The local has been made aware of yet another example of Bell/BTS violating the Tripartite Agreement.

On a recent conference call with the Labour Relations Committee, the company announced that both BTS and Bell Craft would no longer be doing any pay phone (coin) installation or repair services as of May 23 or June 1, dependant on geographical locations. This work is being given to contractors – work that we have been doing since before 2005.

The bargaining unit is currently short on work and the majority of RPT’s in the province are not working 40 hours a week.

Clearly this is another violation of the signed agreement.

“Whereas, for the duration of this Agreement, Bell Canada has no intention to use contractors in regards to the work performed by Bell Technical Solutions in accordance to this agreement,”

“2. Bell Canada undertakes to give to its own employees who are members of the Craft and Services Employees bargaining unit, and/or to employees who are members of the BTS Craft Employees bargaining units, all the work defined in the Memorandum of Agreement – Jurisdiction of work, copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix B. More specifically, it is understood and agreed that the work performed by BTS on April 30, 2005 will continue to be performed by BTS.”

“9. This Agreement is made for the benefit of CEP and its members included in the BTS Craft Employees bargaining units for the duration of this agreement,”

The approximate 1200 contractors already hired to do structure cabling / fiber work, along with the current removal of a long standing job function is just another slap in the face and a disregard to the members.

This further violation needs to be included in our submission/statement of claim to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. The Local has advised Unifor Legal and Unifor National Officers of our position.

In Solidarity,

Sam Snyders

President, Local 1996-O

 

Fighting for Equality – It’s Common Sense

“Your” Movement Update

 

On Sunday, February 28, 2016, Local 1996-O held a special membership meeting at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto to discuss the ‘Fighting for Equality – It’s Common Sense’ campaign.

At the meeting, Local Presidents from the other Bell and BTS locals in the GTA spoke in favour of the campaign.

In the end, over 90% of the 500 members present voted in favour of a motion which authorized the Local executive to build more alliances with other Bell and BTS locals and to continue the fight for equality.

Since that historic meeting, the Local executive has worked non-stop to build momentum for the campaign.

Here are some of the highlights:

Members from Bell and BTS locals across Ontario – from London, Kitchener, Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor, and Peterborough have requested information about building the campaign in their locals.

The largest BTS Local in Quebec has contacted the executive on how to launch the campaign in their region.

The Bell and BTS members from Local 52 in Newmarket voted over 80% in support of the campaign.

The Bell members of Local 27C in Toronto will vote on a motion of support at their next Local meeting in April.

On March 2, Local 1996-O President Sam Snyders got a great reception when he spoke about the campaign to dozens of other Local officers and National Representatives at the Local Union Task Force meeting.

As President Snyders stated at the meeting “Local 1996-O is fighting for equality for BTS workers. We know that it is achievable. It’s common sense”.

Local Union Task Force Attendees.

Elections 2016

 

Candidacy update:

Sister Janet Quigley has withdrawn her candidacy for the position of Local 1996-O Treasurer.

We all need food to live. Unfortunately, with the cost of food increasing it is getting hard for many to buy all that they need.

Our trip to St. Francis Table serving meals last month was as rewarding as it is every year. It would be nice to be able to volunteer more often. It would also be nice drop off at the nearby food bank.

(http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/the-psychology-behind-gift-giving-and-generosity/). Unfortunately, our realities don’t make it possible for each of us as individuals enjoy the benefits of giving.

The good news is that being a member of this Union does.

Local 1996-O has donated food and $5,000 to the Daily Bread Food Bank. We also enjoyed the privilege of bringing a $3,000 cheque to FoodShare on your behalf. It will go to programs that feed belly’s and minds of children in schools across the GTA.

Sam dropping off food and a cheque at the Daily Bread Food Bank

 

This money comes from Unifor’s Social Justice Fund. Unifor National is donating $135,000 to 46 different food banks across Canada.

“Cash donations help food banks fill in the blanks to their all important food donations, to make sure the families using the food banks can have a balanced diet.” Mohamad Alsadi, Director of Unifor Nationals Human Rights and International Department.

There are many reasons people need the support of FoodBanks. The cost of living is a big one. With the Loonie at a thirteen year low, food prices are only going to continue to climb over the next year.

Together we can make a real difference in the lives of people in need. And together we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow workers.

When it comes right down to it, there’s not a lot we can’t do when we work as a team.

 

Agenda 2015-11-24