,Accepted
– Charles Pichette, Journeymen transfer, Accepted
– Robert Thompson, Journeymen transfer 118, Accepted
– Calvin Wiseman, Journeymen transfer Accepted
– Gavin Hunter, Journeymen transfer 95, Accepted
– Bruce Link, Journeymen transfer 95, Accepted
– Jason Gale, Journeymen transfer 116, Put over till September meeting
– Eric Bourdreau, Journeymen transfer 116, Accepted
– Normand Sequin, Journeymen transfer 58, Rejected
– Stephane Comeau, Journeymen transfer 58, Accepted
– Alex Wilkie, Journeymen transfer 60, Canadian citizen, Accepted
– Difu Shi, 1st year permit, Accepted.
– Vibol Tep, Journeymen transfer 58, Rejected
– Ken Yuzyk, Journeyman permit, Rejected
– Tyler Pincemin, 1st year permit, Accepted
– John Cardinal, Accepted
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Syncrude Commencing Maintenance Turnaround on Coker 8-1
Due to recent performance issues, a decision has been made to commence a maintenance turnaround of Coker 8-1 for required repairs.The plan involves advancing the Snowy Owl maintenance turnaround, previously planned for September.Those working to identify the issues impacting Coker 8-1, along with senior Syncrude management, closely examined all paths and possibilities prior to concluding this afternoon, that a prompt shutdown was the most appropriate action required to resolve these problems.Over the coming days, department managers and leaders will advise employees of the next steps involved in the process. Because this project will run into July, it is anticipated that it will impact some employees’ summer plans. Syncrude appreciates the understanding and support of all our employees and their families.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Production and Maintenance
"The Western Canadian Conference Apprentice Competition was held at the Local 110 training Centre on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2, 2013. Competitors from Locals 110, 118 and 119 competed to see who will represent Western Canada at the International’s Master Apprentice Competition in Orlando, Florida from July14 to July 19, 2013. We are pleased to announce that Local 110’s own Shelley Turner is going to Disneyland! Congratulations to all for a fine job representing their locals.”
Pictured left to right- Wade Logan, Local 110 Business Manager, Andrew Sturrock of Local 118, Shayne Chambers of Local 119 and Shelley Turner of Local 110.
