We were very pleased with the Agreement that we reached with the company and all of those involved were relieved to see it come to a close. Once again, knowing that the membership was behind the committee made all of our jobs easier.
Daren Drummond informed me that we did not have one grievance during the past year and I consider this statistic to be an indicator of “Company/Union” relations. I have always maintained that we should be able to work out our problems, in respect to the Agreement that we have signed. I hope that this trend will continue for the coming year. Respect, understanding and communication are key ingredients in making this process work well.
The new contract addressed areas that needed some attention. The Accidental, Death and Dismemberment Insurance policy goes a long way in looking after the needs of our Emergency Response Team and it helps every member. The wage adjustments that were gained reflected what is happening in the industry and the new scheme for maintenance jobs should move us in the right direction as the skills shortage problem develops. The Journeyman Operator program in the Process Department will require much work and input from those department members and I know that this venture is not going to be easy.
We had some discussion with the company in regards to the Enbridge site and the duties of the On-Scene-Commander. It was agreed that in-scope step-up On-Scene-Commanders’ would not be required to fulfill these duties at the Enbridge site. These duties would be the responsibility of out-of-scope personnel.
I mentioned that this year would be a busy one. Besides the Journeyman Operator Program, a maintenance committee will discuss the 9 1/3 hour - four-day workweek and we will be looking at the class requirements for the PDD Traffic Office. Most of these discussions will take place after turnaround and I would think that by late fall we should have finished most of the discussion on these items. A new vacation-scheduling scheme for Process will come into effect May 1 and this will require some advance notice regarding the changes.
In the area of OH&S, I would like to thank Tony Yuhasz for his time and dedication in Co-chairing our side of the committee for the last two years. George Brailean will move into the Co-chair position and I believe that, like Tony, he will ensure the safety of our members is above all else.
For members who were fortunate enough to attend the Union Service Award night and Xmas party, it would be fair to say that a good time was had by all. Thanks to Dan Devers and family for their work in keeping this event on the go. It keeps getting better and better.
We are currently seeing a campaign for a Steak Night at JD’s in support of Greg Schultz’ daughter and I would urge all members to support their family. The local has pledged some support and if needed, we will be there if more support is requested. On a further point of support, the Local donated $500 for Tsunami Relief in Indonesia.
CCRL is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and there should be some activity around this anniversary. Our local has made a significant contribution to the success of CCRL.
On a personal note, I would like to thank the membership for all the support that you have shown me over the years. Our local is strong, has a good foundation and does a lot of things right. It is well respected at the National level. These things only come about by our Executive and members doing a proper job and having a membership that is solidly pulling together.
In Solidarity,
Ray Limacher – President CEP Local 594