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BTS Associates: Looking back on our campaign thus far

It’s been a long road to getting BTS Associates certified as a bargaining unit within Unifor.

There were attempts made to hinder our campaign, security guards were installed to restrict our access and associates were suddenly tempted with unheard of raises, all in an effort to dissuade the the them from joining.

We’re happy to say the Associates staid the course and persisted in their goal of having a voice with this employer.

We’re looking forward to negotiating their first ever collective agreement in the coming months.

In the meantime, these flyers from our campaign highlight some of the key reasons this is a positive direction for these workers.

Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O
416 Health and Safety Co-Chair
Unifor Chairperson Workers with Disabilities
LRC Committee and JSDC Committee
Ont. Bargaining Rep
 Telecommunications Industry Council Representative

Twitter    :   https://twitter.com/SammySnyders

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BTS Associates: Certification Application is Approved

It has been both a privilege and an honour to accompany the BTS Associates on their journey to become unionized in Ontario.

I was inspired to hear their personal stories and witness their sheer will to push forward.

I want to see them gain full representation; I want them to have fair compensation; and most importantly, I want them to know that they can support themselves and their families without fear of termination for demanding equality.

The application for certification has been approved and we are now determining our next steps.  Although this process is still far from over, we have conquered the biggest hurdle.

The coming months will be very exciting and I look forward to continuing the journey together.

Thanks,
Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O

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Benefitting from a NEW Home Dispatch Policy

After five years in arbitration, a new home dispatch policy is set to come into effect on July 1st that will help many techs.

On May 18, 2015, the Labour Relations Committee, our designated group of employment lawyers and company officials met once again to hash out the arbitration on home dispatch. After opening arguments by both sides, the arbitrator made it clear that a ruling would not benefit either side in this matter.

Instead, arbitrator Herman provided guidance and assistance throughout two days of negotiations and eventually helped all of us involved arrive at a mediated solution.

The new home dispatch policy was drafted and agreed upon, and is set to come into effect on July 1, 2015.

In addition, the company has agreed to grant every home dispatch employee, employed by the company both as of the date of filing the grievance and as of the date of signature of the settlement, twenty-four (24) hours of TGP.

It was further agreed in a letter of commitment that home dispatch benefits will be provided to an additional 200+ employees by August 31, 2015.

It has been an extremely long process and I appreciate the memberships’ patience throughout the proceedings.

In solidarity,

Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O

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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