Unifor Local 1996-O

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serious health and safety hazard!

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Recently I came across a serious health and safety hazard – defective ladder stops. The hazard was identified at our 416 Workplace Health and Safety Committee on Monday, July 6th. The company was advised that this was a serious issue and needed to be addressed immediately. Upon further inspection, 80 more examples of ladders were identified as defective between two work centres.

Please check for the following problem on your ladder before leaving for your work day:
The tab or retrofit on the ladders that secure the foot pad from swiveling all the way around the ladder. This tab once bent or pushed beyond the slide rails compromises the integrity of the foot stop. Please take the time to inspect your ladder thoroughly and ensure that the ladder tab stop has not been compromised. If you find a defect, immediately notify your Health and Safety Rep AND your manager. Do not be complacent and use your ladder.
Safety is your priority!

Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O
https://twitter.com/SammySnyders

 

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Jobs, Justice and the Climate

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This weekend I was proud to take part in the March for Jobs, Justice and the Climate along with thousands of others from across Ontario and beyond.  We marched in support of a new economy that works for the people and for the planet.

Four different contingents were organized to show the major initiatives the march was representing.

Contingent 1 – recognized the rights of minority groups including Indigenous peoples, women and those communities hardest hit by climate change here and around the world.

Contingent 2 – taking action to improve the climate can strengthen the economy by creating good work, clean jobs and healthy communities.  This includes keeping Hydro public and fighting for a $15 minimum wage.

Contingent 3 – solutions to the climate crisis already exist: renewable energy, improved public transit, localized agriculture.  Unfortunately, many of those in a position that allows them to lead by example are unwilling to do so.  If they can’t step up, we will do it for them.

Contingent 4 – In order to build a new economy, we need to leave the old one behind.  Those responsible for the climate crisis – fossil fuel companies, big banks, mining companies – stand in the way of a cleaner tomorrow and we need to show that we can (and WILL) survive and thrive without them.

Overall there was a great turnout from minority groups, labour unions, social activists, political parties and environmental groups.  It was a great day that saw a very diverse group of people come together for a common goal – a new economy that works for the people and for the environment.

Some of those in attendance included Actor Jane Fonda, NDP MPs Andrew Cash and Peggy Nash, Unifor National President, Jerry Dias, Unifor National Representatives for multiple industries, Unifor Local 25 President and myself, Local 1996-O President, Sam Snyders.

It was a great day for everyone involved!  Thanks to all those who came out to show their support!!!

Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O

Twitter: @SammySnyders

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forced overtime on Canada Day!


As I sit here filling out a grievance form, I take a moment to reflect on how this came to be.  I, like many of you, look forward to time away with family and friends during the summer months when we can fire up the BBQ.  But this Canada Day was a busy one.  I spent most of it answering the phone for many technicians who were all wondering the same thing – “Why am I being forced in on Canada Day?”

Normally, the answer would be an easy one, but on this day it was complicated by the knowledge that the company had loaned out its resources to Ottawa, only to turn around and find themselves short of resources here and then invoke forced overtime.

Sadly, the realization is that the workload is more of a priority than our Canada Day with family and friends….something that I find completely inexcusable.

If you feel as strongly about this as I do, then I invite you to reach out to your Local Steward and file a grievance if you were impacted by forced overtime on Canada Day.

We cannot and will not allow this sort of action to continue!

In solidarity,

Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O

Twitter: @SammySnyders

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Could this training save your life?

Arial Rescue

Aerial rescue is a work method specifically designed to bring back down to the ground a technician who needs assistance after an electric shock or following any incident causing loss of consciousness or incapacity.

Training on how to rescue an employee high up on a pole or strand is a Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations requirement; see section 8.10 under Poles and Elevated Structures.

Every technician must acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to rescue an employee high up on a pole or strand in the event of an emergency. I had the opportunity to review the theoretical training and practical exercises in preparation of the training package rollout.

In any emergency time is often a determining factor in the survival of the victim.

My personal reservations are that someone may act with the best of intentions but put themselves or the victim at additional risks.

Every emergency situation will require evaluations that could place us in harm of the hazard.

Safety comes first and we must be cautious not to act dangerously or rashly while still doing all that is possible in an emergency.

Some rescues are best left to the professionals.

Is this valuable training? What do you think?

In solidarity,

Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O

Twitter    :   https://twitter.com/SammySnyders

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