Bargaining for Your Future

and Our Community

YOUR BARGAINING COMMITTEE HAS MET A FEW TIMES IN PREPARATION TO NEGOTIATE A NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT, AS OUR CONTRACT EXPIRES ON MAY 31^ST, 2012.

We will be mailing out priority sheets to everyone’s home during the week of January 23^rd.  For our new employees, this may be the first time that you have had an opportunity to let your voice be heard in the bargaining process.

Please take the time to fill out the priority sheet and return it no later than February 10^th to the contact person in your business area. This contact person will be listed on an attachment to the priority sheet.

Think about what is important for your future.

In solidarity

Locals 480, USW

2012 Bargaining Committee.

Don’t leave a trap!

Winter is upon us and many of us were taken by surprise with the early snowfalls and cold weather. Although this bodes well for the local ski hills, it wreaks havoc when it comes to snow and ice removal. Our crews do a tremendous job with plowing and sanding but they need your help as well. If you encounter problem spots on roads, walkways and other work areas, please take the time to be sure they are addressed. Don’t leave a trap for anyone else by ignoring the slipping hazard. You may be able to address the hazard yourself by clearing the snow or by using salt and sand but in all cases please report the hazard to your supervisor immediately so he/she can investigate and ensure the problem gets dealt with.

The parking lots are especially slippery with the freeze/thaw cycles we have been having and they are very difficult to clean due to the amount of vehicles we have parked in them. Please use a great deal of caution when walking through these lots. Ensure the footwear you are using is satisfactory for the conditions. We have had numerous slips and falls so far this winter and we really need to raise the awareness of the situation to prevent these occurrences from happening. .

Don’t ruin your Christmas season with a trip to the hospital as a result of a slip on ice and snow.

The Local 480 Safety Dept. would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season and it is our hope that 2012 is a safe and healthy one for all.

With 2011 coming to an end we now start to look ahead to bargaining in 2012, man the time flies. One issue that has come up for me is the  Defined Contribution Plan as compared to our Defined Benefit plan, recently there was an article in the Vancouver Business News magazine that laid out the differences and one of the examples they used was from a former Teck supervisor.

Back in 1992 then Cominco persuaded a significant number of management staff to switch to a DC plan from the DB plan they were on, with the promise that their pensions would be no different and possibly better. The former supervisor stated that the new DC plan “showed that at age 58 he would get the same amount as he would have on the DB plan,” which sadly turned out not to be true, in fact, it was considerably less. He also went on to say “when we were given more information about what was happening, that’s when he realized it wasn’t a good thing for him to switch, most of the info was in favour of the Company wanting him to switch.”  He states as well “the benefits of a DB plan are obvious, had he stayed on the DB plan he’d have double the income he receives today.” He has had to go back to work to supplement his pension, he retired at 58 and is now 63 still working. The article also went on to say “ Most human resources experts agree that a Defined-Benefit pension plan remains one of the best employee retention tools, because an employee’s pension usually grows for each successive year of employment. A Tower Watson survey released earlier this year noted that companies that maintain an open DB plan are seen as more attractive to prospective employees, because the DB plan is seen as more valuable than a DC plan.” Just something to keep in mind, the article is called “Devaluing Retirement Dreams.”

With the outgoing of 2011 and the festive season upon us, I hope that everyone has a chance to enjoy some time with family and friends through the New Year and that 2012 brings all of us health and prosperity. It is a time when parties and dinners are in full swing, so I also hope that everyone travels in a safe and responsible manner. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from myself and the Executive of Local 480.

If you’re looking for gift ideas we have some very nice fleece lined hoodies on sale at the Union Hall.

Our sister Local 9705 is hosting the Open House this year, which will be held on Friday December 16^th,  with some appy’s and cheer, hope to see you there.

Doug

Have a Safe and Holiday Season

Your safety Committee wants you to have a safe and happy holiday season.  Here are some reminders to protect you and family during the holiday season.  The holiday season is a traditional time for family get together’s and social events which in some cases may turn into tragic accidents.  Fires are a common cause because of the hazards of having a dry Christmas tree, candles to close to combustible materials, overloaded or defective wiring for decorative lights and in some cases, fireplaces stuffed with wrapping paper.

Traffic accidents can result from slippery road conditions and alcohol consumption.  Small children may become victims of choking accidents involving candy or small toys.  Falls putting up christmas lights, burns from kitchen accidents are just a few of the many incidents that can occur over the holiday’s.

Here are some tips for holiday safety:

• Choose a fresh Christmas tree and not a dry one, make sure you add water to your tree as required;
• Do not allow your electrical lights to go anywhere near your water container at the base of your tree;
• Check your tree lights for electrical defects or signs of wear or damage;
• Safely use a ladder for putting up your outdoor lights.  Use a step ladder for putting up indoor lights – don’t use a chair;
• Do not attempt to burn wrapping paper or cardboard in your fireplace.  It is safer to send these items out to be recycled;
• Pay extra attention to young children, as there are many new items or toys; a toddler is likely to find something hazardous to play with.

Steve and Ray would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Grievance report

Well, it is that time of year again where all the good boys and girls are eagerly awaiting a visit from the Big Guy.  Santa is very busy and has asked if I would assist him in choosing gifts for certain Management personal.  Please keep in mind that this is all in jest so don’t get all bent out of shape if you don’t agree with my choices!

Greg Belland – FAIRNESS – remember your employees are your most valuable asset.

Dale Webb – A REMINDER – to not forget the ‘little’ guys, now that you are up at the top.

Dave Delong – $$$ – remember it’s better to give than to receive.

Myron Nichol – A VOCABULARY – that has more words then just “Grievance Denied”    One day you will get it right.

Chris Galay – TYPING COURSE FOR HIS NEW LAPTOP – not playing fair, because I can no longer read the notes upside down.

Mark Cecchini – A HIRING PROGRAM – to help speed up the hiring frenzy (contractors can get hired in a day, why not our people.)

Matt Parrilla – COURAGE – to bring Lead South management styles into the 21^st century.

Bob White (E&M) – FORTITUDE – hang in there, involve the Union in your decision making.

Dudley Clark – CONSISTENCY (who are you Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde)

Gord Jorgenson – ABILITY – to recognize when you are wrong.  Respect for the Unionyou came from wouldn’t hurt either.

Charlie Weider – READING GLASSES – for the Collective Agreement – believe it or not Charlie – you do have to follow it too!

Mike McDowell – LESS CONTRACTING OUT NOTIFICATIONS – enough said.

Dave Profili – A pigeon coop- for JJ and all of his feathered friends (maybe a Rotisserie as well)

Breanne Simpson (HR Generalist #1) – SAFETY TRAINING – Be careful climbing the ladder to success

Alba Clarkston – A CANDY JAR -   to add some sweetness to your office.

Destini Knight – A HEART TRANSPLANT – cancelled – contrary to popular belief, her heart is functioning fine.

Andrew East – (the new HR Generalist#2) – SANITY – you will need it working with that bunch.

Wally Drezdoff – MORE MEN – more trucks – LESS CONTRACTORS

Larry Garrett – HELIUM GAS – I hear he needs to lighten up a little.

Randy Peebles – INSIGHT – to look at the bigger picture.  Your decisions affect the whole plant not just your shift.

Leroy Heustis – COMMUNICATION SKILLS – A copy of “The Little Engine That Could” would make for some good bed time reading.

Acting Supervisors – A GOOD MEMORY! – Some of you and I mean some seem to forget rather quickly where your roots are.  REMEMBER

SOLIDARITY WORKS!

To Everyone else – I wish you and your families all the joy that Christmas brings and hope that you get to spend some time with your loved ones.

All the best health & happiness for 2012.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Brian Onyschak

All of our guests were treated to a delicious full course turkey dinner prepared by the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #11 Woman’s Auxiliary.  As usual, a wonderful job was done by the ladies preparing the fabulous meal. Thank you to you all.

Following dinner the residents were treated to some live entertainment provided by the St. Michaels School Choir, the Trail Pipe Band, and Katie Shaw Highland Dancers.  Santa took time out from his busy schedule and made an appearance presenting all in attendance with a tin of shortbread cookies.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members and family members who volunteered their time to assist the residents off the buses and to their tables and at the end of the evening safely back to the bus.  Also, a big thank you to Trail Transit and their courteous bus drivers who do such a great job getting the residents to and from the dinner in such an orderly manner.  It would have been impossible to put on an event of this magnitude without all of your help.

A special thank you to the newly elected Council for taking some time out to come and mingle with the residents.  A heartfelt thank you for their contribution to this great event.  Last but not least, a big thank you to Santa, you certainly add a lot of excitement to the evening.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All

Armindo

Snow has arrived, shoveled three times already, the roads are slippery and winter is here.  It’s hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner, end of the year is near and soon will be the beginning of a new year 2012.  With the commencement of a new year, many new things will be on the horizon.  New holiday entitlement, a year for a new contract, for many of you this will be a new experience and also new changes to the Canada’s Pension Plan (CPP) which will effect some of our members who are 60 years and older.

In my last article, (Nov 2011) I mentioned that there would be some new changes to the CPP beginning January 2012.  I will attempt to explain some of the changes, but if anyone needs further clarification please don’t hesitate to call me at the Hall.

The CPP was designed to replace about 25% of your average pre-retirement employment earning up to a maximum amount.  Other components of retirement income include the Canada Old Age Security (OAS) employer pension plans, and personal savings and investments.

Beginning in 2012, you will be able to begin receiving your CPP without any work interruption.  Before the change if you were to take your CPP before 65 you had to either stop working or significantly reduce your earnings for at least two months, this was called the “work cessation test.”  Starting in 2012 the work cessation teat will no longer apply meaning you will be able to take your CPP retirement as early as age 60 without having to stop working or reduce your earnings.

Before the change, if you were receiving a CPP retirement pension and working, regardless of your age, you did not have to pay CPP contributions.  Starting in 2012, if you are under the age 65 and you work while receiving your CPP, “you and your employer will have to make mandatory CPP contributions.  These contributions will go towards a new Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) which will be added to your current retirement benefit gradually increasing you retirement income.  The (PRB) will be effective January 1^st of the year following your (PRB) contribution.  If you need clarification on this call me.

On the down side of all this, your monthly CPP retirement pension amount will slightly decrease if you take it before age 65.  Before the changes, your CPP amount was reduced by 0.5% for each month before age 65 that you began receiving it.

It meant that if you started receiving your CPP at age 60 your pension amount would have been 30% less than taking it at age 65.  Starting in 2012 to 2016 the Government will gradually increase the penalty from 0.5% to 0.6% per month.  This means that by 2016 if you start receiving your CPP at age 60 you will be penalized 36% as opposed to the 30% previously.  On the other hand your monthly CPP amount will increase by a larger amount if you take it after age 65. (up to age 70.)

These are just some of the changes happening, these changes will affect you if you are

• An employee who contributes to the CPP, whether you are just staring your career or planning on retiring soon:
• A self-employed person who contributes to the CPP Plan
• A person between the ages of 60 and 70 and you work while receiving a CPP Pension.

You will not be affected by these changes if you started receiving a CPP pension before December 31, 2010 and you remain out of the work force or if you are currently 70 years of age or older.  If you are under the age of 65 and working while receiving CPP, your employer will have to make CPP contributions.  The Company’s payroll department has advised me that they will be contacting all those presently working over the age 60 and effected by these changes.

In closing I would like to wish all our members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.  I ask all of our members to think about the past year, what we have accomplished and how each one of us has personally contributed.  Your Union is only as strong as its members and that is ‘you.’

See you at the open house

In solidarity

Army.

RRSP Notice Report

For those of you living in Fruitvale and whose address has changed, you must contact either Jennifer Cook or Bill Wenman at Kootenay Valley Financial Services to inform them of your changes.  If they are not notified by you of your changes you will not be guaranteed of your RRSP tax receipts for your income tax.   They can be contacted at 250 364-3140.

Thank you!