Good day Union Family

There has been an upswing in Albertans being interested in politics over the last few years. Unfortunately, a lot of the new interest is focused in the United States on what Mr. Trump will tweet next, or what Mr. Trudeau will do next, because of this I know a lot of people have not noticed that the UCP is about to have their 2020 AGM October 16-17.

At the UCP AGM there are a total of 30 party policies that are to be voted on. These policies will direct the party into the future and provide direction to the current Alberta Government. Some of these policies are possibly positive for Albertans such as Policy 26 (Use the abundance of Alberta’s natural gas resources to encourage downstream growth in petrochemicals which could be used in the manufacturing of a vast array of plastics.) However, others are clearly negative like Policy 8 (Withdraw its share of funds from the existing Canada Pension Plan and start an Alberta Pension Plan.)

These are not the issues I want to focus on, the issue I would like to focus on is Policy 3 (Make Alberta a right-to-work jurisdiction.) First question is what does this actually mean? In basic terms employees are entitled to work for a unionized employer, paid at the same unionized rates, be protected by the union, without actually joining the union or paying union dues. Second question is what does this result in? A union that is required to utilize its resources for employees that are not paying into the union, will eventually not have the financial resources to provide representation to the members, to process grievances, to bargain properly, or provide legal council when needed. The Union becomes a shell that exists not for the needs of the membership, but for the needs of the organization that the members work for. To see examples of this we can look across the boarder the United States that has made a number of states right to work jurisdictions and the results can be seen in some of our Sister Locals, such as Local 66.

In most right to work states the members are paid less then members in neighboring states that are not right to work jurisdictions. The nonunion workers in these states are usually still paid less than the unionized workers. Usually due to the Unions inability to bargain wages in the collective agreements can be rolled back or in most cases are held without raises for in some cases decades. This usually results in wage packages that do not keep up with the cost of living moving people into the sector of “working poor” that are forced to rely on Government programs to provide the basic needs. This has negative affects on all aspects of the economy, such as real estate due to less and less people having the income to qualify for mortgages.

There is the possibility if the Provincial Government enacted right to work legislation that a charter challenge could be launched and be successful. However, this would have to come from a large group of unions due to the cost and complexity of the challenge. This would take a very long time and there is no guarantee that a charter challenge would be successful or if successful what the final outcomes would be for Alberta. The only other way to ensure that Alberta does not become a right to work jurisdiction is to make sure that Policy 3 never becomes part of the UCP mandate. To do this it must be voted down at this AGM on October 16-17, 2020.

To ensure this policy is voted down our members and like-minded Albertans must be there to do it. So, we need to be at the AGM. This requires our members to buy a UPC membership that can be completed at https://www.unitedconservative.ca/take-action/membership/ and then sign up for the UPC AGM that can be completed at https://www.ucpagm.ca/. If you feel comfortable to speak against this policy please do, your perspective may be a shift for change in others. However, if you are not comfortable speaking that is fine, we still need you to attend and vote to stop Policy 3 from moving any further.

This strategy of buying memberships and voting at AGM’s has worked in Alberta previously and can work again if our members work together.

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                          

Business Manager

Good day Union Family

As we all know 2020 has been a crazy year. However, this is an election year for our Union and the International General Executive Board have provided temporary amendments to the International Constitution and Bylaws to ensure a fair democratic process, while ensuring the health and safety of our Membership.

This year’s election requires that the election be held without having the normal nomination process. As such notice of nominations will be mailed to all Journeyman Members in good standing with Local 110 near the end of October 2020. Instruction for nominations and acceptance of nomination will be in that letter. Members will have 15 days from the date of mailing to mail in their nomination and acceptance of nomination to the Local 110 office. These letters must be mailed into the Local union office and cannot be returned in person. Nominations and acceptance of nominations will be held in a locked box with the only key held by the members of the election committee. On the 15^th day at end of business the election committee will open the box and verify the nominations and acceptances of nomination ensuring that both the Member nominated, and the nominator are Members in good standing of Local 110.

Eligibility for the offices of Local 110 will be as per Article XX of the International Constitution and Bylaws. However, due to the inability for Local unions to hold monthly General Membership Meetings the requirement of having to attend the majority of monthly General Membership Meetings in the past twelve months has been temporarily suspended and will not be a factor in eligibility for this election.

All ballots will be mailed to Journeyman Members in good standing and must be returned by mail. There will not be the option to return ballots in person or vote in person as there has been in the past.

This election is completely dependent on the mail service, to ensure that you receive all the required notices and ballots Local 110 must have your current mailing address. Please contact the Union office, in Edmonton or Calgary, to ensure that we have your current mailing address. Normally we have between five and fifteen letters returned each day due to incorrect address for Members in our system.

This has been just a short overview of this year’s election process. Additional information will be provided to Journeyman Members in good standing as per the International Constitution and Bylaws, through the required mail outs once an Election Committee has been appointed.

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                          

Business Manager

Hello Union Family

Recently, Local 110 has been contacted by the Chateau Lacombe Hotel regarding the Local 110 Adult Christmas Party. Due to the restrictions placed on social distancing and the normal size of our group they are not able to accommodate our Christmas Party, however Local 110 will have our deposit moved forward to next year.

At last night’s Executive Board Meeting, we discussed possible options for the Christmas parties and the years of service recognition that usually takes place at the Adult Christmas party. Unfortunately, it was quickly decided that there is no possible way of safely accommodating these celebrations under the current Government regulations. Even if the restrictions were to change over the next few week, it is unlikely Local 110 could ensure the safety of our Members and Families. As such the Executive Board voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Kids and Adult Christmas Parties.

I know that this is a disappointment for all the Members that normally would attend these events, but it is especially disappointing for the Members that were to be recognized for their years of service to our Local. Our staff will ensure that each Member is mailed their service pin and these Members will be recognized at the 2021 celebration.

Remember to stay safe, stay healthy, and take care of your loved ones.

 

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                          

Business Manager

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 110

Good day Union Family

Earlier this week Local 110 was informed that a Member had contracted COVID 19. The Member was working at the Suncor Base Plant Site in Fort McMurray, they have returned home and are self-isolating and recovering well. All Employees that were exposed have been contacted, tested, and are currently receiving test results.

However, since that time I have been informed of two other cases of COVID 19 in our membership with members who have already recovered. I would like to ask that any member who has had COVID 19, currently has COVID 19, or has a positive test in the future please contact the hall and let us know. The International has requested as part of our weekly updates to the International Vice President that we include the number of members with COVID 19.

Lastly just a quick reminder to everyone to follow the recommendations of Alberta Health Services, when at work follow all the additional Contractor and Owner protocols and ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you.

In solidarity

Local 110 is sad to announce that Member Brian Sereda passed away on September 2, 2020. Brother Brian has been a Local 110 member since September 2002. He last worked at Elite Scaffolding in September 2019.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 9 at Evan J Strong in Calgary.  Please visit their website at www.evanjstrong.com for details.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, September 10.  We will update when details are known.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Lung Cancer Association in Brian’s name.

Local 110 Officers, Staff and Members extend their deepest condolences to all of Brother Brian’s Family and Friends.

Kevin Lecht

Business Manager

Good day Union Family

Labour Day is the only holiday that honours working people in Canada. It stands to commemorate the great accomplishments of Labour Unions. Such as over-time pay, pensions, health coverage, child labour laws, and labour standards and the list goes on.

In the past Labour Day was a day for Labour Unions to rally and have parades, to show the strength of the Unions and provide members a visual of how they are part of something much bigger than themselves that makes positive change for everyone in Canada. Although these have almost disappeared across Canada, if you ever have the opportunity to be involved in a large Labour Day parade do yourself the favor and attend. I know for myself marching with the Brothers and Sisters of Local 95 in Toronto’s Labour Day parade in 2003 is a fond memory of my time working on travel card in Ontario.

Labour Day this year obviously has a different tone then any that most of us can remember. No matter what your views are on the COVID 19 pandemic, at some point in the last few months a worker woke up, went to work, and did their job believing that in doing so they or someone they love could die through contracting this virus at work. They did this so our lives could continue. So, take the time to thank one of these workers, even if you are one of these workers. Without these people, the last months would have been horrendous and none of them have been compensated enough.

No matter what Labour Day means to you personally, or how you choose to spend the time, remember this is your day. Your contribution to Canada through the work you do is important, we all rely on each other. Enjoy the day and thank you for all you do for our Union, our Trade, our Contractors, and our Community.

Lastly, just a reminder Local 110 offices will be closed September 7, 2020 in observance of Labour Day.

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                   

Business Manager

Good day Union Family

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome D&F Manufacturing Ltd as a signatory contractor with Local 110.

D&F Manufacturing is a small contractor that currently has the long-term maintenance at the Celanese plant in Edmonton. Although this is a small contract it will have a few of our members employed year-round, there is also a number of scheduled shutdowns coming up for the next two years. With the opportunity to grow the crew significantly.

This has been a successful top down organizing campaign that would not have been possible without a Client that values the ongoing relationship with Local 110. Thank you to all the members that have worked at this site putting union values and production on display to help make this possible.

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                          

Business Manager

Local 110 is sad to announce that Member Robert Rose passed away August 14, 2020. Brother Rose has been a Local 110 member since May 1976.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Brother Rose may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

Local 110 Officers, Staff and Members extend their deepest condolences to all of Brother Rose’s Family and Friends.

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                          

Business Manager

Good day Union Family

Since March Local 110 has not been able to hold proper General Membership Meetings, due to the restrictions on gatherings that have been placed by the Provincial Government, and the International Office cancelling all meetings and elections until further notice. Each month I am hopeful that we will be provided authorization for meetings, that is why the Local 110 Executive Board has been meeting as close as possible to the end of the month, but it is clear that with the number of cases spiking in some areas we still have a long way to go.

In light of the situation Local 110 is going to attempt to have a “town hall” style meeting using Zoom. Obviously, Local 110 is not able to ensure that the information will not be recorded and or provided to individuals outside the Membership, so we will not be able to make motions or complete the financial report. The meeting will be in an information style focused on Bill 32 with BTA Executive Director Terry Parker, and Local 110 Bargaining. Members will be able to ask questions through an Email address provided during the meeting.

The meeting will take place Wednesday August 26, 2020 starting at 7:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.

The Zoom system has the ability to have video through the app on your computer or mobile device or the meeting can be attended through a call-in number from any phone. We need members who are interested in attending the meeting to email Dispatch@insulators110.com with your name and email address you want us to send the meeting access code.

This is the first time that we will be hosting a meeting with this number of people. If this works well more of this style of meetings will be scheduled, if not we will look into other options. If there are any questions, I can be reached at the Edmonton Union hall.

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                          

Business Manager

Good day Union Family

As some of our membership knows, and some may not our Health and Welfare Fund and Pension Plan have Reciprocal Agreements with a number of Union plans across Canada. These include all Insulator funds in Canada, most of the Sheet Metal Worker funds, and a number of the Electrical, Pipefitter, Carpenter, and Labourer Plans.

These Agreements have been set up for basically two reason. The first is being able to send the funds collected on behalf of a worker to another Plan reduces the liability to your Plan. Once the money is transferred there is no more cost to your plan, this was a big help to our Pension Plan over the last few years, because we are not bearing the cost of people taking commuted value buyouts due to break in service. The second is for most employees on a short project will not complete enough hours to gain Health and Welfare benefits and depending on the pension laws of the province they may receive no value for the money being paid on their behalf to the Pension plan. So, these Agreements allow the money to follow the worker and obtain value for the money being paid on their behalf.

Reciprocal Agreements are signed in good faith between the plans, not the individual Unions or Locals. When working with a Reciprocal Agreement in place keep all of your documentation regarding the money paid on your behalf, and check with your plan administrator to ensure that proper amounts have been received on your behalf.

Currently, the Asbestos Workers Benefit Trust (Health and Welfare) and the Asbestos Workers Pension Plan are receiving reciprocal payments on behalf of a number of our members. Although as Business Manager, I am not provided the names of the members or where the payments are coming from it is my understanding that some of these payments are being made from Plans that are covering Wall to Wall Labour Agreements. This is concerning as these Agreements were not developed to have members working as Mechanical Insulators for other Unions. Just because there is a Reciprocal Agreement in place does not mean that Local 110 authorizes our members to work as Insulators for another Union. The jurisdiction of Local 110 ends at the boarders of Alberta and we do not provide dispatch slips or Salting Agreements for members working outside of our area.

With the change to legislation in Alberta more and more Unions will be enacting Wall to Wall Agreements. It is highly likely that some of these Unions will have Reciprocal Agreements with our Plans. It needs to be said that if a Member is working doing Mechanical Insulation work for another Union, that member is most likely in violation of Article XXIV Section 1 (g) and could be subject to charges by the Local Union. If this Member is working in another Locals jurisdiction that Local has the right to file inter local charges against our Members doing this work. These charges will be heard by the International General Executive Board and historically when found guilty the fine is set at $1500, however this amount could change at any point.

A big selling feature of our International to Clients is the ability of Local Unions to on a short notice bring in skilled Mechanical Insulators through our Travel Card System. This system allows Unions that have exhausted their local manpower to still fulfill their obligation to the Contractor. Local 110 has utilized this system extensively for the last twenty years, and without it could never have completed the Mega Projects across Alberta. However, if this advantage is lost due to Members willing to work for other Unions under Wall to Wall Agreements our jurisdiction will slowly be eroded until the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Works will no longer exist and the Mechanical Insulation trade will be represented as a sub sector of a larger Union and most likely not given the attention or respect our trade deserves.

Hopefully I have provided some much-needed clarity on these issues. If you have any questions, comments, or queries please contact me at the Edmonton Union hall.

In solidarity

Kevin Lecht                                                                          

Business Manager