News & Events
Stay up to date on what’s happening in the IBEW Local 424!
September Unit Meetings Cancelled
Posted on Sep 22, 2020 in Meetings
IBEW Local Union 424 has made the difficult decision to cancel the Sept, 2020 Unit Meetings, with permission from the IBEW International Vice President, Tom Reid, the Executive Board meetings will continue to be held via teleconference and the Business Manager and President’s reports for the month of July, will be posted in the Member’s only section of the website.
Remember to make sure your contact information is up to date with the Hall.
The Health and Safety of our Membership must be our top priority.
July Unit Meetings
Posted on Jul 17, 2020 in Meetings
IBEW Local Union 424 has made the difficult decision to cancel the July, 2020 Unit Meetings, with permission from the IBEW International Vice President, Tom Reid, the Executive Board meetings will continue to be held via teleconference and the Business Manager and President’s reports for the month of July, will be posted in the Member’s only section of the website.
Due to another cancellation Local 424 has decided to host another Telephone Town Hall Wed, August 5th stay tuned for more information.
Remember to make sure your contact information is up to date with the Hall.
The Health and Safety of our Membership must be our top priority.
June Meetings
Posted on Jun 22, 2020 in Meetings
After consultation with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Local Municipal Governments, IBEW Local Union 424 has made the difficult decision to cancel the June, 2020 Unit Meetings, with permission from the IBEW International Vice President, Tom Reid, the Executive Board meetings will continue to be held via teleconference and the Business Manager and President’s reports for the month of June, will be posted in the Member’s only section of the website.
We understand this might be frustrating for some, but protecting the Health and Safety of our Membership must be our top priority.
May Unit Meetings Cancelled
Posted on May 20, 2020 in Meetings
Due to Social Distancing Measures put in place by Local and Federal Authorities I.B.E.W. Local Union 424 May Unit meetings have been Cancelled.
National Day of Mourning
Posted on Apr 28, 2020 in General News
Greetings:
The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28th, was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and has since spread to at least 80 countries around the world. This day is a tribute to those men and women who have died as a result of a workplace illness or accident.
The IBEW was originally formed by workers who wanted to improve safety in their workplace. Our union was formed on the need for safety at a time when 1 in 2 electrical workers were being killed on the job every day; even our own founding President Henry Miller died from a workplace incident. Today, safety continues to be a main focus of our Local Unions mandate; safety is paramount to the IBEW!
With respect to this year’s National Day of Mourning, the theme on April 28th is “Stop the Pandemic at Work”. Right now, millions of workers who have been deemed essential are risking their wellbeing every day and are working tirelessly to keep our country running during this unprecedented time. Many of our IBEW members fall into this category and continue to provide critical services which include healthcare, utilities, telecommunications, railroads, government and construction, just to name a few. We must ensure that front-line workers have the protective equipment they need, and the training to use it safely. We must also ensure that those who have not been deemed essential stay home and adhere to physical distancing regulations. By doing this we reduce the transmission of this virus and help keep essential workers safe.
No worker should die from their job; workers deserve to arrive home safely at the end of their workday but too many workers are dying from work. Workplace accidents and illnesses are preventable and should never be seen as “just part of the job”. Workers need to be reminded that they have the right to know about the hazards in their workplace and receive the training they need to be able to do their jobs safely. They have the right to participate in decisions that could affect their health and safety and most importantly they have the right to refuse work that could endanger their health and safety or that of others.
April 28th is the day we remember those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were forever changed because of something that happened in their workplace. It is also the day when we resolve to make every workplace a safe and healthy place to earn a living.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we live and work and therefore will change the way we hold vigils and ceremonies this year. On Tuesday, April 28th, 2020, we ask that you mark the day by lighting a candle in your home and posting a photo to social media with hashtag #WorkersDayofMourning and #StopthePandemicAtWork. Frontline workers are also encouraged to share a photo in your uniform or protective apparel using the same hashtags. While we can’t meet in person, we can hold virtual memorials and share a moment of silence over video or teleconference. We must continue to bring visibility to the importance of commemorating the National Day of Mourning. We must insist that all levels of government do more to enforce existing health and safety laws and vigorously prosecute violations when a worker is killed or seriously injured.
We owe it to the families who have lost their loved ones to preventable workplace accidents and illnesses to do better for today’s workers. Everyone deserves to return home to their loved ones at the end of the day.
In solidarity,
Tom Reid
International Vice President
Fort McMurray Flood Resource
Posted on Apr 28, 2020 in General News
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Over the last few days, our Members in Fort McMurray are facing another crisis as an ice jam has caused flooding in the Rural Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). There are now mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders in effect depending on where our members live in the area. We will continue to update this page to keep our Members informed.
Members are advised to download the Alberta Emergency Alert App and watch the local news to stay up to date on the status of the flood:
http://www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca/
Members that have been evacuated in Fort McMurray should check-in at the Oil Sands Discovery Centre located at the following:
515 Mackenzie Blvd, Fort McMurray, Alberta, T9H 4X3
(780) 743-7167
Members that have been evacuated from Fort Vermillion should call the reception centre at:
Fort Vermillion Reception (780) 927-3718
https://globalnews.ca/news/6874924/alberta-fort-vermilion-mackenzie-county-flood/
Government of Alberta website
https://www.alberta.ca/announcements.cfm?xID=7019497465440-9EF8-BE26-CC78E61771F2F67E
Rural Municipality of Wood Buffalo
April Unit Meetings Cancelled
Posted on Apr 20, 2020 in Meetings
Attention:
Due to Social Distancing Measure put in place by local and federal authorities I.B.E.W. Local Union 424 April Unit meetings have been cancelled.
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All Local 424 Meetings Cancelled
Posted on Mar 23, 2020 in Meetings
Effective today, and through an abundance of caution, all IBEW 424 Unit meetings for the remainder of the month of March are cancelled.
We will be re-evaluating weekly, and will make another announcement next week regarding unit meetings and other events in April. We will continue to post updates to our website and social media as needed.
We encourage all union brothers and sisters to take every precaution suggested by the Health Canada to protect yourselves and those around you from coronavirus/COVID 19. More info at:
Calgary Blitz and Comet Course Postponed
Posted on Mar 13, 2020 in General News
The Calgary Blitz and Comet Course on March 17th are Postponed, we will let you know once they have been rescheduled.
I.B.E.W. LU 424 Notice On COVID -19 (Coronavirus)
Posted on Mar 13, 2020 in General News
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Local 424 Update to Members 04/09/2020:
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IBEW Local Union 424 is currently taking action to minimize the spread of Coronavirus and we ask for your cooperation in keeping us all as safe as possible.
The LU 424 approach is to follow official advice from Health Canada with an emphasis on ensuring effective hygiene practices. Which are listed here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Therefore, we ask all visitors to any of the Local Union offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray or any IBEW organized activities or Jobsites to follow the guidance and personal hygiene standards below.
All visitors are strongly encouraged to wash their hands and/ or use hand sanitizer on arriving in the building, or after coughing and sneezing.
Health Canada recommends that the following precautions are taken to reduce the risk of catching and spreading respiratory infections like Coronavirus:
-Avoid direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
-Maintain good hand hygiene – wash hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer before sanitizer before eating and drinking and, after coughing, sneezing, and going to the toilet.
-Avoid direct contact with people who have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items, such as their mobile phone.
-Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and dispose of them in the nearest waste bin after use.
If you are feeling unwell, have a temperature, a cough or shortness of breath, we would politely ask you to stay away from our offices or facilitated activities until you are better. Our services are available by phone or the internet if needed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding this matter.
Michael Reinhart
Business Manager/ Financial Secretary
IBEW Local Union 424
International Message
More Covid - 19 Resources
I.B.E.W. Canada COVID page
https://www.ibewcanada.ca/news/category/covid-19/
Update From Suncor Wood Buffalo region
See Here: Suncor_update_04052020
Employment Insurance
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
Covid-19 Coronavirus Info For Albertans
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
Long-Term Illness And Injury Leave In Alberta
https://www.alberta.ca/long-term-illness-injury-leave.aspx
Employee Benefit Funds Administration (EBFA)
Building Trades of Alberta
Covid Course made for Children
https://vubiz.com/home/worried-about-the-coronavirus
Alberta Federation of Labour
Update on COVID-19 in Alberta
Posted on Mar 12, 2020 in General News
March 12, 2020 Media Inquiries
Alberta is adopting aggressive new public health measures to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.
Effective immediately, the Alberta government is asking all large gatherings or international events in the province to be cancelled and advising Albertans against travel outside of the country.
Four new cases of COVID-19 have now been confirmed in Alberta, bringing the total number in the province to 23, all travel-related. One patient continues to recover in hospital, while all others are in isolation at home.
“We are doing everything possible to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our province. The virus is spreading rapidly and is now a global threat. We are implementing these new measures to slow its spread and limit the risks in the weeks ahead. Protecting the health of Albertans is, and always will be, our top priority.”
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health
“The coming weeks are vital in our fight to protect Alberta from COVID-19. These are serious steps, and ones we do not take lightly. I am calling on every Albertan and organization to assist our public health efforts and do their very best to comply with the public health guidance. It is critical that Albertans come together to do our part in keeping Albertans healthy and safe.”
Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health
New Public Health Restrictions
Alberta is asking organizers to cancel any events that have more than 250 attendees. This includes large sporting events, conferences and community events. It does not extend to places of worship, grocery stores, airports or shopping centres.
Any event that has more than 50 attendees and expects to have international participants, or involves critical infrastructure staff, seniors, or other high-risk populations should also be cancelled.
Events that do not meet these criteria can proceed, but risk mitigation must be in place, such as sanitizer stations and distancing between attendees.
At this time, schools and daycares can remain open but steps should be taken to ensure that no more than 250 individuals are in the same room at any given time.
Travel outside of the country is not being recommended at this time. Given the rapid global spread of the virus, it is no longer possible to assess health risks for the duration of the trip.
New Cases of COVID-19
Four additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the province. One of the confirmed cases is a two-year-old child from the Calgary zone who is now recovering at home.
The child who has tested positive for COVID-19 returned with their family from a vacation in Florida and developed mild symptoms once in Alberta. The child attended a local daycare from March 2-6 and tested positive on March 11.
The child is expected to make a full recovery.
As soon as the case tested positive, health officials took immediate action to protect the health of Albertans. On the advice of Alberta Health Services, the daycare has temporarily closed to limit exposure to the virus. All close contacts are self-isolating for 14 days while being monitored by health officials.
Any Albertan who has not been contacted directly by Alberta Health Services is not at risk.
The other three newly confirmed cases involve a woman in her thirties, a male in his fifties, and a woman in her seventies. They are all from the Calgary zone.
The travellers returned from travelling in Jordan, Egypt, France, Germany, and the United States, specifically Florida.
All Albertans are encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.
Calgary MD Night Postponed
Posted on Mar 12, 2020 in Events
Due to Roughnecks cancellation of this game, MD night will be postponed until further Notice.
Teck Frontier Oilsands Mine Approval
Posted on Feb 11, 2020 in Members
Tech Frontier Oilsands Mine Approval
The Teck Frontier project has been under Federal-Provincial review since 2011. Teck has concluded participation agreements with 14 affected Alberta First Nations and Metis communities, and the project is anticipated to create 7,000 jobs during the construction phase and 2,500 operating jobs, mostly in rural Alberta, which has experienced devastating job losses over the last 6 years. The project will also contribute at least $12 billion in federal income and capital taxes, which will fund health care, education, and other benefits for local indigenous populations and all Canadians.
An independent review panel found this project in the public interest and the $20 billion in investment will come at a time when investment is needed to add growth to Alberta’s economy. Please take a moment and fill out your contact information to let the Federal Government know you want them to immediately approve the Teck Frontier oilsands project.
2020 Unit Meeting Schedule
Posted on Feb 02, 2020 in Meetings
Click here for our 2020 meeting schedule: 2020_MEETING_SCHEDULE_IBEW_LOCAL_424_
COMET Course
Posted on Jan 31, 2020 in Members
The Membership Development team in both Edmonton and Calgary are rolling out the COMET course (Construction Organizing for Membership Training). This course runs through why we, as union members organize and the importance of organizing in our industry. We will also touch on what Unfair Labour Practices are and what we as union members can legally do when working in a non union atmosphere
If you are interested in taking part in this course or have any questions please contact
Jon Hamilton / Jorden Bergeron at the Edmonton office
Mike Howlett / Ian McDowall at the Calgary office
Please note; we will be offering this course for members in the Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Grand Prairie regions
January 2020 Meeting Dates
Posted on Jan 11, 2020 in Meetings
I.B.E.W. LOCAL UNION 424
UNIT MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 2020
January 22, 2020 Unit II Meeting 7:00 pm. Wednesday (Calgary)
January 25, 2020 Unit I Meeting 9:00 am. Saturday (Edmonton)
January 28, 2020 Unit IV Meeting 6:30 pm. Tuesday (Edmonton)
January 28, 2020 Unit III Meeting 8:00 pm. Tuesday (Ft. McMurray)
Minutes Matter Campaign
Posted on Oct 01, 2019 in General News
Putting in a full day’s work helps to protect union jobs. With our current economic reality, some clients have started hiring non-union workers to cut costs. Remember late starts, long breaks and early quits cost the clients’ money. Help protect union jobs and remember that your minute’s matter.
Click the image for more Information
2019 Election Results
Posted on Jul 22, 2019 in General News
On July 4, 2019 IVP Reid assigned International Representatives Bill Begemann and Martin Duckworth to do a supervised recount of the Local 424 election ballots. That recount was completed on July 16, 2019 in conjunction with the Local Union Election Judge Blaine McDonald and a number of volunteer Local Union tellers.
Time’s Running Out for the BTA Poker Run
Posted on Jul 20, 2019 in Events
Folks, July 20th is getting close and the weather will be perfect that day.
Hope you will join us raising money and awareness for Cancer Patients and Vets!
Attention IBEW Members ECAA Training
Posted on Jun 08, 2019 in Training
Attention IBEW Members
The Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta(ECAA) has developed a two hour online training program designed to educate all people working in a unionized workplace on the effective ways to maintain discipline and increase productivity. Methods and skills required to effectively apply progressive discipline and manage undesirable behavior or performance can benefit all levels of employer and union management.
It is available exclusively to employers, unions and organizations affiliated with unions of the Building and Construction Trades Department and is utilized to manage the workforce employed under Collective Agreement between an employer and an affiliated Union of the Building and Construction Trades Department.
· Do you wish to learn what progressive discipline entails?
· Do you wish to learn what your rights are when your Employer applies discipline?
· Whether you are a supervisor, journeyman or apprentice and a Member of the IBEW in good standing this online two hour training program is available to you at no cost. The ECAA funds this Program.
To apply for this training contact Ken Johnson at the Union Office 780-462-5076.
CLC/UWCC Post-Secondary Scholarship
Posted on May 29, 2019 in Members
To: Members of the CLC Canadian Council and Young Workers Advisory Committee
Greetings,
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Young Workers Program and the United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) are pleased to present the annual CLC/UWCC Post-Secondary Scholarship.
The CLC and the UWCC are long-time partners in taking action to create prosperous, inclusive, diverse and respectful communities, safer workplaces, and a fairer Canada for working people. Two years ago, we created a post-secondary scholarship in recognition of the important opportunities college or university education can provide for young people. Too often, these opportunities are out of reach for working-class people due to ever-increasing tuition fees.
This $2,500 scholarship is offered in recognition of the efforts of young workers across Canada who have demonstrated a commitment to positively impacting social and workplace issues in their community.
Please circulate the call for applications to ensure this scholarship is widely shared.
The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, June 7, 2019.
Please see the application form for eligibility criteria: www.canadianlabour.ca/scholarship.
In solidarity,
Hassan Yussuff
President
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May Day March
Posted on May 01, 2019 in Events
Join us on May 1 at the Legislature at 5:30 pm.
Mobilize on May 1 – International Workers Day!
Two weeks after the Alberta election, people of fighting spirit will gather in Edmonton along with millions around the world to defend the rights of workers and the rights of all!
5:30 – Gather at the Legislature steps
6:00 – March
7:00 – Dinner and discussion (pay what you can)
Select Restaurant – 10018 106 Street
Share your thoughts at a “people’s parliament” dinner and discussion.
Enjoy a delicious Indian meal by donation.
WED, MAY 1 AT 5:30 PM UTC-06
May Day rally, march, dinner and discussion
Alberta Legislature Building · Edmonton
IBEW Local 424 Specially Called Meetings* 2019 CBA Negotiation Info Session
Posted on Apr 24, 2019 in Meetings
IBEW Local 424 Specially Called Meetings*
2019 CBA Negotiation Info Session
Unit III - Fort McMurray
Date & Time: May 14, 2019 Tuesday 7:00PM-10:00PM
Location: Quality Hotel, Ballroom
424 Gregoire Drive, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 3R2
Unit II - Calgary
Date & Time: May 15, 2019 Wednesday 7:00PM-10:00PM
Location: Executive Royal Hotel, Emerald Ballroom
2828 - 23rd Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8T4
Unit I – Edmonton
Date & Time: May 16, 2019 Thursday 7:00PM-10:00PM
Location: Oasis Centre - Conferencing and Events
10930 - 177 Street, Edmonton, AB T5S 2X7
Important Announcement from the Business Manager Concerning GPMA/NMA
Posted on Apr 12, 2019 in Members
Joe Ceci At Calgary Hall
Posted on Jan 31, 2019 in Events
***ATTENTION ALL***
JOE CECI, MINISTER OF FINANCE WILL BE IN THE CALGARY UNION HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4th, 2019 @ 7:00 PM
*All members of the BTA are welcome*
Jan 2 2019 Calgary office will be closed at 1:00 pm
Posted on Jan 02, 2019 in General News
Jan 2 2019 Calgary office will be closed at 1:00 pm.
2019 IBEW LU 424 Newsletter
Posted on Jan 02, 2019 in General News
To all members of IBEW Local 424:
We hope you had a happy holiday season.
Please Click Here for our year-end newsletter.
Also, LU 424 will be starting Small Table Bargaining soon. The LU 424 negotiation committee is asking for your voice to be heard. Please submit your suggestions or comments or what you would like to see in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and send it to the following email: [email protected]
To view our current Collective Agreement (Nov. 1st 2015 to April 30th 2019) please click here: 3Collective_Agreement_-_FinalRev3.0_May_2017
Fraternally,
John White
Business Manager/ Financial Secretary
IBEW Local 424
Fair Wages Act Survey
Posted on Dec 12, 2018 in General News
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Government of Canada is looking at implementing the Fair Wages Act which was repealed by the Conservatives in 2014. I request that you please fill out the following survey keeping in mind the following points as you fill out the survey:
-The defined Fair Wage should include the full compensation package(Pension, Health and Welfare, Funds for Training, etc.)
-A separate department within the Ministry of Infrastructure should be used to inforce the act(Similar to what is used in the City of Toronto)
Please Click Here and follow the link to complete the survey
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Robert J Watson National Bursary
Posted on Aug 18, 2018 in General News
Please visit www.rjwbursary.com for more information
2018 Harley Draw Results
Posted on Aug 18, 2018 in General News
2018 Harley Draw Results
We are pleased to announce the winners of the second $5,000 draw and the final Grand Prize draw; both tickets were drawn at the All Canada Progress Meeting (ACPM) banquet last night in Moncton, NB by the IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson. The winners are as follows:
The winner of the second $5,000 draw, holding ticket #0379 is:
SYLVAIN PARENTEAU, Local Union 2228 - Ottawa, ON
The FINAL Grand Prize draw, holding ticket #0087 for a 2018 Harley – Davidson Road King FLHR is:
MARK DEGAGNE,Local Union 2058 – Thunder Bay, ON
The following is a recap of the Early Bird Cash Prize for $5,000 winner (ticket #0270)that was drawn May 24th, 2018 at the 30th Annual IBEW/MS Charity Golf Tournament:
DAVE PISCIOTTO, Local Union 636 – Toronto, ON
Congratulations to Brothers Pisciotto, Parenteau & DeGagne !!!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who purchased and/or helped sell tickets for making these draws a resounding success.
IBEW - 1st District Office
90th Anniversary Commemorative Challenge Coin
Posted on Jul 20, 2018 in General News
IBEW 424 is pleased to announce for our 90th Anniversary a Commemorative Challenge Coin available for $10.00 at the Edmonton, Calgary and Fort McMurray Union Offices.
The Coins bear our new IBEW International Office approved Flag Logo on the front and on the reverse an image of our Province with a luminescent Lightning Bolt.
Yes, it really Glows in the Dark.
Click Here to learn more about Challenge Coins.
2018 Annual Local 424 Golf Tournaments , Edmonton,Calgary , FT. McMurray
Posted on Jul 13, 2018 in Events
AFL Kids Camp Sponsoring
Posted on Jun 09, 2018 in General News
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
This year IBEW 424 will be sponsoring four (4) children to go to the AFL Kids Camp at the Goldeye Centre near Nordegg, Alberta on Goldeye Lake - August 6-10, 2018.
Ages are 8 to 15 years.
This year applications will be open to children and grandchildren of members. As we did in past years we will be taking applications from interested parties by e-mail.
Please e-mail names and ages of your children to Scott Crichton at [email protected]
Deadline for draw applications will be at Noon June 9, 2018 with the draw being made The same day.
The winning applicants will then be notified so the proper applications for the AFL can be completed and submitted prior to the AFL’s June 15 2017 deadline.
Please check out attached flyer for more details on camp.
The Alberta Federation of Labour are usually looking for Leader/ Junior Counselor’s as well. If you are interested or know of someone who may be in these position you can contact me with your name and contact info and I will pass it on to the AFL.
2018 Harley – Davidson Road King FLHR Early Bird Draw
Posted on May 26, 2018 in Events
2018 Harley – Davidson Road King FLHR Early Bird Draw
We are pleased to announce that the winner of the first Early Bird draw, holding ticket number #0270 for $5,000.00 – drawn May 24th at the 30th Annual IBEW/MS Charity Golf Tournament by Tom Fenton of the Sheet Metal Workers Union was won by:
Dave Pisciotto, Local Union 636 – Toronto, ON
Congratulations Dave!!!
*Tickets for the Harley are still available- call or stop into the Edmonton office to purchase*
Urgent Membership Poll
Posted on Mar 29, 2018 in Action Alert
The poll is now closed!
We Value your Opinion
Your feedback is important to us at IBEW Local 424. Please take a moment to participate in our Poll, read over all information carefully before making your selection. If you would like to read over our membership responses from the information sessions, they are posted in the members only section of the IBEW Local 424 website.
Thank you for taking the time to be involved in the decision making process.
You will find the Poll Here:
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2018 Meeting Schedule
Posted on Jan 01, 2018 in Meetings
Here is the 2018 meeting schedule:
Download
Working in Ontario
Posted on Dec 27, 2017 in General News
Ontario may require some out of province members in 2018, you must be a member of The Ontario College of trades in order to work in Ontario.
The Process for Out Of Province Electricians to become a member of the Ontario college of trades is quite simple you must submit a Trade Equivalency Application (found here) and select "Red Seal and Reciprocal Certificates" category ( cost of $56.50) provide a copy of your Red Seal And Government Issued ID
If you do not have a "Red Seal" you must first write you Red Seal Exam in your home province.
Lethbridge & Medicine Hat Meeting Dates Changed
Posted on Dec 12, 2017 in Meetings
Lethbridge meeting date will be changed to Dec 12, 2017
Medicine Hat Meeting date will be changed to Dec 13, 2017
Local 424 Christmas Hours
Posted on Nov 03, 2017 in General News
Christmas closing hours:
- Friday, December 22nd, closed at noon
- Monday, December 25th, closed
- Tuesday, December 26th, closed
- Friday, December 29th , closed at noon
- Monday, January 1st, closed
Political Action Committee Meeting Dates Edmonton and Fort McMurray
Posted on Oct 25, 2017 in Meetings
The Next Political Action Committee Meeting is in Fort Mcmurray at 7pm on October 26th, 2017.
Political Action Committee Meeting on November 7th at 7pm in Edmonton.
Attention Attendees of Members Appreciation 2017
Posted on Oct 11, 2017 in Events
Attention Attendees of Members Appreciation 2017
There is no longer parking available on Grierson Hill.
Please follow this link for more parking details : https://www.shawconferencecentre.com/our-location/parking/.
PAC Committee Meeting Dates Edmonton And Calgary
Posted on Aug 31, 2017 in Meetings
There will be a political action committee meeting at 7pm on September 5th in Edmonton, and on September 11th at 7pm in Calgary
2017 Harley – Davidson Winner
Posted on Aug 28, 2017 in General News
We are pleased to announce the winners of the second $5,000 draw and the final Grand Prize draw; both tickets were drawn at the All Canada Progress Meeting (ACPM) banquet last night in Montreal, QC by the IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson.
The winners are as follows:
1.) The winner of the second $5,000 draw, holding ticket #0379 for$5,000.00 is:
CHRIS POIRIER, Member of Local Union 2002, Winnipeg, MB
2.) The FINAL Grand Prize draw, holding ticket #0490 for a 2017 Harley – Davidson FL-Street Glide Special is:
DAVE CUPPLES,Member of Local Union 2228, Ottawa, ON
3.) The following is a recap of the Early Bird Cash Prize for $5,000 winner (ticket #0146)that was drawn May 25th, 2017 at the 29th Annual IBEW/MS Charity Golf Tournament:
ADAM VAN STEINBURG, Business Manager of Local Union 213 – Vancouver, BC
Congratulations to Brothers Van Steinburg, Poirier and Cupples!
A big THANK YOUto everyone who purchased and/or helped sell tickets for making these draws a resounding success.
Political Action Committee Meetings
Posted on Aug 10, 2017 in Meetings
Political Action Committee Meeting will be held in:
- Edmonton Members on August 17th at 7pm
- Calgary Members on August 24th at 7pm
- Fort McMurray on August 24th at 7pm
Henry Miller Museum in St. Louis Design Idea’s
Posted on Aug 01, 2017 in General News
Attention all 424 members,
The motion to purchase a fence emblem for the Henry Miller Museum in St. Louis was approved by the membership. We are asking for design ideas from our membership on what this historic donation will look like.
We will take all submissions for the period of August 2, 2017 until August 31, 2017.
At that time we will post them on this website through a survey and let the membership decide which one we will go with.
The emblem should be in black and white. Here are a couple examples of emblems that are already at the museum
Please submit your ideas to [email protected]
Thank you for your participation and submissions
The following link will take you to more information about the museum : http://nbew-ibewmuseum.org/index.php
Defend Building Trades Workers
Posted on Jul 26, 2017 in General News
Please follow the link below to Defend our Building Trade Workers:
http://www.strongerwithlabour.ca/
In Solidarity,
Scott Crichton
Assistant Business Manager
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Political Action Committee Meeting Fort McMurray and Edmonton
Posted on Jul 13, 2017 in Meetings
There will be a Political Action Committee meeting:
- Fort McMurray at the Union Hall located at 258 Gregoire Drive 7:45 pm on July 27th, 2017
- Edmonton at the Union Hall located at 4232 93rd NW 7:00 pm July 18th, 2017
- Calgary at 3623 29th Street NE 7:00 pm July 20h, 2017
August Meeting Dates Changed
Posted on Jun 30, 2017 in Members
Please take note of the following changes:
- Unit 1 Union Meeting: Saturday August 12th 2017 to Saturday August 26th 2017
- Unit 2 Union Meeting: Wednesday August 16th 2017 to Wednesday August 23rd 2017
- Unit 3 Union Meeting: Tuesday August 15th 2017 to Tuesday August 22nd 2017
- Unit 4 Union Meeting: Tuesday August 15th 2017 to Tuesday August 22nd 2017
Based on feedback from the membership, the Executive Board has decided to reschedule the meetings. The August meetings will now coincide with the 4th Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday of the month.
The previous meeting dates were scheduled to ensure that the Business Manager and President would be able to attend, as both officers will be away at the I.B.E.W. All Canada Progress Meeting for the latter part of August.
We apologize for any confusion and appreciate your understanding!
Calgary PAC Meeting
Posted on Jun 28, 2017 in Meetings
Next Calgary Pack Meeting will be June 28th @ 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall.
With the upcoming Civic Election we will be having a guest speaker. Mayoral Candidate David Lapp
Fort McMurray Meeting Location
Posted on Jun 17, 2017 in Meetings
The next Fort McMurray meeting will be held at
258 Gregoire Drive Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4K6
Social Media Implementation Suggestions
Posted on Jun 15, 2017 in General News
IBEW Local 424 will be implementing a new policy directly related to “Social Media”.
Please send any suggestions or feedback to [email protected]
Deadline for submissions will be July 10th, 2017. We value all your ideas and look forward to reading them over before implementing this new policy. To give you an idea of what we are suggesting please review the IBEW Local 98 policy here.
Code of Excellence Tuesday June 13
Posted on Jun 13, 2017 in Meetings
Code of Excellence on Tuesday June 13th at 9am
Please contact the Edmonton office to attend.
2017 AFL Kids Camp
Posted on Jun 09, 2017 in Events
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
This year IBEW 424 will be sponsoring four (4) children to go to the AFL Kids Camp at the Goldeye Centre near Nordegg, Alberta on Goldeye Lake - August 7-11, 2017.
Ages are 8 to 15 years.
The cost of the camp including transportation by bus from Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Ft. McMurray will be covered with the cost of registration.
This year applications will be open to children and grandchildren of members. As we did in past years we will be taking applications from interested parties by e-mail.
Please e-mail names and ages of your children to Paul Cherry at [email protected]
Deadline for draw applications will be at Noon June 9, 2017 with the draw being made The same day.
The winning applicants will then be notified so the proper applications for the AFL can be completed and submitted prior to the AFL’s June 15 2017 deadline.
Please check out attached flyer for more details on camp. Click Here
The Alberta Federation of Labour are usually looking for Leader/ Junior Counselor’s as well. If you are interested or know of someone who may be in these position you can contact me with your name and contact info and I will pass it on to the AFL.
Fraternally yours,
Paul Cherry, President
ATTENTION! Fort McMurray Office HAS MOVED!
Posted on May 12, 2017 in General News
The Fort McMurray office has moved the new location is:
258 Gregoire Drive
Fort McMurray, AB
T9H 4K6
Please note the new office is closed for walk ins from 12:00 to 1:00 every day.
***Please call ahead to ensure the person you need to deal with is available before going to the office, including picking up a Dispatch slip***
Habitat for humanity is requesting volunteers
Posted on May 11, 2017 in General News
Habitat for humanity is requesting volunteers for their Carter Place project.
They need help from May 16th to May 25th. On the Carter Place Project in South Edmonton. Interested Members should Contact Angela Southworth at: (780) 451-3416 Ext. 223
Calgary and Edmonton PAC Meeting Dates
Posted on May 10, 2017 in Meetings
There will be a Political action committee meeting in Calgary on Monday May 29th at 7pm, and Edmonton on May 30th at 7pm.
2017 IBEW Photo Contest
Posted on May 04, 2017 in Members
Time to get out your cameras and show the world what you do every day. The 2017 IBEW Photo Contest is open and all members are encouraged to enter.
Whether we’re behind the scenes recording breaking news broadcasts, building bridges or repairing downed power lines, the skills of the Brotherhood are unmatched. And for almost 20 years, members from the U.S. and Canada have submitted the pictures that tell those stories.
Photographs are a great way to capture a moment that tells the story of our membership. In the space of a few pixels, these images show the world who we are, what we do and how well we do it.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your story?
First place winners will receive $200,
Second place $150
Third place $100 and honorable mentions $50. Winners are chosen by fellow members and the public.
Our online application makes it easier than ever to enter.
Keep reading for contest rules.
Click here for photo guidelines.
The deadline is October 31st
Photo Contest Rules:
- The contest is open to active or retired IBEW members only. The person submitting the photo must be the person who took the photograph. Members may enter more than one photo.
- International Officers and staff are not eligible.
- Photos can be submitted as digital files of at least 300 dpi, in color or black and white, on slides or prints. The preferred print size is 8×10. Click here for more guidance on electronic photo sizes.
- All submissions become the property of the IBEW Media Department.
- Photo entries must have an IBEW theme of some sort, with IBEW members at work, engaged in a union-related activity or subjects conveying images of the electrical industry or the union
- If members are featured in the photo, they should be identified. If large groups are pictured, the name of the group or the purpose of the gathering (e.g. a safety committee, a linemen’s rodeo, a union meeting) can be submitted in place of individual names.
- Photos previously published in IBEW publications or on the website are not eligible for submission.
The preferred method of entry is through the Photo Contest Application. - If entering via U.S. mail, please fill out the contest entry form and affix it to each photo you submit for the contest and mail it to the
Rally Busing
Posted on Apr 30, 2017 in General News
Due to scheduling conflicts we apologize we are unable to provide busing from Fort Macmurray to the rally on Sunday. We do encourage members to carpool to the rally on Sunday @ 1:30pm
**** Important Notice ******
For Calgary members wanting to attend the rally there will be busing at the Carpenters Hall.
Please go 2626 23rd Street North East, at 9am.
Thank you and hope to see you at the rally.
Day Of Mourning 2017 Ceremony
Posted on Apr 28, 2017 in General News
21st Annual International Day Of Mourning
The Edmonton and District Labour Council would like to invite you to attend our Day of Mourning Ceremony on Friday April 28, 2017.
This ceremony is to recognize those workers killed and injured at work and to re-commit to working toward ending workplace deaths and injuries.The ceremony will be held at the amphitheater in Borden Park from 12:00 - 12:30 pm.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at by email at [email protected] or the EDLC office at 780-474-4747 or email at [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you.
Yours Truly,
Mellisa Field, Coordinator
EDLC Day of Mourning Ceremony
Calgary PAC Meeting Tonight
Posted on Apr 17, 2017 in Meetings
There will be a PAC meeting in Calgary Today at 7pm.
Employment Standards Survey
Posted on Mar 18, 2017 in General News
Please fill out the survey on changes that you would like to see made to the employment standards code:
End Double Breasting - Contact Your MLA Today
Posted on Mar 09, 2017 in General News
Double Breasting should be a concern to all Albertans
It is very concerning about the ability of employers to avoid their relationships with unions by creating a separate non-union or ‘alternative union’ spin-off companies. We are of the view that these types of arrangements are at the core of what the common employer provisions in the Code were meant to address and prevent.
Bill 110 passed in 1983; almost every industrial construction company in Alberta has at least two and sometimes three related arms. This can cause a union and their members to feel squeezed by the non-union and the union arms of these companies. Which are often all competing for work on the same projects and are invariably controlled, at least at a high level by the same parent company. These arrangements have allowed companies to cynically take advantage of the stability and benefits of unionized work forces when it suites them. To avoid these supposedly exclusive bargaining relationships, the bargaining rights of the union and its members, as well as those of other legitimate trade unions, have been diluted and diminished through this corporate shell game.
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Double-Breasting is a practice that enables unionized employers to escape the obligations of their collective bargaining agreements and to operate non-union wherever possible. Double-breasting undermines collective bargaining and represents a significant public problem that could be effectively resolved with thoughtful legislation. The Code’s common employer provisions have been ineffective at preventing the dilution and diminishment of bargaining rights that have resulted from the use of related non-union and alternative union spin-off companies. In order to give meaningful effect to these provisions, we propose the government amend, and remove all provisions related to spin-off companies in the Alberta Labour Code.
Calgary Political Action Committee Meeting
Posted on Feb 27, 2017 in Meetings
The next political action committee meeting is in the
Calgary Hall on Feb. 27th at 7pm
Calgary Retiree Meetings
Posted on Feb 24, 2017 in Meetings
The Calgary Retiree Meetings will now be held on the 4th Thursday of every Month.
Calgary Hitmen, Building Trades of Alberta Night
Posted on Feb 17, 2017 in Events
Building Trades of Alberta Night, Battle of Alberta Calgary Hitmen vs. Edmonton Oil Kings Friday, February 17, 2017 at 7pm.
Come to the Calgary union hall for your FREE TICKETS.
IBEW Scholarship Application
Posted on Feb 10, 2017 in General News
The IBEW 1st District Office, in conjunction with AIL, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and MWG Apparel is pleased to announce that five (5) Scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each will be made available to all Canadian IBEW members and their families, who are currently enrolled in full or part-time studies, or who are currently in pursuit of a post- secondary diploma or degree (applied to and/or accepted by institution).
The IBEW 1st District Office, AIL, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and MWG Apparel realize the importance of continuing post-secondary education and skill development and are offering these scholarships to help interested union members and their families achieve their educational goals.
All applicants are required to submit a brief essay (the applicant must do the essay themselves), outlining the benefits of belonging to the IBEW. These essays will become the property of the IBEW and following a validation of each candidate, the successful applicants will be decided by holding a random draw.
Members who are interested in being awarded one of the scholarships for themselves or their family member are to complete the form below and then forward it to the IBEW 1st District Office, along with your essay.
All entrants must be received by Friday, February 17 th, 2017; and a random draw will be held on February 24 th, 2017.
Download the Application and Official Announcement Letter Below:
P.A.C. Meeting
Posted on Jan 23, 2017 in Meetings
Political Action Committee Meeting
There will be a Political action committee meeting in Calgary on January 23rd at 7pm and a Political action committee meeting in Edmonton on January 17th at 7pm.
Political Action Committee Meeting
Posted on Jan 17, 2017 in Meetings
Attention all Members:
There will be a Political Action Committee Meeting on January 17th at 7:00 pm for Edmonton members and a Political Action Committee meeting on January 23rd at 7:00 pm for Calgary Members.
Next Meetings - Motion to Support Purchase
Posted on Jan 17, 2017 in Meetings
The vote is in concerns to the pending purchase of addition property. Please visit the member’s section of the Local 424 homepage to review the proposed motion.
The January meetings are as follows:
Unit I – January 21, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Edmonton Hall (4232 – 93 Street, Edmonton)
Unit II – January 18, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Calgary Hall (3623 – 29 Street NE, Calgary)
Unit III – January 17, 2016 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Quality Hotel (424 Gregoire Dr, Ft McMurray)
Unit IV – January 17, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Edmonton Hall (4232 – 93 Street, Edmonton)
We encourage you all members to attend and to participate in this very important vote.
Specially Called Meeting
Posted on Dec 23, 2016 in Meetings
There will be three specially called meetings to discuss the anticipated changes in the industrial construction sector. These proposed changes may include overtime, wages and working conditions.
These specially called meeting will be held in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary as follows:
Fort McMurray, January 9th, at the Quality Inn, 424 Gregoire Drive at 7:00 p.m.
Edmonton, January 10th, at the Radisson Hotel, 4440 Gateway Blvd, at 7:00 p.m.
Calgary, January 11th, at the Ramada Plaza Calgary Airport Hotel, 3515-26 Street, NE, at 7:00 p.m.
Next Letbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer Meeting Dates
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Meetings
Jan, 03 2017 Lethbridge Info Meeting 7:00 p.m. Tuesday (Lethbridge)
Jan, 04 2017 Medicine Hat Info Meeting 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (Medicine Hat)
Jan, 11 2017 Red Deer Info Meeting 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (Red Deer)
Building and Benevolent Society of Edmonton Specially Called Meeting
Posted on Dec 17, 2016 in Meetings
Meeting notice for the Local 424 Building & Benevolent Society of Edmonton:
Local Union 424
Building and Benevolent Society of Edmonton
Held at Centre 424, 4232 93 Street, Edmonton
Specially Called Meeting
Saturday December 17, 2016
12:30 p.m.
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Dec Meeting Dates
Posted on Dec 10, 2016 in Meetings
Unit I Dec 17, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Reminder Building and Benevolent Society of Edmonton
Specially Called Meeting
Saturday December 17, 2016 12:30 p.m.
Unit II Dec 14, 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III Dec 13, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Stonebridge Hotel, 9713 Hardin St. in Ft. McMurray at 8:00 pm. Meeting will be in the Clearwater Room.
Unit IV Dec 13, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
For members that are attending the Unit meeting in Edmonton tomorrow we will be accepting donations for Hope mission.
P.A.C. Meeting Dates
Posted on Dec 10, 2016 in Meetings
Calgary P.A.C. Date Dec 19 @ 7:00pm Calgary Hall - Guest Speaker MLA Craig Coolahan
Edmonton P.A.C. Date Dec 14 @ 7:00pm Edmonton Hall
Commercial Wage Reduction
Posted on Dec 01, 2016 in Members
Due to the present market conditions and in order to keep our commercial contractors competitive it was imperative that we reduce the present commercial rate.
Please proceed to the members only section of this web site for further details Click Here
November Meeting Dates
Posted on Nov 26, 2016 in Meetings
Unit I Nov 26, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II Nov 23 , 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III Nov 22, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Stonebridge Hotel, 9713 Hardin St. in Ft. McMurray at 8:00 pm. Meeting will be in the Clearwater Room.
Unit IV Nov 22, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
Robert Lamont
Posted on Oct 29, 2016 in General News
The Members, Officers and Staff of Local Union 424, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers would like to express our deep sadness at the passing of Former Business Manager Robert Lamont, a 68-year member who passed away on October 19th at the age of 90.
IBEW Local 424 wishes to extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Mr. Lamont was the Business Manager of our Local, from January 1968 to June 1974, and was instrumental in the creation of our pension plan. After retiring he was active with retiree’s committee right up until his death. Bob was wonderful individual, who made life so much more pleasant for everyone around him we will miss him very much.
The family will hold a service for Bob on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 at 2pm at the Trinity United Church, 8110 Meadowlark Road, Edmonton, AB
2016 Building Trades of Alberta Convention
Posted on Oct 21, 2016 in Events
The 2016 Building Trades of Alberta was in Jasper, Alberta this year. The IBEW 424 was one of the 15 trades in Attendance. It was held at the beautiful Jasper Park Lodge. The IBEW was one of the 4 trades to give a presentation on renewable energy at the conference.
UA 488, Insulators Local 110, and Iron Workers Local 725 also gave great presentations, on their ambitious plans to enter the renewable energy market. There was also great presentations given by the Build Together and Trade winds. Over 10,000 was raised for Prostate Cancer Canada by silent auction and donations. A big thank you to Jacquie Tackaberry, and the Building Trades for organizing this fantastic event, we look forward to seeing you again next year!!!!!
Scott Crichton
Membership Development
IBEW 424
Job Opening at the Canadian Labour Congress
Posted on Oct 21, 2016 in Members
There is a position open at the Canadian Labour Congress, Membership is encouraged to apply see below for details:
Building and Benevolent Society of Edmonton Meeting
Posted on Sep 24, 2016 in General News
The Local Union 424, Building and Benevolent Society of Edmonton will be holding a Specially Called Meeting on Saturday September 24th 2016. The special called meeting is to follow the close of the regularly scheduled Unit 1 monthly union meeting at the Edmonton Hall (4232 – 93 Street, Edmonton AB, T6E 5P5). The Specially Called meeting is to discuss an outstanding tenancy/lease agreement.
October Meeting Dates
Posted on Sep 21, 2016 in Meetings
Unit I Oct 22, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II Oct 26 , 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III Oct 25, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Stonebridge Hotel, 9713 Hardin St. in Ft. McMurray at 8:00 pm. Meeting will be in the Clearwater Room.
Unit IV Oct 25, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
Red Deer Info Meeting & Location
Posted on Sep 12, 2016 in Meetings
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 @ 07:00 – 09:00 PM
Room 102-1
5116 – 47th Street
Red Deer, AB
T4N 1R9
Medicine Hat & Lethbridge Info Meeting Dates
Posted on Aug 26, 2016 in Meetings
Lethbridge 7:00 pm Tuesday Sept 6th - ***New Address *** 421 6th Ave South SAEA Multicultural Centre
Medicine Hat 7:00 pm Wed Sept 7 Location has not changed
August Meeting Dates
Posted on Aug 19, 2016 in Meetings
Unit I Aug 27, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II Aug 24 , 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III Aug 23, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Stonebridge Hotel, 9713 Hardin St. in Ft. McMurray at 8:00 pm. Meeting will be in the Clearwater Room.
Unit IV Aug 23, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
Red Deer Meeting
Posted on Aug 17, 2016 in Meetings
Red Deer meeting is postponed to next week on August 17th/2016 at 7 pm.
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July 2016 Meeting Dates
Posted on Jul 25, 2016 in Meetings
Unit I July 23, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II July 27 , 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III July 26, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Stonebridge Hotel, 9713 Hardin St. in Ft. McMurray at 8:00 pm. Meeting will be in the Clearwater Room.
Unit IV July 26, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
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2016 Local Union 424 I.B.E.W Election Results
Posted on Jul 19, 2016 in Members
Business Manager/Financial Secretary;
John White
President;
Paul Cherry
Vice President;
Daniel Maher
Recording Secretary;
James Hawreliak
Treasurer;
Wade Ashton
Examining Board;
Nik Ekonomakis
Willem Papenhuyzen
Cameron White
International Convention Delegates;
Wade Ashton
Fred Babiak
Bill Begemann
Tim Brower
Dale Crowe
Ken Mackenzie
Michael Reinhart
Dan Smith
Don Spurgeon
(As Per Ibew Constitution,the Business Manager/financial Secretary And President Are Convention Delegates By Virtue Of Their Office)
NOTICE Ft. McMurray Meetings
Posted on Jun 28, 2016 in Meetings
NOTICE
Ft. McMurray meetings will be reactivated as of June 28, 2016.
The meeting on June 28, 2016 will be held at the Stonebridge Hotel, 9713 Hardin St. in Ft. McMurray at 8:00 pm. Meeting will be in the Clearwater Room.
This meeting will also deal with nominations for Unit Positions with the election if needed at the July meeting. The location for the July meeting will be posted when it is finalized.
Members who were evacuated from Noralta & Black Sands camps on May 16
Posted on Jun 28, 2016 in Members
To all 424 members who were evacuated from Noralta & Black Sands camps on May 16, 2016 and had to leave personal belongings behind. After first responders deemed the area accessible, Suncor arranged for security personnel to collect belongings from rooms which were evacuated, and stored these items in a Quonset at the voyageur site.
On June 15th Suncor put out an announcement on their corporate facebook page that these items had to be claimed and picked up or they would be “disposed of”; they extended the timelines to the end of the month. Suncor will release this personal property to the owners with proof, identification and description of property, or authorized person if the release form has been filled out and signed Click Here for The Form
It is important to act on this immediately as Suncor will be disposing of these items after June 30th 2016.
- June 28th/ 29th access will be granted between 10am-10pm
- For individuals requesting a contractor to collect their belongings, a signed “release” form will be required
- For individuals collecting their belongings - ID will be required, camp where belongings were left, along with a description of what they left.
- Suncor requested this information last week, to date I have only submitted requests for 3 individuals.
- On June 30th, all unclaimed items will be discarded.
Attention All Members; Elections Notice
Posted on Jun 28, 2016 in Members
Attention All Members;
We are carefully watching the ongoing dispute between Canada Post and their employees who are members of CUPW. Their contract expires on July 2, 2016. We have assurances from CUPW that unless management does something unexpected they have no intention of going out on strike, but a real possibility exists that their employer Canada Post will lock them out.
As you know we are using Canada Post for our Election and any shut down could affect your ability to have your vote counted. We have contacted our International and asked them to approve an alternate way for you to get your vote in. They have advised us that they are not prepared to grant any special disposition and that we should advise our membership that Canada Post is the only way to cast your ballot. ANY MEMBER WISHING TO VOTE SHOULD ENSURE THEIR BALLOTS ARE IN THE MAIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
George Gladney
2016 Election Judge
June 2016 Unit Meetings
Posted on Jun 21, 2016 in Meetings
At June 2016 Unit Meetings
Unit I June 25, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II June 22, 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III June 28, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Stonebridge Hotel, 9713 Hardin St. in Ft. McMurray at 8:00 pm. Meeting will be in the Clearwater Room.
Unit IV June 28, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
AFL Kids Camp
Posted on Jun 14, 2016 in Events
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
On Monday June 6/2016 Sister Stephanie Roberge, Brothers John Mintah and James Hawreliak drew the names for the attendees to the AFL Kids Camp in August.
They drew the names of the children of Heather Keef, Sean Thompson, Jason French, Sean Hutchison and Dave Wilson.
I would also like to again say thanks to Brother Nick Chornyj for his gracious donations and allowing another child to attend the AFL Kids Camp.
Dan Smith, President
Replacement Ballots
Posted on Jun 06, 2016 in General News
With the recent wildfires in the Wood Buffalo area we anticipate a high demand for replacement ballots from our membership in that area. If our members in this area have provided Canada Post with their temporary address they probably already have their ballots, otherwise Canada Post is holding their mail until the community is stabilized. Please watch this site as we are currently communicating with Canada Post to discover their proposed timing and plans to resume mail delivery in that area.
Because of these special circumstances any member who is registered as a Wood Buffalo Resident with the Local Union can pick-up a replacement ballot any time after Monday, June 13, 2016. The rest of our membership who are not registered as Wood Buffalo residents can pick up replacement ballots any time after June 27, 2016.
All members requesting replacement ballots must visit one of the Union offices in person and present photo ID to obtain a ballot, if you do not have photo ID please phone the Edmonton office and we will try to find alternatives to this requirement. Please be advised, we are not permitted to mail replacement ballots.
Draw to Attend the 22nd Annual AFL Kids Camp, FINAL WEEK
Posted on Jun 04, 2016 in Events
FINAL WEEK FOR APPLICATIONS
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
This year IBEW 424 will be sponsoring four (4) children to go to the AFL Kids Camp at the Goldeye Centre near Nordegg, Alberta on Goldeye Lake - August 8-12, 2016.
As well due to the generosity of Brother Nick Chornyj in Calgary who donated $500.00 to send another child to the 22nd Annual AFL Kids Camp. Brother Chornyj also donated a mini I-pad and 4 coins which will be raffled between the 5 children picked to go to the Kids Camp.
Ages are 8 to 15 years.
The cost of the camp including transportation by bus from Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Ft. McMurray will be covered with the cost of registration.
This year applications will be open to children and grandchildren of members. As we did in past years we will be taking applications from interested parties by e-mail.
Siblings will be paired together for the draw and other applicants will be paired together.
There will be 2 draws of 2 children made - for a total of 4 children. There will also be 1 draw of 1 child.
Please e-mail names and ages of your children to Dan Smith at [email protected]
Deadline for applications will be June 6, 2016 with the draw being made The same day.
The winning applicants will then be notified so the proper applications for the AFL can be completed and submitted prior to the June 15 deadline.
Please check out attached flyer for more details on camp. Click Here
The Alberta Federation of Labour are usually looking for Leader/ Junior Counselor’s as well. If you are interested or know of someone who may be in these position you can contact me with your name and contact info and I will pass it on to the AFL.
Fraternally yours,
Dan Smith, President
39th International Convention - Canadian National Anthem Contest
Posted on May 31, 2016 in General News
NORCAN EMPLOYEES
Posted on May 28, 2016 in Members
ATT: NORCAN EMPLOYEES
PAY CHECKS FOR THE WEEK ENDING 07-MAY-16 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP AT THE IBEW LOCAL 424 DISPATCH HALL ON MONDAY MAY 30,2016 . All REMAINING CHECKS WILL BE MAILED THAT EVENING.
Fort McMurray Re-entry Booklet
Posted on May 25, 2016 in Members
Fort McMurray Re-entry Booklet Click Here
New Wildfire Resource Page
Posted on May 17, 2016 in General News
We have put together a Wildfire Resource page of links that may be helpful if you have been displaced by the wildfires.
CALGARY NORCAN EMPLOYEES
Posted on May 16, 2016 in Members
Attention,
Norcan Calgary and area Employees,
Any member living in the Calgary area wishing to pick-up their pay cheque please contact Jim Wall @ 780-215-1520 to arrange. This also applies to those employees living temporarily in the Calgary area.
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First District Ft. McMurray Red Cross Donations Now with Link to Donate
Posted on May 07, 2016 in General News
The IBEW specific Red Cross URL is now live to donate please follow this link.
www.redcross.ca/IBEWCanadaHelpsAlberta
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IMPORTANT NOTICE - Fort McMurray - Accelerated Employment Insurance
Posted on May 05, 2016 in General News
Good Morning All,
The following is information from the Government of Canada regarding special arrangements for EI for those directly affected by the fires in Fort McMurray.
Please share with anyone in your organization who this may help:
http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/ei/important_notice.page
Meeting Dates for April 2016 ***Nominations***
Posted on Apr 04, 2016 in Meetings
At April 2016 Unit Meetings will have Nominations for Local Elections and Convention Delegates
Unit I April 23, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II April 27, 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III April 26, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Ft. McMurray Quality Inn
Unit IV April 26, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer Info Meeting Dates
Posted on Mar 22, 2016 in Meetings
Next 3 months As follows,
April 5th/2016 Lethbridge @ 7 pm Kergan Centre
April 6th/2016 Medicine Hat @ 7 pm Clarion Hotel
April 13th/2016 Red Deer @ 7 pm 5116 47th Street
May 3rd/2016 Lethbridge @ 7 pm Kergan Centre
May 4th/2016 Medicine Hat @ 7 pm Clarion Hotel
May 11th/2016 Red Deer @ 7 pm 5116 47th Street
June 1st/2016 Lethbridge @ 7 pm Kergan Centre
June 7th/2016 Medicine Hat @ 7 pm Clarion Hotel
June 8th/2016 Red Deer @ 7 pm 5116 47th Street
ACTIMS Women in Trades Awards & Bursary Program
Posted on Mar 22, 2016 in Training
Last February, ACTIMS launched the first Women in Trades Awards & Bursary Program for members of the Building Trades who are working in the heavy industrial construction/maintenance industries in Canada.
The program was found to be very successful, as we recognized three (3) women from various Locals across the country who demonstrated excellence, integrity, and leadership in their respective trades at their workplace.
ACTIMS has again commenced the program for 2016, and is hoping to attract more participation this year!
A tripartite committee comprised of members of the ACTIMS Board of Directors will assess the applications during the month of May, and present their recommendations to the full Board for approval. Winners will be recognized at the ACTIMS Annual General meeting in July 2016.
Please note that this information and the application form can be downloaded from the ACTIMS website www.actims.ca
IBEW First District Scholarship Winners
Posted on Feb 08, 2016 in Training
Greetings:
Thank you to everyone who submitted their names and essays for the 2015/2016 IBEW First District Scholarships Award; we received record breaking entries this year from 248 applicants.
A random draw was made this morning at the First District Office, and it is my pleasure to announce the following winners:
Danielle Clark – Local Union 37, Fredericton, NB
Raven Wolf – Local Union 993, Kamloops, BC
Jessica Damaren – Local Union 804, Kitchener, ON
Scott Greenwood – Local Union 258, Vancouver, BC
Hudson Baribeau – Local Union 2228, Ottawa, ON
Congratulations to these five applicants!!!
We, at the First District Office, and the other sponsors (TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, MWG Appareland AIL) wish these dedicated young people a successful year in their continued education.
In solidarity,
Bill Daniels
International Vice President
April 2016 Meeting Dates **Nominations**
Posted on Jan 23, 2016 in Meetings
At April 2016 Unit Meetings will have Nominations for Local Elections and Convention Delegates
Unit I April 23, 2016, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II April 27, 2016, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III April 26, 2016, 8:00 pm at the Ft. McMurray Quality Inn
Unit IV April 26, 2016, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
Local 424 Christmas Hours
Posted on Dec 16, 2015 in General News
Please be advised - 2015 Local 424 Office Hours, All locations
| Thursday, December 24, 2015 | Closed |
| Friday, December 25, 2015 | Closed |
| Monday, December 28, 2015 | Closed |
| Tuesday, December 29, 2015 | Open, 8am - 4.30pm |
| Wednesday, December 30, 2015 | Open, 8am - 4.30pm |
| Thursday, December 31, 2015 | Closed |
| Friday, January 1, 2015 | Closed |
Normal Business Hours resume on Monday, January 4, 2015.
The Officers and Staff of local 424 I B E W wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season, and a prosperous and Happy New Year!
Dec 2015 Meeting Dates
Posted on Dec 15, 2015 in Meetings
Unit I Dec 19 , 2015, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II Dec 16 2015, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III Dec 15, 2015, 8:00 pm at the Ft. McMurray Quality Inn
Unit IV Dec 15 , 2015, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
Changes to A&D Program
Posted on Dec 06, 2015 in General News
I want to let you know about what happens after someone is referred to Homewood due to a Drug and Alcohol issue. This is because of a change in the
funding model. This is an overview and the whole document will be posted on the website.
The process begins with any failure under the Canadian Model and the contractor sends a referral in as per the process. We receive an “inactive” status letter from the third party case manager (Homewood Health)‐this means you cannot be dispatched to any contractor/contract that contains the Canadian model and managed aftercare letter contained in the appendixes of the CBA ‐ basically anywhere.
The next step is an assessment through Homewood ‐ the results of which can range from a couple of counselling sessions to a stay in an in house treatment
center and follow up testing and counselling. This assessment can be challenged with an internal review ‐ Homewood reviews the Homewood decision.
Once this is done you can request an external review‐this must be done within 7 days. There are two review options at this stage‐the first is a paper review and the second is a face to face assessment with an independent doctor. Sounds good but here’s the catch ‐ you have to pay for these reviews yourself ‐ the paper review is
about 2K and the face to face can run up to 5K.
Once this part has been settled you move into the next phase‐your case manager from Homewood will walk you through the steps that need to be completed in
order for you to become active and regain your ability to take a call. Every assessment may contain different conditions depending on the diagnosis.
Generally speaking if the assessment does contain in house treatment you may be told to go to a counselling session prior to entry into a facility. Once you have
done your time in the facility you will be asked to complete some counselling sessions and be given a number of random tests to be completed over the next two years.
If you do not require a visit to a facility you will skip right to the counselling and random testing.
Once you have completed the counselling sessions as required you will have to do a return to work test and sign the return to work agreement with Homewood.
From this point forward you continue working and get your random testing and time served requirements and graduate from the program. When things go smoothly and there is no in house treatment required the individual can be eligible for work again in 6‐8 weeks. If in house treatment is required then depending on the amount of time it takes to get into the center the process can stretch into 6 months or more.
So back to the funding for this. The contractors contribute into a fund which they manage ‐ they hire the third party professionals – Homewood ‐ and they determine how the funding is to be used. There is no funding from our benefits or from the Local for this.
In the past the ECAA would cover the assessment and all the other components of the program. This would be fine if everyone who went through the program was perfect but the reality is many of the people who are in this type of program will have a relapse ‐ in fact the treatment centers only claim to have a 30% success rate.
So this means that these individuals may need a second and in some cases a third or a fourth assessment and this where the changes come in. In the past we were able to convince the ECAA to cover costs for these individuals.
See the A & D Assistance Program sheet for more information on the funding.
If you are seeking to clean up an old ban that was put in place prior to this program or a camp/transportation ban you will be covered as long as you agree to be case managed by Homewood (be made inactive and go through the process) and join RSAP.
For More Info see attached files below
A and D Assistance Program.pdf
What to expect from SAE Assessment.pdf
Appendix 7 Request for SAE Review - Oct 17 2016.pdf
collection site complaints.pdf
pages from the CBA.pdf
Canadian Model v 5.0 2014 Sep 17 approved for issue.pdf
A+D Assistance Program ECAA November 1 2016 Jan 2017 rev1 pdf.pdf
November Meeting Dates
Posted on Nov 11, 2015 in Meetings
Unit I Nov 28 , 2015, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II Nov 25 2015, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III Nov 24, 2015, 8:00 pm at the Ft. McMurray Quality Inn
Unit IV Nov 24 , 2015, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
Funds Office Survey
Posted on Oct 08, 2015 in Surveys
You should have recently received a mail out from our Funds office asking you take a couple of minutes to complete a short survey. The Funds office has retained a communications company in order to improve the quality of information they share with you the member. This short survey is the first step of this process and is intended to gauge your impressions of how they currently communicate with you.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and you will be entered to win a iPad mini.
Click on the following link to complete the survey www.fluidsurvey.com/s/AB-electric-survey
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Sept 2015 Meeting Dates
Posted on Sep 09, 2015 in Meetings
Unit I Sept 26 , 2015, 9:00 am at the Edmonton Hall
Unit II Sept 23 2015, 7:00 pm at the Calgary Hall
Unit III Sept 22, 2015, 8:00 pm at the Ft. McMurray Quality Inn
Unit IV Sept 22, 2015, 7:30 pm at the Edmonton Hall
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AIT Board Family of Scholarships
Posted on Jun 30, 2015 in Training
Since 2002 the Government of Alberta, with donations from industry, has created scholarships to recognize the excellence of Alberta apprentices in a trade and trainees in a designated occupation and encourage recipients to complete their training programs. Over 370 Apprentice and Occupational Trainee Scholarships, 500 RAP Scholarships and 21 Pre-Apprentice Scholarships of $1000 each are available annually.
For more info Click HERE
21st Annual AFL Kids Camp Draw
Posted on Jun 05, 2015 in Events
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
This year IBEW 424 will be sponsoring four (4) children to go to the AFL Kids Camp at the Goldeye Centre near Nordegg, Alberta on Goldeye Lake - August 3-7 , 2015
Ages are 8 to 15 years.
The cost of the camp including transportation by bus from Edmonton, Calgary or Red Deer will be covered by the Local Union.
As we did in past years we will be taking applications from interested parties by e-mail.
Siblings will be paired together for the draw and other applicants will be paired together.
There will be 2 draws of 2 children made - for a total of 4 children.
Please e-mail names and ages of your children to Cathy Hoiss at [email protected]
Deadline for applications will be June 12, 2015 @ 12:00 pm with the draw being made June 15, 2015
The winning applicants will then be notified so the proper applications for the AFL can be completed and submitted prior to the June 16 deadline.
Please check out below flyer for more details
The Alberta Federation of Labour are usually looking for Leader/ Junior Counselor’s as well. If you are interested or know of someone who may be interested in these positions you can contact me with your name and contact info and I will pass it on to the AFL.
Fraternally yours,
Dan Smith, President
For more information about the camp Click Here
The Advance Polls are Open
Posted on Apr 29, 2015 in General News
To find the Advance Poll and the Election Day poll location in your constituency, CLICK HERE
| Wednesday, April 29 | First day to vote in the Advance Polls (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM) |
| Thursday, April 30 | Second day to vote in the Advance Polls (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM) |
| Friday, May 1 | Third day to vote in the Advance Polls (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM) |
| Saturday, May 2 | Final day to vote in the Advance Polls (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM) |
| Tuesday, May 5 POLLING DAY |
Polls open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; unofficial results web-posted |
| Friday, May 15 | Announcement of Official Results |
Local 424’s Political Action Committee welcomes Dr. Alvin Finkel
Posted on Apr 12, 2015 in General News
http://changealberta.ca/
Local 424’s Political Action Committee welcomes Dr. Alvin Finkel to a meeting this Sunday (April 12 5.00 p m) at the Edmonton Hall.
Dr Finkel is a founding member of Change Alberta, a grassroots campaign organization that was founded leading up to the 2012 provincial election in an effort to assist progressive voters who wanted to make their votes count.
Dr Finkel will explain that strategic voting is the most effective way of electing those progressive-minded candidates who will best represent the needs and concerns of working Albertans. Please attend this important meeting for more information on strategic voting, proportional representation, and the need for political action and participatory Democracy.
Come to the Meeting. Get Active. Vote.
TAYLOR, Harold Reginald
Posted on Feb 02, 2015 in General News
November 24, 1934 - Michel, British Columbia
January 30, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta
The Members, Officers and Staff of Local Union 424, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers would like to express our deep sadness at the passing of Brother Harold Reginald Taylor.
Harold Reginald Taylor beloved husband of Jean of Calgary, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2015 at the age of 80 years. Harold was the past business manager for IBEW Local 254 Electrical Workers and a trustee for Alberta Electrical Workers Health and Welfare and Pension Funds. He was a past president and board member of Inglewood Golf and Curling Club and a member of Good Sam – Wild Rose Chapter (Camping). His loves were his family, golf, red wine, dark chocolate and fine cigars. He enjoyed coaching Haysboro Hockey, putting up flags for the Olympics and volunteering for the Police/Fire Games. Besides his loving wife Jean of fifty-six years, Harold is survived by two sons Brad and Mark (Shelley); grandson Cody; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly Foundation for Seniors, 211 Heritage Drive S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 1M9 c/o Southwood Hospice. In living memory of Harold Taylor, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Funeral Home
McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes - Fish Creek Chapel
14441 Bannister Road S.E. Calgary, AB T2X 3J3
(403) 256-9575
Published in The Calgary Herald on Feb. 2, 2015
Calgary Hitmen Tickets Available
Posted on Jan 31, 2015 in Members
To members of IBEW LU 424 in the Calgary Area. We have a limited amount of tickets to the Edmonton Oil Kings vs Calgary Hitmen game on January 31st/2015. This is a Building Trades of Alberta event and would like to give tickets to your family’s to attend this game. This is a great time to meet your fellow brothers and sisters of IBEW LU 424 and the rest of the BTA Affiliates and their families.
Please contact Paul Stanicky in the Calgary Office for tickets.
Local Union 424 Christmas Hours
Posted on Dec 03, 2014 in General News
OPEN
December 22, 23
December 29,30
CLOSED
December 24,25,26
December 31 & January 1, 2
RETURN TO REGULAR OPERATING HOURS
January 5, 2015
Remembrance Day
Posted on Nov 11, 2014 in General News
Sisters and Brothers,
We must remember and involve ourselves on Remembrance Day so that the courage and selflessness of these women and men is not lost to future generations. We remember because they have given us so much and the right to participate and reap the benefits of our Union.
However you choose to remember Canada’s Veterans, be sure to share it with everyone you know. Together, it is our duty to pass on our gratitude and keep their legacy and memories alive. This Remembrance Day, Remember Them.
Stop the privatization of Canada Post
Posted on Oct 28, 2014 in General News
http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15014/la_id/1.htm
You may live in one of the newer neighborhoods where the stand alone boxes are just down the street; you’re accustomed to the short hike, and don’t see it as any great inconvenience. And that’s well and good, but there’s more to it than that.
The elimination of door to door mail delivery is another example the Harper government’s continued drive towards privatization of public services. For profit services are established to make a profit and profits are enhanced by cutting costs through cutting services, and that’s just what Canada Post is planning to do.
Canada Post is ending delivery to 100,000 homes by the end of this year. In 2015, another 1.17 million home will be cut off.
We pay taxes so that we can collectively share decent standards of services and security that are made available and accessible to everyone. Whether its healthcare, education, roads and infrastructure, or access to clean water; we all share the costs through our taxes.
If you’re a member of a profession association, a union, a social club or any group that provides its member with mutual benefit; you pay dues or a fee to keep the organization viable and operating.
What you might gain from membership in the organization is very much dependent on your involvement and support of the organization. It’s no different in society; the less we involve ourselves in the politics of our community, our province, or our country the less likely we will be able to ensure that the rights, and security we enjoy will continue. PLEASE contact you MP and cc Transportation Minister Lisa Raitt; tell them to stop the privatization of Canada Post.
Workface Planning
Posted on Oct 23, 2014 in Training
In the construction industry there is a high demand for increased, productivity, safety, product quality, and schedule performance. With an expectation of decreased re-work, and project total installed cost. Increasingly, clients are requiring that construction contractors, fabricators and engineering firms effectively implement and utilize WorkFace Planning to execute projects of all sizes.
Construction Industry Academy has developed a WorkFace Planning course designed to address all client concerns. This course is rigorous on the theory and practice of WorkFace Planning designed for individuals in leadership or management positions. The course focuses on practical approaches to WorkFace Planning implementation, introduces case studies and facilitates analysis of real world examples.
The Electrical Industry Education Trust fund of Alberta has contacted The Construction Industry Academy and expressed its interest in this training program. The EITCA Education Trustees have approved a pilot project allowing the Electrical Training Centre to schedule 3 WorkFace Planning courses. There are two delivery options for training:
- Classroom-consisting of 5 consecutive days
- Distance Learning-Consisting of 5 consecutive weeks.
In order to register for the limited seats all eligible IBEW Local 424 Union members must have their Construction Electrician Journeyman Certificate for three years.
Dates available for registrations are as follows:
Edmonton:
November 3-7, 2014
Calgary:
January 12-16, 2015
Distance Learning:
Starting February 23, 2015
There is a one hour free introductory course on-line to WorkFace Planning. Click on the link below to begin the one-hour Introduction course:
http://cia.articulate-online.com/7433444590
What is Labour Day?
Posted on Sep 01, 2014 in General News
For most of us it’s the last long weekend of the summer, one last chance to kick back and relax before we prepare for those colder months that define us as the Great White North.
In Alberta, it’s the Labour Day Classic “Battle of Alberta” or one last visit to the lake before the kids head back to school, or perhaps a trip to the Rockies. Either way, at this latitude, it’s a seasonal passage, marking an end and a beginning. And really, what’s not to like about a long weekend?
But how often do we take time to reflect on the origins and message of our Labour Day?
Labour Day can trace its roots back to the spring of 1872 when in Toronto, 10,000 working people (one tenth of the city’s population) marched in support of the Toronto printers union fight for a nine hour day. In 1894 Labour Day was officially enacted as a workers holiday but was moved to the first Monday in September.
Labour Day is our day; a day to celebrate all that we, as working people have created and all that we have collectively won, - union rights, greater safety on the job, better wages and benefits, overtime pay, employment insurance, maternity/paternity leave, Medicare, a Canada Pension Plan, an end to child labour, and more- even the eight hour day.- ..Remember the eight hour day?
Just about every advance or improvement that ever became a reality was achieved through the collective and concerted efforts of working people. Indeed it can be truthfully said that working people and our unions gave birth to the Canadian middle class and whatever quality or quantity of the “good life” we might enjoy this Labour Day weekend.
We should never forget that. And isn’t that worth celebrating?
Back in the day when working men and women had no legal to right organize, they organized anyway and defied the people and the laws that kept them defenceless and impoverished. Their lives and their security were determined and defined by the desperate conditions of their work and the whims of employers who played with a stacked deck. But they believed they deserved, and could win something better; and their struggle continued for generations.
We’re fortunate to live in Canada and work within the society they created. That’s something to celebrate.
Our history as working Canadians is definitely not roses and sunshine, nothing came easy. Those pioneering activists were determined to improve the conditions of their work and the quality of their lives. And they did it through organizing and collective action.
Isn’t that what unions are all about? And isn’t that something to celebrate?
Given the working and living conditions they suffered under, they had little or nothing to lose by organizing and taking collective action to right the wrongs.
Today we tend to take so much for granted. We tend to think that benevolent employers or caring governments somehow just gave us the rights we have at work or the privileges we’ll enjoy this Labour Day weekend.
We too often neglect or ignore our history and therefore we will be condemned to repeat it.
Our forefathers fought hard and suffered extreme hardships to see that laws protecting our rights, and defining both the conditions of our work and the standards our lives, were enacted.
Now, our rights and privileges are being threatened. Laws that protect our rights make for a better, more equal society but, corporate interests and uncaring governments are preparing to repeal those laws.
Those who own the financial wealth of our country are acting collectively to protect and expand their interests. They have the attention and the support of our governments and we, unfortunately, have come to believe that voting is useless.
Today, we can do what we did back when,- we can organize, we can get active, not just to vote, but to build and provide an effective and active counterbalance to the forces that work to deny us our rights. Democracy works best when everyone gets involved
We can take heart that when we organize and act to improve the conditions of our work and the quality of our lives, we will never meet with the hardships that were put upon our predecessors. And we can feel confident that in carrying on and building on their legacy we will maintain and increase our rights and privileges.s
Our forefathers chose to organize and act collectively to improve the conditions of their work and the quality of their lives. They had nothing to lose.
If we, as working Canadians, chose to ignore the lessons of our history, and fail to organize and act collectively, to protect and defend what we have, - we’ll have everything to lose.
Have a Happy and Safe Labour Day
Construction Bargaining Survey - 2015 Negotiations
Posted on Aug 22, 2014 in Surveys
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our current collective bargaining agreement will be expiring on April 30th, 2015 and it is time to research the expectations and priorities of the membership for the upcoming round of bargaining. The Bargaining Committee needs to know what is important to the membership in order to learn what you would like to see in the next Agreement.
We have already completed a preliminary survey to help us identify what issues you want us to address in this round and the results of that survey have been incorporated into this one, which will further try to identify and prioritize what’s important to you.
Thank-you for your input on the first survey and we urge you to complete this survey as well. The survey is anonymous and results will be released to the membership at our monthly meetings. The survey is available on our website in the member’s only section Click Here.
Course Registration
Posted on Aug 14, 2014 in Training
All IBEW Local Union 424 Members who are interested in registering for any Edmonton or Calgary Training Courses please note that there is a three month registration policy. Due to work and personal schedules there has been too many course cancellations. To help reduce these cancellations EITCA staff has put a three month limit on course registrations.
For more information you may contact EITCA Administrative staff at (780) 462-5729.
2014 AFL Kids Camp
Posted on Aug 04, 2014 in Events
The draw for the 4 members children to attend the 20th annual AFL Kids camp were drawn June 4, by Brothers Neil Stone and Josh Boyer.
The Parents of the lucky kids are brothers Todd Chrunik, Cam Drummond and Dan Maher. Along with sponsoring the 4 kids to go to the camp Local 424 will be sending 20th anniversary t-shirts for all attendees at the camp.
Hello Brothers and Sisters
This year IBEW 424 will be sponsoring four (4) children to go to the AFL Kids Camp at the Goldeye Centre near Nordegg, Alberta on Goldeye Lake - August 4 – 8, 2014.
Ages are 8 to 15 years.
The cost of the camp including transportation by bus from Edmonton, Calgary or Red Deer will be covered by the Local Union.
As we did in past years we will be taking applications from interested parties by e-mail.
Siblings will be paired together for the draw and other applicants will be paired together.
There will be 2 draws of 2 children made - for a total of 4 children.
Please e-mail names and ages of your children to Dan Smith at [email protected]
Deadline for applications will be June 2, 2014 with the draw being made June 4, 2014.
The winning applicants will then be notified so the proper applications for the AFL can be completed and submitted prior to the June 16 deadline.
Please check out below flyer for more details
The Alberta Federation of Labour are usually looking for Leader/ Junior Counselor’s as well. If you are interested or know of someone who may be interested in these positions you can contact me with your name and contact info and I will pass it on to the AFL.
Fraternally yours,
Dan Smith, President
RESCHEDULED - 2014 Local 424 Golf Tournament Edmonton
Posted on Jul 25, 2014 in Events
If you previously had a reservation it will be automatically booked for the new date , If you are unable to attend please contact the Edmonton office.
If you would like to attend tickets are still available contact the Edmonton Office.
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November 2014 IBEW/ECAA Wage Determination Results
Posted on Jul 24, 2014 in Members
Nov 2014 Wage Determination Information is now posted in the members section, results have been added.
Attention : KBR Industrial & CONOCOPHILLIPS SURMONT 1 Contract Suspended
Posted on Jun 26, 2014 in Members
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Local 424 Job Fair
Posted on May 30, 2014 in Events
**Please Bring your Journeymen Ticket or Blue Book , Government Issued photo I.D. and your Alberta Health Care Card
2014 Harley Draw
Posted on May 30, 2014 in Members
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
The IBEW 500 Harley Draw tickets were sold out before the All Canada Progress Meeting this year, therefore 2 tickets were drawn May 29th at the 26th Annual IBEW/MS Charity Golf Tournament in Mississauga, ON.
The first ticket drawn for the Early Bird prize of $5,000.00 went to ticket # 398:
Matt Wayland, 1st District Political Action/Media Strategist, Canada
AND
The Second ticket drawn, for the Grand Prize of a 2014 Harely-Davidson Road King Touring went to ticket # 495:
Larry Gatner, of LU 424, Calgary, AB
CONGRATULATIONS BROTHERS WAYLAND AND GATNER!
Note: all tickets went back into the draw and the last draw for a cash prize of $5,000.00 will take place in August 2014, in Ottawa at the All Canada Progress Meeting.
2014 BARGAINING SURVEY
Posted on May 17, 2014 in Surveys
Survey Is Ending July 25th !!!
Brothers and Sisters of I.B.E.W. Local 424
As we are preparing to go into negotiations this year for our next Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Executive Board is going to act as the Steering Committee for the Local Union.
With your input we will try to sort out the major points, itemize them and forward to the Negotiating Committee.
The Negotiating Committee will then go through them and draft up what they will take to negotiations.
Please bear in mind that our negotiations are two part:
- Framework Bargaining (Big Table Negotiations) - which entail 22 local unions participating in issues that have been deemed industry specific. In these we are but 1 vote in 22 and if the rest of the industry chose to go in a different direction than the one we would like to we would be bound to it.
- Small Table Negotiations – Once big table negotiations are completed we enter into negotiations with the ECAA on trade specific issues.
We must also remember that most of the PLA conditions we work under are dealt with at the big table and that these PLA’s have in the past few years increased our market share in the industry and put hundreds if not thousands of our brothers and sisters back to work. With our current work climate we anticipate many members will just say get rid of them, but we find it very unlikely that we will be able to obtain the Industry wide agreement to make this happen, so we feel it might also be helpful to put forward suggestions of how we might improve these agreements.
There may be some things that can be brought forward to the big table. To get on the agenda they will have to be common to the rest of the Local Unions and we urge you to bring forward your suggestions. We would also like to hear your suggestions for trade specific items dealing with the ECAA.
Click This Link for more info on Framework Bargaining
You can click on this link HERE to leave your comments.
Thanks
Steering Committee
Local 424
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May 2014 IBEW/ECAA Wage Determination
Posted on May 04, 2014 in Members
The Wage increase for May 4, 2014 have now been determined. This determination has been made by performing the required calculations explained in Appendix “L” of the Current Collective Agreement. (Excerpt below).
Please Login to the members only section for more info located by clicking here.
Safety Bulletin: Recall of Snap Hooks used on MSA Fall Protection Products
Posted on Apr 25, 2014 in General News
Although this notice has a date of February 17, 2014 we have just become aware of it and thought it important to share with our membership. Please be diligent when inspecting your fall protection equipment and immediately report any defective equipment found. We have forwarded a copy of this bulletin to the ECAA and asked them to forward it to all of their affiliated companies.
Info On Rope Access Work
Posted on Jan 07, 2014 in General News
In the December Unit meetings our Organizing Department announced the recent signing of two Rope Access Companies, some members requested additional information about the nature of the work that these Companies perform.
Rope Access work is relatively new in Canada, but is relatively common in other parts of the world. We have been told that these companies have current contracts with both Suncor and Shell and until these recent signings the electrical work has been performed non-union, or possibly with non-electrical workers.
Currently these companies are primarily utilized on small projects, of short duration where it can be demonstrated that the use of scaffolding, or the man lifts is either uneconomical, or impractical, but all indications are that Rope Access work is rapidly expanding throughout Canada and these signings will help ensure the work is done Union.
If you are considering taking a call with one of these companies we strongly suggest that you watch the attached video to give yourself basic understanding of the type of activities you will be asked to take part in, We feel this type of work is certainly not for everyone.
New Classes need Filling
Posted on Jan 06, 2014 in Training
The Electrical Training Centre has just developed a Heat Trace Splicing course. Dates are now available for registrations. You must have the Heat Trace Introduction course prior to registration. Contact the Edmonton Training Centre now to register at (780) 462-5729.
The Electrical Industry Training Centres Of Alberta has finally re-developed our Red Seal Preparation course. The course dates are January 13-17, 2014 from 8am-4:30pm if you are interested in registering for this course please contact the Edmonton Training Centre office at (780) 462-5729.
424 Office Holiday Hours
Posted on Dec 04, 2013 in General News
The office hours over the holiday will be…
Dec 24th: 8 am – 12
Dec 25th and 26th: closed
Dec 27th and 30th: regular work hours
Dec 31st: 8 am – 12
January 1st: closed
Happy Holidays!
Camp Survey
Posted on Nov 28, 2013 in Surveys
A Fort McMurray owner has asked us about our members preferences about camps when selecting jobs and we thought it best to let our members answer.
Please take a moment to fill it out it is small and quick.
2013 IBEW/ECAA Wage Determination Explanation
Posted on Nov 03, 2013 in Members
The Wage increase for November 3, 2013 have now been determined. This determination has been made by performing the required calculations explained in Appendix “L” of the Current Collective Agreement.
An explanation of this wage determination can be found in the member section.
Volunteers Needed for The Building Trades of Alberta Night at the Oil Kings Game on Oct 19
Posted on Oct 19, 2013 in Members
We require 2-4 volunteers that can come about a half hour early and represent their Local by carrying/displaying their Locals banner or flag, on the ice during the singing of O’ Canada. As I understand it the Oil Kings are giving us the opportunity to have a Union “honour guard” where all of the unions banners/flags/logos can be displayed/held by a few of their members on the ice during the anthem.
We also require 2 volunteers for the 50/50 draw that the charitable foundation has been given the opportunity for that night. We need to provide the names of 2 volunteers that can show up 2 hours before the game.
Please contact Dan Smith at the Edmonton hall if you can help.
Oil Kings Ticket Giveaway!
Posted on Oct 19, 2013 in Members
As Per last month’s Motion Local Union 424 I.B.E.W. Has purchased 50 pairs of tickets to The Edmonton Oil Kings Vs The Kootney Ice on October 19th 2013 to help celebrate The Alberta Building Trades Appreciation Night. Local 424 will be giving away a pair of tickets to the first 50 members at the Edmonton Meeting On Sept 28th. We ask that you only accept tickets if you are going to attend.
*This event falls on the same Day as the I.B.E.W. 424 members appreciation night
*The Alberta Building Trades is working on a similar promotion for Southern Alberta and we will keep you up to date.
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Members Appreciation Night
Posted on Oct 11, 2013 in Members
Friday October 11 is the last day tickets will be available for the Members Appreciation Night (Saturday Oct 19th).
Local 424 members can check out who’s “getting pinned” in the Members only section of our web site by clicking here.
AN APPEAL TO BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF LOCAL 424 IBEW
Posted on Oct 08, 2013 in Members
Early in the morning on September 18th Local 424 Brother Charlie Newman and his daughter Kennedy were headed out for a day of fishing near Port Renfrew B. C. The Newman family lives in Lake Shawnigan on Vancouver Island and Port Renfrew is a bit more than a 2 hour drive across the island from their home.
Brother Newman, a Chemco employee was on turnaround from his job at the Conoco Surmont site in Fort McMurray and looked forward to the day ahead with 12 year old Kennedy and their friends who were following behind his pickup. It was going to be a good day.
Tragically, another pickup, approaching in the opposite lane, crossed the centre line and smashed into Charlie’s truck. Kennedy sustained non serious physical injuries and while she was released from hospital the next day, she is now suffering serious emotional trauma. As of Oct 8th Brother Newman remains in critical condition in the Victoria General Hospital with internal organ damage, broken legs, pelvis and feet. He is often unconscious and is unable to communicate when he is awake.
This is a very difficult and stressful time for Brother Newman’s family; it will take a long time for Charlie to recover and hopefully be able to return to work. Meanwhile they can use our support.
Please give generously to your Job Steward or donate at any Local 424 IBEW office.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
- Aesop
Robert J. Watson National Bursary Pro
Posted on Oct 07, 2013 in Members
We are pleased to announce that the application and submission process for Robert J. Watson National Bursary Pro has been integrated into a new website.
By clicking on the following link (http://rjwbursary.com/) applicants will be able to read about the history of the program, the rules and regulations concerning eligibility and apply for a chance to win a $500.00 bursary towards their post-secondary education. Further information pertaining to the RJW Bursary program can be found at the link provided above. The draw for the winners will take place at our Annual General Meeting in Toronto on Friday, December 7th 2013.
Union Plus Scholarship
Posted on Oct 07, 2013 in Members
Greetings:
This is to inform you that the Union Plus Scholarship application can now be accessed online at http://www.unionplus.org.
Unlike the IBEW Founders Scholarship Program, the Union Plus Scholarship Program is also available to the child dependents of IBEW members and other AFL-CIO affiliated unions.
Please share this information with your membership. Best wishes.
In solidarity,
Bill Daniels
International Vice President
UPDATE on Habitat Union Build Sept 11
Posted on Sep 11, 2013 in General News
Hello Everyone,
It has come to my attention that many of my and Louise’s emails from August until this week have not been received by the intended recipients due to a technical problem with our Outlook. We have sent out updates but if you have not received anything from us, this is what has happened.
We are struggling for people right now. We believe this is in part the busyness of summer holidays for families, the boom in work, and the lack of communication from us that we did not realize was happening.
Clem is taking a holiday this week and we have closed the site for the week, but we are opening it back up next Tuesday, September 17th.
Next week, we plan to build the roof and we need about five volunteers each day to help with this. There is no one in the schedule yet. We have emailed and texted this to our union volunteer pool, but we have no way of knowing how many people have received this.
Habitat needs 5 people per day to help build the roof for the union built home project. Please call or text Louise at 780-996-4610 or email [email protected] Equipment, tools and lunch provided – and it’s a non-jurisdictional build.
That said, we have had members out from various locals since my last update. Thank you so much to everyone who is spreading the word.
Thanks so much,
Angela
Used Union Fleet Vehicles for Auction
Posted on Aug 13, 2013 in General News
Local Union 424 is selling a couple of our fleet vehicles.
- The auction is open to members only and must have active Membership Number on hand .
- Vehicles are sold "AS IS" "Where Is" with no warranty
- KMS are current as of time of auction but vehicles are still in use till completion of auction
- Viewings Available upon request see description of each vehicle for a contact.
- Vehicles are not available for test drive
- Bids Must be ready to be paid in cash or Certified Check within 2 Business Days of Auction Closing
- Bidding open Now until noon Sept 3 - 2013
2010 Chevy Silverado 157,000 km and Counting
Current Bid $ 12,250 (check here often for bid updates)
Please Contact Bill @780-462-5076
(Click Picture for more photos)
To Bid On 2010 Chevy Silverado CLICK THIS LINK
auction closed
2010 Chevy Impala 164,000 KM and Counting
Current Bid $ 5,000 (check here often for bid updates)
Please Contact Dan @780-462-5076
(Click Picture for more photos)
To Bid on 2010 Chevy Impala Click Here
auction closed
2013 AFL Kids Camp
Posted on Aug 05, 2013 in Events
Hello Brothers and Sisters
This year IBEW 424 will be sponsoring four (4) children to go to the AFL Kids Camp at Nordegg, Alberta - August 5-9, 2013.
Ages are 8 to 15 years.
The cost of the camp including transportation by bus from Edmonton, Calgary or Red Deer will be covered by the Local Union.
As we did in past years we will be taking applications from interested parties by e-mail.
Siblings will be paired together for the draw and other applicants will be paired together.
There will be 2 draws of 2 children made - for a total of 4 children.
Please e-mail names and ages of your children to Dan Smith at [email protected]
Deadline for applications will be June 3, 2013 with the draw being made June 4, 2013.
The winning applicants will then be notified so the proper applications for the AFL can be completed prior to the June 14 deadline.
Please check out attached flyer for more details on camp.
Fraternally yours,
Dan Smith, President
UPDATE on Habitat Union Build July 31 2013
Posted on Jul 26, 2013 in General News
UPDATE on Habitat Union Build July 31, 2013
Hello everyone,
We are thrilled to finally have some decent weather so we can move this build along! We have now started framing the house on the site – a handful of volunteers has come out to help. The partner family moving into the home is on the build site often, so you may have an opportunity to meet Billy if you come out to the site.
Please note: There is no build this Saturday, due to the long weekend. Also, there is no build on Tuesday August 6 (staff training day). The build days next week are August 7-10 (Wed.-Sat.) There will be a regular Tuesday-Saturday schedule for the rest of August.
We have a very empty schedule next week! I know it has taken a while to get going on this project, but now we need you! Please consider taking a day of your vacation or time off to come and help at the site. This build can go very quickly with all the skills you folks bring to the table, and we would really like to see the family be able to move in as soon as possible. Just call, text or email me to let me know which day you’d like to come out and I’ll send you all the information you need.
As always, you can contact me by email, office phone, and also by phone and text at 780-996-4610. Have a wonderful long weekend! Hope to meet some of you next week.
July 26th update
Hello everyone,
We are finally ready to begin the build, as you may have heard. The build is beginning tomorrow, Friday July 26. The walls and floors have been built already – so they’ll go up quickly. We can accommodate 3 people per day, more if we have an extra first aider. We have volunteers for this weekend, but we would like to start filling up next week’s schedule. If you have some time off or are between jobs, please consider coming out for a day to give us a hand.
Just a reminder that the build is non-jurisdictional, so it doesn’t matter if you are a boilermaker, plumber, electrician or carpenter – you are welcome to come out and help frame this house! We do provide all the tools and a great lunch as well. Please respond to this email or give me a call if you would like to schedule a day to volunteer. We do need to have you on the schedule, so we ask you to please not just show up at the site. I will send you a map and further information once you schedule a date. You are welcome to bring family members too!
As always, feel free to get in touch if you’d like more information; we are excited about finally being able to get started on this project in partnership with the Building Trades of Alberta union members!
Louise Fairley
Volunteer Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
13044 Yellowhead Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 3C1
Phone: 780.451.3416 ext 222
Fax: 780.451.3727
www.hfh.org
Update June 24, from Habitat for Humanity
Posted on Jun 24, 2013 in General News
It looks like work at the Habitat for Humanity Union Build won’t start on the site until mid July, but you can always contact Louise before then to register as a volunteer. Just call or text Louise at 780-966-4610
Below is the latest update from Angela.
Hi Everyone,
It’s a super-short update this week – just enough to touch base.
Start date
Weather is slowing us down - we are waiting for some good weather to dig the site! Anticipated start date for volunteers is approx the second week of July but that will depend on weather.
Saturdays
We’ve had your folks out every weekend all month – it’s been great! We don’t need any recruitment for a couple of weeks because this weekend is full and next weekend is a long weekend.
I’ll be in touch soon as soon as I have more details about the start and if we’ll need Saturday volunteers in the prefab shop.
Warm regards,
Angela Robichaud
Volunteer Manager
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
780-451-3416 ext 223
www.hfh.org
It looks like the union build can use a hand at the Fab shop this weekend! Dare to volunteer for this worthwhile project, do good, and feel good! Shifts are 8.30 - 4.30 Tuesdays to Saturdays. Contact information for Louise below or show up at the Fab shop at 13044 Yellowhead.
Cheers and Solidarity,
Ken
Hello everyone,
Many thanks to all of you who have been coming out to the Prefab Shop to pitch in – we have the walls for the house done! Fantastic job to all the electricians, plumbers, plasterers, boilermakers, operating engineers, and, of course, carpenters! It is great to see everyone working together to achieve this goal.
We’ll be starting to work on the floors in the Prefab Shop this weekend (and next weekend as well) – please note that there will be no work in the Prefab Shop on June 29, as it is the long weekend.
WE ARE SHORT OF PEOPLE TO HELP THIS WEEKEND – if you haven’t come out yet and you’re available to lend a hand, please respond to this email and I’ll add you to the schedule and send you further information.
We now have our building permit and had a great turnout for the sod-turning last week. You may have seen this on the media . A family with 5 children will be moving into the house – this is a huge thing for them, as the father of the family has had major health concerns over the last couple of years, so this family has been really struggling – they are overjoyed at having this opportunity. It was very heartwarming to see all the kids with their pint-sized shovels at the sod-turning! Here’s the link to our Facebook page for photos of the sod-turning.
We expect to start this build on site in the beginning of July. I’ll keep you posted.
Louise Fairley
Volunteer Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
13044 Yellowhead Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 3C1
Phone: 780.451.3416 ext 222
Fax: 780.451.3727
www.hfh.org
13th Annual Calgary Golf Tournament
Posted on Jun 21, 2013 in Events
2013 IBEW LOCAL 424
13th Annual Calgary Golf Tournament
Friday, June 21rd, 2013
Silverwing Golf Course
3434 48 Ave. N.E
Calgary, Alberta
9am Shotgun Start
BBQ Lunch To follow
$125.00/participant
Tournament prizes
- Golf Club Prize for every participant!! (Driver, Wedge, or Putter)
- Door Prizes
- Hole Prizes
CONTACT CALGARY OFFICE TO REGISTER:
403-717-0322
Local Union 424 I.B.E.W. Election Results
Posted on Jun 20, 2013 in Members
Congratulations To Kevin Levy And Dan Smith
| Business Manager | |
|---|---|
| Kevin Levy | 671 |
| John White | 440 |
| Allan Brown | 289 |
| President | |
|---|---|
| Dan Smith | 862 |
| Herb Exell | 526 |
| Allan Brown | 289 |
1475 ballots returned 58 were spoiled or Ineligible
Replacement Ballots
Posted on Jun 06, 2013 in General News
Replacement ballots can be picked up by members at any of the Local Union Offices until June 13, 2013.
Members must show Photo ID and sign-in form in order to obtain a replacement ballot.
Lucky Recipients to attend AFL Kids Camp
Posted on Jun 04, 2013 in General News
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
This morning Brothers Dennis Velthuis-Kroeze and Baluit Sall drew the names of the lucky recipients to attend the AFL Kids Camp this summer.
Brother Darcy Loyie’s 2 daughters names were drawn as well as Sister Teresa Atkinson’s 2 daughters.
Thank you to all the other members who submitted their children’s names, unfortunately there were only 4 spots available. Please try again next year.
Dan Smith, President
Local Union 424
Fraternally yours,
Dan
UPDATE: June 6th Habitat for Humanity... Union Built Home
Posted on May 30, 2013 in General News
We’re getting closer to the start of the Union Built Home! On Wednesday, we had the sod turning event. Thank you to John Tackaberry for speaking and to all the guys who came out! Here is the link to our pictures on our facebook page.
Start date on the build site
If all goes well with weather, we should be able to start the first week in July. I will keep you posted.
Friday/Saturday dates
As soon as I have the start date, I want to start booking Friday/Saturdays for various locals. I know many of you are already talking about this with your people – if you have a preferred couple of dates in mind right now, please let me know and we’ll start blocking them off. Please keep in mind we won’t have any long weekends available. This means over the summer, there are seven possible Friday/Saturday “weekends” available. I will provide more details on this in my next update.
Volunteer numbers
Since we began, and including this Saturday’s schedule, here are the # of volunteers from various locals who scheduled with us! There were a couple of people that hadn’t noted their local number on the sign in sheet so if you know your local’s been out but not on this list, that is why.
Thank you so much – we are so encouraged by all of you who are behind this. These numbers are MUCH higher than last year when we first got started on the project.
| 110 | 3 |
| 424 | 14 |
| 488 | 21 |
| 955 | 5 |
| 1325 | 13 |
| 146 | 2 |
Volunteer recruitment help needed
We currently have 151 volunteers in our pool of volunteers who are interested for this year. We need to grow this list in order to get enough people on site consistently. Anything you can do to get people to contact us to get on our list would be much appreciated. Anything proper that is J
All they have to do to get on the list is phone, email or text Louise at [email protected] or 780-996-4610.
Next Saturday at the shop needs up to 10 people. We don’t have anyone booked yet – if it interests you, contact Louise to get on the schedule.
Thanks everyone,
I hope you have a great weekend!
Angela
Angela Robichaud
Volunteer Manager
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
780-451-3416 ext 223
www.hfh.org
May 30/2013
Check out the Union Built Home Video and volunteer for this worthy cause.
This latest update on the union built home is from Angela Robichaud Volunteer Manager at Habitat for Humanity....
Hi Everyone,
I have two things to report today! A Volunteer recruitment update AND on June 5th, we are having a sod-turning event to which you are all invited!
Sod turning ceremony
I have attached an invitation to the event on Wednesday, June 5th. It’s an 11 am start/noon finish and we’ll serve coffee and donuts. Please share this invitation with everyone within your local who you would like to invite. We will have a speaker from the sponsor, Delcon, and regarding the volunteer labour, from the Building Trades of Alberta. There is no need to RSVP, but we hope to see you there!
Volunteer Recruitment Update
We had a great day Saturday with many of your folks at our prefab shop! The breakdown is below. The no local given column simply means they didn’t write their number on our sign in sheet. When you come out, please always mark your local on the sheet.
|
Local 424 – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers |
2 |
|
Local 488 – United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters |
6 |
|
Local 955 – International Union of Operating Engineers |
1 |
|
Local 1325 –The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers |
2 |
|
NO LOCAL # GIVEN |
1 |
We are looking for volunteers every Saturday in June in the prefab shop.We can have up to ten people each day.
If you want to set up a Friday group at the shop, we will set up the work for you if we know you’re planning to send a group. You must let us know that you’d like to bring a Friday group to the prefab shop. Just contact Louise at 780-996-4610 or [email protected]
If you meet people who are interested: get them to contact us with name, email, and phone number right away. They don’t have to start right away, but getting on our update list will keep them informed – and more likely to come out when they have time!
Start date on site: It looks like we will be starting on site in June as well, but I don’t have a start date just yet.
Friday/Saturday Group Days on site: Once we get on site, we will be booking Friday/Saturdays sections with groups. Please think about when you’d like to book a Friday/Saturday for your local to come out and get back to us as soon as possible. We will of course, have the schedule open for any members who would like to come out to join you on your group day, but it’s great to have a group from your own local out working together! I know a few groups have talked about doing a BBQ on their weekend. Keep in mind that we don’t work on the long weekends.
The Union Built Home Video has now had over 100 views. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4rcpPU8zo6U . It’s a good video that could be shown at a union meeting if you want members to know more about the Union Built home project. It’s a 2 minute video, so short and sweet!
Have a great day everyone!
~Angela
Angela Robichaud
Volunteer Manager
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
780-451-3416 ext 223
www.hfh.org
2013 IBEW/ECAA Wage Determination
Posted on May 06, 2013 in General News
The Wage increase for May 5, 2013 have now been determined. This determination has been made by performing the required calculations explained in Appendix “L” of the Current Collective Agreement. (Excerpt below).
APPENDIX “L” – 2012, 2013 AND 2014 WAGE DETERMINATION
Letter of Understanding
by and between
Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta
(the “Association”)
and
Local Union 424 of
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(the “Union”)
Re: Wage Determination
Whereas the Parties have entered into a Collective Agreement pursuant to Registration Certificate No. 52, and
Whereas, together with other parties in the sector, the Parties have determined processes by which wages will be adjusted during the term of the Collective Agreement,
Now Therefore It Is Agreed as follows:
1 Definitions and Application
(a) “CPI Change” shall be the percentage change in the Alberta All Items Consumer Price Index over a twelve month period. For a January calculation, the CPI Change shall be difference between the index for December of the year just ended, and December of the previous year. For a July calculation, the CPI Change shall be the difference between the index for June of that year and June of the previous year. The Index shall be that published at http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/cpis01j-eng.htm.
(b) “Oil Price” shall be the average of the prices posted for West Texas Intermediate Oil, in current $US, over the six months prior to the month of a calculation. The prices to be used shall be those published at http://www.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=RWTC&f=D .
(c) “Group 4 Average Wage” shall, with reference to the Consolidation Order issued in respect to the 2011 round of collective bargaining, be the simple average of the gross wages applicable to Journeymen in Industrial work in the Boilermakers, Bricklayers – Refractory, Carpenters, Electricians, Millwrights, and Plumbers & Pipefitters trade jurisdictions, effective on the first day of the month April prior to a calculation.
(d) Wage adjustments calculated pursuant to this Letter of Understanding shall be the adjustments to be applied to the gross rates for Journeymen, with the gross rates for other classifications calculated from the Journeyman rate accordingly.
(e) A wage adjustment shall not be less than zero.
The Following was used to Determine the CPI Change/Oil Price/Group 4 Average Wage
- If you follow the link in “A” you will be redirected to:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/cpis01j-eng.htm
The Alberta “all item” Consumer Price Index change from December 2011 to December 2012 was 0%.
- The Average price of West Texas Intermediate Oil in “$US” for the 6 month period prior to Calculating in January of 2013 was $90.07 (Click here to see actual Calculation).
- The Group 4 Average Wage was Calculated as Follows:
- Boilermakers $58.10
- Bricklayers (Refactory) $56.54
- Carpenters $52.60
- Electricians $58.23
- Millwrights $57.75
- Pipefitters (Mechanical) $57.52
TOTAL: $340.74
Group 4 Average Wage = $340.74/6 = $56.79
We then use the results of the above Calculations to determine the actual Wage increase; as stipulated in Part (3) of Appendix L of the current Collective Agreement:
3 2013 and 2014
(a) The wage adjustment to be effective in May of each year shall be calculated in January of that year, and the wage adjustment to be effective in November of each year shall be calculated in July of that year.
(b) The wage adjustment for May shall be:
(i) If Oil Price is less than $60, zero.
(ii) If Oil Price is $60 or greater, but less than $90, one half of CPI Change multiplied by Group 4 Average Wage.
(iii) If Oil Price is $90 or greater, but less than $110, one half of the total of CPI Change and 0.5%, multiplied by Group 4 Average Wage.
(iv) If Oil Price is $110 or greater, but less than $125, one half of the total of CPI Change and 1.0%, multiplied by Group 4 Average Wage.
(v) If Oil Price is $125 or greater, one half of the total of CPI Change and 1.5%, multiplied by Group 4 Average Wage.
(d) In no case shall the total of the May and November wage adjustments in each year exceed 5%.
As the Oil Price was calculated at $90.07 we used 3(b)(iii) to determine the May 6, 2013 Increase to the Journeyman Pay Scale:
- Oil Price Average, July – December 2012 = $90.07
- CPI Change December 2011 – December 2012 = 0.0%.
- Group 4 Average Wage April 1st, 2013 = $56.79
((0.0% + ½%) ÷ 2) x $56.79 = $0.14197 or $0.14
After watching the numbers all year we knew that we were not going to get a large wage increase in May, 2013, but I think it is safe to say that almost everyone was shocked to discover the Alberta December to December “All in” Consumer Price Index calculated out to be zero. This determination changed what was to be a small, modest increase in our pay into a disappointing and insulting pay increase for our membership.
We believe that $0.14 is so insignificant that it will not even be noticeable on a members pay cheque, so keeping in the mind the feedback we received from the survey we conducted last year on this subject and keeping with our overall strategy to bring our pension contribution up to the levels of what other unions contribute to their plans, we have decided to divert the increase towards Pension Contributions.
Click here to view the new Industrial and Commercial pay tables for May 6, 2013.
The Wage increases for November 3, 2013 will be calculated in Mid July, 2013 when Stats Canada releases the June, 2012 to June 2013 "All In" CPI index for Alberta. This Calculation will also use the Average Oil Prices from January1, 2013 to June 30, 2013 and we will also be using the basic hourly wage contained in our Collective Agreement (as of April 1, 2013) instead of the Group 4 Average Wage used in the May Calculations.
Other Changes:That will become effective May 6, 2013.
This Collective Agreement also called for automatic reviews of several Millage and Travel allowances, as well as updating several Per Diem rates throughout the Province. (as detailed below).
8.01(b)(i) & (f) The amount paid for an employee’s use of their personal vehicle increase from the Current $0.50/km. to ($0.51/km. effective May 5, 2013). This will be automatically reviewed again when performing the May, 2014 wage Calculations.
8.02 INITIAL AND RETURN TRANSPORTATION TO REMOTE SITES (New Rates Bolded)
(a) On jobs located outside the Free Zone when Employees do not return daily to the Free Zone the Employer shall pay travel allowance for initial travel and transportation to the project and return subject to the conditions in (b) below, based upon a radius from the cities of Edmonton or Calgary, as applicable, as follows:
(i)Up to 200 kilometers – Eighty Four Dollars ($84.00), (Eighty Six Dollars ($86.00) Effective May 5, 2013) each way,
(ii) 201 kilometers to 300 kilometers – One Hundred and Twenty Dollars ($120.00), (One Hundred and Twenty Two Dollars ($122.00) Effective May5, 2013) each way,
(iii) 301 kilometers to 375 kilometers, and the Empress Area – One Hundred and Forty Dollars ($140.00), (One Hundred and Forty Seven Dollars ($147.00) Effective May 5, 2013) each way,
(iv)376 kilometers to 475 kilometers – Two Hundred and Sixteen Dollars ($216.00), (Two Hundred Twenty ($220.00) Effective May 5, 2013) each way, or actual airfare if suitable proof of air transport is provided to the Employer
(v)Over 475 kilometers ‑ as mutually agreed between the Parties to this Agreement to a maximum of Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars ($330.00) (Three Hundred and Thirty Seven Dollars ($337.00) Effective May 5, 2013) each way or air fare inclusive of taxes in the event this is the most practical method of accessing the project/jobsite.
8.03 ROTATIONAL LEAVE (TURNAROUNDS) - INDUSTRIAL (New Rates Bolded)
(a) On jobs located beyond a Three Hundred (300) kilometer radius to a maximum of Four Hundred and Seventy Five (475) kilometers from the center of Edmonton or Calgary, the Employer shall:
(i)Pay an allowance of One Hundred and Sixty Eight Dollars ($168.00), (One Hundred and Seventy One Dollars ($171.00) Effective May 5, 2013) after Thirty Five (35) calendar days of employment on the job and thereafter for each subsequent Thirty Five (35) calendar days of employment on the job.
Where the Employee accepts Employer supplied transportation he shall not be entitled to the above allowance.
- Allow Employees Five (5) working days leave after each Thirty Five (35) calendar days of employment on the job.
(b) On jobs located beyond a Four Hundred and Seventy Five (475) kilometer radius from the center of Edmonton or Calgary, the Employer shall:
- Provide a negotiated transportation allowance, not to exceed scheduled airline airfare where scheduled air service is available, or pay an allowance of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00), (Three Hundred and Six Dollars ($306.00) Effective May 5, 2013) where airline service is not available, after Thirty Five (35) calendar days of employment on the job and thereafter for each subsequent Thirty Five (35) calendar days of employment on the job.
(ii)Allow Employees Five (5) working days leave after each Thirty Five (35) calendar days of employment on the job.
8.06 ACCOMMODATION, ROOM & BOARD (Per Diem Rates have Been Updated as Below)
(c) Where Per Diem is paid:
|
Alberta-Wide |
110.00 |
|
Ft.McMurray |
195.00 |
|
Athabasca |
140.00 |
|
Grande Prairie |
130.00 |
|
Bonnyville |
135.00 |
|
Hanna |
130.00 |
|
Calgary (Boilermakers only) |
150.00 |
|
Hardisty |
120.00 |
|
Caroline |
140.00 |
|
Hinton |
135.00 |
|
Camrose |
120.00 |
|
Lloydminister |
145.00 |
|
Canmore/Exshaw |
155.00 |
|
Peace River |
150.00 |
|
Cold Lake |
135.00 |
|
Pincher Creek/Waterton |
140.00 |
|
Drumheller |
135.00 |
|
Red Deer (Eff. 01/20/13) |
135.00 |
|
Edson |
125.00 |
|
Stettler |
120.00 |
|
Elk Point/Vermillion (Eff. 01/06/13) |
150.00 |
|
Swan Hills |
115.00 |
|
Empress |
135.00 |
|
Wainwright |
120.00 |
|
Fox Creek |
125.00 |
|
Whitecourt |
130.00 |
Habitat For Humanity, Union Built Home - Volunteers Needed
Posted on May 03, 2013 in General News
Habitat for Humanity www.hfh.org is partnering once again with Building Trades of Alberta unions to complete a Union Built Home. The home will be a single family dwelling located in Rutherford built by volunteers from the various Building Trades locals.
Habitat for Humanity is kicking off the Union Built Home this week in their prefab shop (located at 13044 Yellowhead Trail) and is requiring volunteers to prefab walls. They are looking for five more people each day on:
- Friday, May 3
- Saturday, May 4
- Friday, May 10
- Saturday, May 11
There is no minimum number of shifts required
Shifts are 8:30 – 4 pm
All equipment and tools are provided
Lunch is also provided!
This is a non-jurisdictional build – everyone is invited to come out throughout all stages of the build to lend a hand.
If you can come out for a day, contact Louise at [email protected] or call or text 780-996-4610.
If you are unable to come on those dates, but would like to register as a volunteer, contact Louise to be put on the list.
For more information, check out their website’s Union Built Home page: http://www.hfh.org/volunteer/unionbuilthome/
Worker’s Day of Mourning Ceremony
Posted on Apr 28, 2013 in Events
Notice
A WORKERS DAY OF MOURNING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON
SUNDAY APRIL 28, 2013
@
LOCAL UNION 488 MEETING HALL (NORM DARBYSHIRE HALL)
16214-118 AVENUE, EDMONTON, AB
COMMENCES 10:00 AM LUNCH APPROXIMATELY 11:15 AM
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS EVERYONE IS WELCOME
No Free Rides, No Freeloading
Posted on Mar 28, 2013 in General News
The deceptively named right to work movement has come to Canada. If rtw laws are enacted, everything changes; unions and Canadian workers will be set back 40 years and our voices will be silenced.
RTW is wrong for Canada and Canadian workers! Union are all about fairness. Rtw is not fair! Rtw is about freeloading and free riding on union negotiated collective agreements. If you’d like more information on rtw please Contact Ken Mackenzie @ the Hall
Local 424 BlackBerry App
Posted on Mar 28, 2013 in General News
You now have another way to keep in touch: A local 424 IBEW Blackberry app is now available. The app is compatible with most Blackberry smart phones and we’ll be investigating making it available on Apple IOS and Android phones in the near future.
Please get connected and stay informed.
Get The Local Union 424 I.B.E.W. App
https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/25617923/
Or search Local Union on your phone in BlackBerry App world
We would also like to remind you our various Social Media platforms please come and join us on:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Local424
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/IBEW424IT
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IBEWLU424
Union Savings, AIL, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and MWG Apparel Scholarship
Posted on Feb 25, 2013 in General News
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Travellers Advisory - Plan ahead to avoid gigantic container going to Fort McMurray
Posted on Feb 23, 2013 in General News
BILL C377 - Canadian Building Trades Workers Build Canada Information
Posted on Feb 14, 2013 in General News
Building and Construction Trades Department Information Request
Posted on Feb 11, 2013 in General News
Brothers and Sisters
Please see the attached correspondence from Phil Flemming, IBEW First District International Vice-President. In this letter Brother Flemming has requested the Local Union to provide the Canadian office of the Building and Construction Trades Department (Building Trades) and through association, Ledger Marketing the membership list for our Local Union, complete with names and contact information.
We will not do this, our privacy commitment to you, our membership, only permits us to release your personal information for the legitimate purposes of our union and which are required to properly administer our Collective Agreements, Constitution and Bylaws and/or to administer our various benefit plans. Without your express written consent we cannot and will not release your personal information for any other purposes.
So with that in I mind I would ask you to review the request from the Building Trades which has been attached below and would encourage you to voluntarily participate in this survey. The Building Trades are making a legitimate effort to revamp themselves and to be more responsive to the wants and needs of their members (you) and they require your feed back to determine what your wants and needs are.
You pay for the operation of this body through a special dues assessment off your pay cheque when you are working ($0.05/hr. to the Provincial Council and $0.01/hr. to the Canadian office) you should have a direct say in setting this organizations priorities. Here is your chance, after reading the information below if you are willing to participate in this membership survey please click on the link below and provide your name and the contact information you wish to share and we will forward this information off to the first district office as requested.
“YES- I want to participate.” Click Here
Thank-you for your attention to this matter
IBEW Office Closed Nov 12
Posted on Nov 12, 2012 in General News
All Local 424 Office locations will be closed Nov 12 for Remembrance Day
VUBIZ Online Training
Posted on Oct 27, 2012 in Training
IBEW Canada in Conjunction with your Local are proud to Announce the Availability of 145 Prepaid Online Training Courses for You our Members and your Friends and Families
We are proud to announce that we have prepaid for courses covering subjects from Improving Your Listening Skills to Time Management to Back Safety to All About the Internet. A number of these courses are authored in French. The course will be available to you and your friends and families 24/7 until May 1, 2013. That means that you have over 6 months to take or retake any or all of the courses. Be sure to take advantage of as many courses as possible, we are certain that you and all of your friends and family members will find a number of courses that will address both your needs and interests.
Hundreds of other courses will also be available to you for discounted prices that we have negotiated for on your behalf. These include courses that are offered Online, on CD and in Book form to accommodate all learning styles. A number of these courses are available in French.
To start your learning experience go to: http://vubiz.com/chaccess/IBEW2/
Every time that you sign on, you will need to enter:
The IBEW Password which is: IBEW2
Your Membership Card Number: That is the number on your IBEW Membership Card for example 123456 or 123456AA or AB123456. If you do not know your Membership Card Number, you can use any unique number such as your home phone number or postal code without any spaces for example 4169492211 or L3P4R9.
The First time that you sign on, you will need to enter a little extra information so that we can set you up:
Membership Card Number (confirmation):This is to confirm the information that you keyed above.
First Name: So that we can identify you properly in the system when you return.
Last Name: So that we can identify you properly in the system when you return.
We hope that you enjoy the training and make the most of it. The value of the Prepaid courses if bought individually would cost over $3,000.00 and be available for only 3 months. We are proud to be able to make this opportunity available to you, our members and your friends and families.
2012 Members Appreciation Night
Posted on Oct 20, 2012 in Events
Members Appreciation Night
Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe
Saturday October 20th, 2012
Tickets $60 each.
For Pin Recipient List please go to the link below:
http://ibew424.net/node/2516
Robert J Watson Bursary and Union Plus Scholarship
Posted on Oct 19, 2012 in General News
Please see this information regarding the Robert J Watson Bursary and Union Plus Scholarship, both of which will cover dependants of members (the only ones that do) and are open for applicants for a short period of time. Please pass this information on to any members who may be able to make use of it.
IBEW Stewards Course
Posted on Jul 19, 2012 in Training
Course Details
Date: Wednesday July 18 &Thursday July 19, 2012.
Time: 8:00 am – 4:30pm
Location:
Edmonton Industry Training Center
4234-93 Street Edmonton
Room 101
Any member interested and available for these dates please contact Dale Crowe in the Edmonton Office.
Limited space is available (capacity 20).
Maintenance Agreement Ratification
Posted on Jul 09, 2012 in General News
The vote is complete With 84% in favour of acceptance of the local union maintenance agreement.
AFL Kid’s Camp
Posted on Jun 05, 2012 in General News
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
This morning Brother Gord Gray along with Brother Blakely Armstrong made the draw for 2 of our members children to attend the 2012 AFL’s Kids Camp at the Goldeye Centre at Nordegg. There were 11 children names submitted by 7 members and the draw was held in the Dispatch office. Congratulations to the 2 children of Brother Brian Atkinson whose names were drawn to attend this year.
Fraternally Yours
Dan Smith
Local 424 IBEW, President
![ALHI_ad_8_5x11[1]](/uploads/source/IBEW424/Article_Resources/ALHI_ad_8_5x11%5B1%5D.jpg?1539363387680)
Calgary Labour Trail: FREE Labour History Bus Tour
Posted on May 03, 2012 in Events
Calgary Labour Trail: FREE Labour History Bus Tour and Maria Dunn "Troublemakers" Concert
Sign up for the Calgary Labour Trail Bus Tour - starting at the CUPE 37 Hall on the afternoon of Saturday, May 5th. The Labour Walk is a Centennial Project undertaken by a group of local trade unionists and activists who have identified places in the City where events of significance to labour have taken place. Pictures of these will be incorporated along with short descriptions into a large fold-out map that will be used for the first time during the Tour. Plans are in place to engage Calgary Transit buses to take people to various sites at 2:00 PM - then back to CUPE 37 for food and refreshments before the Maria Dunn concert.
Tours will leave Saturday May 5th from CUPE Local 37 Hall (5112 3rd St SE) at 2:00 pm - please arrange to be there at least 15 minutes before. If possible please email me at [email protected] The tour will take us to the places where workers from every sector joined together to give meaning to All For One and One For All. These are places where workers stood up as we are today to Uphold the Dignity of Labour, for example the Calgary Labour Temple, Memorial Park Library, the Calgary Brewery. Discussions will also be held about the sites where the Hospital, Laundry workers walked out, the Herald Strike, the TELUS Lockout, The Boilermakers strike against Lafarge, The Nurses strikes, and more. We will also be visiting the historic labour centres and memorials to workers who gave their lives building this country.
Please pass this one to those you think may be interested - friends, family, co-workers and union members!
Troublemakers: 1900-1950
Troublemakers: Working Albertans, 1900-1950 is coming to the CUPE 37 Hall in Calgary as part of 2012 Centennial Celebrations of the Alberta Federation of Labour. Appearing with Maria Dunn in concerts across Alberta will be well-known artists Shannon Johnson (violin, vocal) and Terry Morrison (vocal, guitar). Troublemakers combines video with live performance to present the history of working people in Alberta’s early days, depicting the resilience, hope and organizing abilities that brought them through the hard days of immigration, internment, exploitation and the Great Depression. Note: Plan to attend the pre-Concert Social which will take place in the CUPE 37 Hall following the Labour Walk tour.
Maria Dunn will be performing her audio visual program TROUBLEMAKERS at 7:30 pm. Tickets $10.00 can be purchased by calling Susan Keeley at (403) 248-2472 or emailing [email protected] or contacting the Calgary and District Labour Council at (403) 262 -2390 - Limited tickets may be available at the door.
424 Will Send 2 Members Children to the AFL Kid’s Camp
Posted on Apr 03, 2012 in General News
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Every summer Local Union 424 sponsors 2 children of members to attend the Annual AFL Kid’s Camp. As we have done in the past 2 years, we will hold a lottery for the 2 candidates who will attend this function. In the past if 2 sibling’s names are submitted we will pair them together for the draw and we will match up all single applications into pairs so that the family pairs will have the opportunity to attend together.
This year’s camp, as usual, will be held at the Goldeye Centre near Nordegg. The Date for the camp is Aug. 6, 2012 to Aug. 10, 2012 and bussing for the children will be provided from Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray.
The AFL is always looking for Volunteer leaders and/or junior counsellors. If you are interested in doing this you can contact me and I will forward your name to the appropriate person. As in all cases that deal with young people there is some criteria that has to be meet so the earlier the AFL is notified the sooner all the details can be worked out.
You can put your child’s name in for the draw by forwarding me your name and your child’s name, age and gender (male/female) at:
- E-mail – [email protected]
- Phone – (780) 462-5076
Final submission date for the draw will be June 1, 2012 with the draw being held on June 4, 2012 and winning candidates being notified shortly thereafter.
Anybody wishing to send their children to this camp on their own may download the application form here and submit it to the AFL personally along with the registration fee of $450.00.
Fraternally Yours,
Dan Smith
President, Local 424 IBEW
![5th_Annual_IBEW_Family_Picnic[1]](/uploads/source/IBEW424/Article_Resources/5th_Annual_IBEW_Family_Picnic%5B1%5D.jpg?1539362621965)
Bill C-377 Targets working people and our unions!
Posted on Mar 15, 2012 in General News
Bill C-377 Targets working people and our unions!
This is a direct attack on working people and our Unions by the Federal Conservatives!
What is Bill C-377?
Conservative MP Russ Hiebert (South Surrey-White Rock) has introduced Bill C- 377, (a private member’s bill) which aims to amend the rules governing all labour organizations under the Income Tax Act. Under the proposed changes to the Act, (which currently exempts unions from paying taxes), our Local Union could be denied tax-exempt status if it failed to comply with the new law. Your federal income tax deduction for your union dues would be gone. Bill C-377 represents a real threat to trade unions and our ability to function effectively. A penalty of $1000.00 per day for each infraction of the reporting requirements is also included in the bill.
What does Bill C-377 require unions to do?
The Bill requires every labour organization and every labour trust to file a "public information return" within six months from the end of each fiscal period. Failure to comply with the proposed disclosure and reporting requirements would invite the hefty financial penalty referred to above.
The information to be filed includes:
- A set of financial statements showing liabilities, income and expenditures for the fiscal period.
- A set of statements for the fiscal period setting out all transactions and disbursements over $5,000. These statements would also have to include the name and address of the payer and payee, the purpose and description of the transaction, and the specific amount paid or received. The pension you will receive will have to be disclosed and be made public knowledge.
The Bill contemplates a series of specific types of expenditures which must be disclosed which include but not limited to:
- A statement of disbursements and any kind of consideration provided to officers, directors, trustees, employees and contractors;
- A statement of disbursements made in relation to labour relations, organizing and collective bargaining activities;
- A statement pertaining to the costs related to political activities and lobbying;
- A statement of disbursements on legal activities;
- A statement setting out all labour relations expenditures and all non-labour relations expenditures, including relative amounts of salaries paid to officers and employees;
- A statement including all Education efforts of any kind, including schools, seminars, training and apprenticeship;for a more complete breakdown of what the Bill would require to be reported to the public go to: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=5303183&File=27
If passed, Bill C-377 will require that the disclosed information be made public by the Minister, unlike information which is currently filed with the tax authority. This would require unions to follow rules for financial disclosure that would be much more onerous, costly and time consuming than comparable rules for other institutions, and organizations within Canadian society such as, professional societies of doctors, lawyers etc. corporations, registered charities or even government itself.
Current Status of Bill C-377
The Bill has passed second reading stage in Parliament, third reading, the final stage of debate before a bill can become law, is scheduled for mid-March. All indications are that the Harper government is supportive of Bill C-377. Since winning their majority in May 2011, they have paved the way for this bill by helping MP Russ Hiebert, overcome procedural issues noted by the NDP Official Opposition in Hiebert’s first attempt, (Bill C-317) last Fall. The NDP saw it as a not-so-thinly veiled attack on the rights of working Canadians and that first attempt was quashed due to incorrect procedure.
Your Immediate Attention is Required!
What you can do
To review the second reading in Hansard (which includes opposition rebuttals) go to: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1&DocId=5360179#OOB-6511868
Keep in mind that information on the activities of our union would be available not only to the public, but to corporations, and governments as well as those organizations who work to lobby governments seeking to limit our ability to collectively bargain in free association within a democratic society!
We need to inform and mobilize our membership to let the government know that this Bill is bad for our business, bad for our industry and bad for the economy.
- Talk about this Bill at your membership meetings. Let our Brothers and Sisters know that this is happening.
- Go to the web address www.workersbuildcanada.caand send an email to your MP. It takes only a minute, costs you nothing and will be extremely helpful.
- Read the "Myths and Facts" link on the www.workersbuildcanada.casite.
Using the web portal is simple:
- Go to the sitewww.workersbuildcanada.ca
- Click on "Email your MP"
- Register on the site (the information is CONFIDENTIAL)
- Check your email inbox; you will find an email asking you to confirm your registration
- Click on the link provided to confirm your registration
- Return to the home page on the website
- Click on ’email your MP’ again; this will display the text of the letter you are going to send.
- Scroll down, click ’send’
A confirmation email of message sent will arrive into your email inbox.
Spread the Word Brothers and Sisters... Act Now
Contact your Local MP and let him/her know that Bill C-377 is a wrong-headed attack on the rights of working Canadians. Demand that they vote it down!
Click here for a list of Alberta MPs and their contact information act now your rights and freedoms are in jeopardy
VUBIZ Online Training
Posted on Mar 01, 2012 in Training
IBEW Canada in Conjunction with your Local are proud to Announce the Availability of 145 Prepaid Online Training Courses for You our Members and your Friends and Families
We are proud to announce that we have prepaid for courses covering subjects from Improving Your Listening Skills to Time Management to Back Safety to All About the Internet. A number of these courses are authored in French. The course will be available to you and your friends and families 24/7 until May 1, 2013. That means that you have over 6 months to take or retake any or all of the courses. Be sure to take advantage of as many courses as possible, we are certain that you and all of your friends and family members will find a number of courses that will address both your needs and interests.
Hundreds of other courses will also be available to you for discounted prices that we have negotiated for on your behalf. These include courses that are offered Online, on CD and in Book form to accommodate all learning styles. A number of these courses are available in French.
To start your learning experience go to: http://vubiz.com/chaccess/IBEW2/
Every time that you sign on, you will need to enter:
The IBEW Password which is: IBEW2
Your Membership Card Number: That is the number on your IBEW Membership Card for example 123456 or 123456AA or AB123456. If you do not know your Membership Card Number, you can use any unique number such as your home phone number or postal code without any spaces for example 4169492211 or L3P4R9.
The First time that you sign on, you will need to enter a little extra information so that we can set you up:
Membership Card Number (confirmation):This is to confirm the information that you keyed above.
First Name: So that we can identify you properly in the system when you return.
Last Name: So that we can identify you properly in the system when you return.
We hope that you enjoy the training and make the most of it. The value of the Prepaid courses if bought individually would cost over $3,000.00 and be available for only 3 months. We are proud to be able to make this opportunity available to you, our members and your friends and families.
Today In Working History March 1
Posted on Mar 01, 2012 in Today in Working History
March 1, 1906: Seven month united Mine Workers strike in Lethbridge begins resulting in anti-labour Industrial Disputes Investigation Act being passed by the federal government in 1907.
http://206.191.16.130/labour/labstand/page5.html
March 1, 1978: Canadian Human Rights Act takes effect, outlawing discrimination on the grounds of racial or marital status.
Brothers And Sisters Helping Others
Posted on Feb 27, 2012 in General News
Members getting involved is good thing, and Brother Scott Farrants sets a good example. Scott is a participant fund raiser for the Kids with Cancer Society. Scott would like to raise $3000.00 for this very worthwhile cause that funds programs and services for kids with cancer. Please help Scott help others by pledging your support.
Go to http://kwc.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=4642&mid=9&pid=770045 and click on, ‘Donate Now’ to pledge your donation and help others. It’s a thing that unions do!
Dear Brothers And Sisters,
Please consider joining me on my quest to support some very special children.
On June 21st 2012, I will join riders from all over Alberta for the 7th Annual LOOK and Stepper Homes Revving Up for Kids Motorcycle Adventure. During this 4-day ride we will travel more than 1000 km through Alberta and BC in the hope that we can make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.
I am privileged to ride in honour of Peyton. She was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumour. Peyton is now 5 and loves doing crafts in her kindergarten class. She likes to colour and read books. Right now she is really into dinosaurs and the movie Tangled. When Peyton grows up she wants to be a dentist.
I hope that you will be inspired by her story. As all costs are paid by the participants registration fees 100% of your donation will be used to help children with cancer and their families during their greatest time of need.
With a small staff and extremely low operating costs the Kids with Cancer Society provides more than 40 programs and services not offered by any other organization. They are there from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond addressing their support, clinical and research needs. By working with the parents and through close communication with the medical the Society is able to identify priorities and fund only programs that will have the greatest impact. Many families describe the Society as their lifeline.
I am requesting the support of my family, friends and colleagues to help me reach my goal of $3000. No donation is too small. Your support will make an impact.
Donations can be made on-line by following this link here or if you prefer to pay by cheque please see details below.
For more information about the Kids with Cancer Society please visit www.kidswithcancer.ca
Yours truly,
Scott Farrants
Tax receipts will be provided for donations of $15 or more. If paying by cheque, please mail to Kids with Cancer Society 11135-84 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0V9. In order for the Society to track my donations please reference my name on the cheque or in a covering letter.
Money Matter
Posted on Feb 23, 2012 in Surveys
For important information regarding the upcoming May 2012 wage increase, go to the members’ site and follow the links to learn about and vote on where you would like this increase applied. Once logged in to the IBEW424 website there will be a members area dropdown on the top right of the page , Choose Rate Increase Survey and Info.
Faces of Labour Exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 in Events
FACES OF LABOUR EXHIBIT AT THE ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM, Presented by the Alberta Labour History Institute, the United Nurses of Alberta and the Provincial Archives of Alberta Feb 4th - June 24th
See More Click Here
GWG: for almost 100 years, a part of Edmonton’s Labour History
Important Survey regarding Occupational Health and Safety
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 in Surveys
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey being done by the Alberta Government regarding the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. The survey must be completed by March 20, 2012 and is available on the Human Services website at employment.alberta.ca/SFW/14477.html for your use.
Edmonton Rush Trades Night is February 24th
Posted on Feb 07, 2012 in Events
Trades Night is February 24th, 2012 @ Rexall Place.
The Edmonton Rush will be playing the Philadelphia Wings. Hope to see a number of IBEW Local 424 members out to watch the Rush.
Just show your union card at the door for this special pricing $20 upper Bowl, 25$ lower Bowl
Training Centres Website is Back Online
Posted on Jan 19, 2012 in Training
IT’S NEW AND IMPROVED!
It has been a work in progress, but we have finished building our new Website! It will now be easier to look at courses and what is being offered at both Calgary and Edmonton Training Centres. You can also fill out paper work for tuition assistance and e-mail or print the form and send it in. You can reach the our new website by clicking on the Training Centre link at the top of the IBEW424 website or go to our website at www.eitca.ca
New Training Course Dates
Posted on Jan 17, 2012 in Training
The Training Centre has added these courses to our schedule, call quick as the spots will fill up fast!
QC Field Inspection
January 23 - 24, 2012
January 26 - 27, 2012
Solar Panel Introduction
February 11, 2012
March 17, 2012
Solar Panel Installation
January 28 - 29, 2012
February 25 - 26, 2012
March 24 - 25, 2012
Do not enter! UNDER 35 ONLY!
Posted on Jan 13, 2012 in Meetings
First meeting of the Youth Committee January 28th
The first meeting of the Local Union 424 Youth Committee will be held at the Edmonton hall on Sat. Jan 28th, it’s open to any member under the age of 35 and will be held after the unit one meeting at approx 12:15- 12:30.
What is the Youth Committee?
The Youth Committee is essentially whatever we, the under 35 members want it to be. That’s why your involvement is so important. The more ideas and opinions we can share, the more accurately the committee can represent us, the young members. The Youth Committee will give us an opportunity to form a community through social events and activities. A pub night? Yeah. A quad run? Sure. Fishing trips, ..golf?.. ski? Why not? Along with whatever other activities and events we can come up with.
The Youth Committee was formed to give us, the younger members, an opportunity to develop a voice and have us become more involved in our local union. I believe that, to find our voice, we need to first become a community. Not an online community, but a shoulder-to-shoulder, real people, human interaction, community. Hell, we’re all in the same boat; we’re young tradesmen/women, working the same jobs, living similar lives, and all members of L.U 424. I’m sure we can find some common ground.
We may not share the same opinions and/or politics when it comes to our local; but that’s why it’s so important that we all get involved. We all have value to add. This committee will not be one man’s pulpit or soap box, it will reflect the variety of views of its members.
Going forward this committee will give us a voice and build some solidarity so that we can get together, share our concerns, have a lot of fun and build a better union.
So, if you’re a member under 35 years of age, come on out and bring your opinions and ideas!
I hope to see you there, for further information I can be reached at 780-239-7824
Bro. Paul Cherry,
Chair, Youth Committee
Help Reverse The Trend
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 in Training
Local 424 is offering a new organizing course. If you are currently working for a non-signatory contractor or believe that you may work for one in the future then you need to attend. The course us approximately three hours in duration and covers the fundamentals of organizing.
The First course will be held @ the Union Hall in Edmonton on Thursday, Jan 26th starting @ 6:00pm
Contact the office @ 780-462-5076 to sign up - space is limited so call early.
Follow the Money – Film & Book Launch
Posted on Jan 06, 2012 in Events
Edmonton award-winning documentary producer Tom Radford’s new video explains where Alberta’s incredible wealth is going, while the provincial government tells Albertans that we have to cut many essential public services. This short video features experts and advocates who take on the big questions of who is really benefiting from our government policies of low taxes and royalties for the very rich and global corporations. With:
- Kevin Taft, author of the new book, “Follow the Money,” outgoing MLA and former leader of the Alberta Liberal Party
- David Eggen, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare
- Diana Gibson, Research Director of the Parkland Institute
- Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour
- Bill Moore-Kilgannon, Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta
After the film screening, there will be a panel discussion with the film’s speakers about “A Better Way” forward for the province.
There will be a reception in the lobby following the panel discussion.
Cost: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors
Tickets available at the door or in advance by calling Public Interest Alberta at 780-420-0471
Today In Working History Jan 2
Posted on Jan 02, 2012 in Today in Working History
Jan.2/1905 Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies) founded in Chicago, The IWW gave us the term “wobble” as in “wobble the job”. They often used work stoppages to force concessions from the employer; in the lumber woods of the American Northwest they gained recognition for the eight-hr. day by simply stopping work at the eighth hour.
These radical unionists include a long list of martyrs who fought and died for workers rights
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=2016
Visit their web site at: www.iww.org
Today In Working History Dec 21
Posted on Dec 21, 2011 in Today in Working History
Dec./21 1932 Edmonton Hunger March is ended in police violence over 100 arrested
For an ALHI article go to: http://www.project2012.ca/default.asp?mode=news&category=This%20Month%20In%20Labour%20History&id=14
For the lyrics to Maria Dunn’s song “we were good people” go to: http://www.mariadunn.com/songs/songgoodpeople.htm
Today In Working History Dec 12
Posted on Dec 12, 2011 in Today in Working History
Railway engineers and firemen in Calgary strike against wage cuts: provided by http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/pageant/22/locomotivestrike.shtml
Probably no event since the Reil [sic] rebellion [1870] has caused a greater sensation in the Province, and throughout the Northwest, than the present trouble between the Canadian Pacific Railway and their employees, whereby nearly 3,500 of the latter are thrown out of employment. No more unfortunate event could have occurred at this particular period of the history of the country. [1]
With these words the Winnipeg Daily Sun described the impact of the work stoppage by C.P.R. locomotive engineers and firemen. The strike was indeed an unfortunate event because neither the company nor the workmen wanted it. Yet the long-range effects were not entirely negative; the dispute was to serve as a stimulus to the completion of the transcontinental line and the growth of labour unions in Winnipeg.
On December 11, 1883 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Brotherhood of Firemen refused to report to work in Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Brandon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Medicine Hat, and Calgary. The result was that all Canadian Pacific rail traffic on the completed portion of the line was halted. Hardest hit was the partially-operational main line where regular passenger and freight service was curtailed from Thunder Bay to Calgary. Branch lines suffered the same fate. Runs from Winnipeg to Emerson, Winnipeg to Gretna, and Winnipeg to Stonewall were left unmanned by engineers and firemen. The immediate cause of the disruption was the company’s attempt to reduce engineers’ salaries $6 per month. [2] Moreover the company insisted that all engineers endorse the statement "We the undersigned agree to accept employment from the Canadian Pacific Railway Company at the rate of wages now offered us by the said company in our several capacities." [3] The men had other thoughts. In a petition to William Van Horne, General Manager of the C.P.R. engineers demanded a sum of $4 per day for their services, a slight increase from the $3.50 to $3.75 they were receiving. [4] Choosing also to demand a wage increase, railroad firemen pressed for an advance to $2.25 of their $1.85 rate. [5] Van Horne’s subordinate, J. M. Egan, General Superintendent of the C.P.R. refused to listen to the men’s demands. Conversely the men refused to sign Egan’s statement. Unwilling to have its will defied the company insisted that its employees sign the statement or refrain from reporting to work. The engineers willingly took the latter course. The firemen went out in sympathy. The company immediately closed its shops and laid off employees. James Slavin, Acting President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers coordinated the eight day strike from the union’s meeting-hall in Winnipeg.
The C.P.R.’s attempt to reduce employees’ wages stemmed from a financial dilemma - near bankruptcy. Construction costs during the summer of 1883 had drained the company’s capital. Moreover a drop in value of Northern Pacific Railway stock on the New York money market was having a chain effect on the Canadian line. [6] Approaching the Canadian Government the C.P.R. did manage to obtain federal guarantees on the railroad’s shares; the C.P.R. paid the government $9,000,000 and the government agreed to pay the railroad’s shareholders a three per cent dividend for a ten year period annually on $65,000,000 capital stock. [7] The company’s objective in securing the deal was to convince potential investors that the Canadian line would be profitable. Unfortunately the bankruptcy of the Northern Pacific Railroad dashed any such hope. At the beginning of December, 1883 C.P.R. stock had reached its lowest ebb. [8] Something was clearly necessary to attract private investment capital and further government guarantees. 1883 was a year of recession in the Canadian North West. Therefore the C.P.R. felt justified in making wage reductions in an attempt to cut operating costs. Wage reductions would serve a public relations need. By trimming expenses especially in the wage area the railroad would demonstrate its financial acumen to potential investors. That the wage reduction was only $6 per month and mainly symbolic did not matter. Making the cut and forcing its employees to sign a statement of contentment with the decrease was an act of ruthlessness that would tempt investors to purchase C.P.R. stock. Even if the men objected to signing the C.P.R.’s declaration they could be replaced with strike-breakers. Forcing its demands upon workmen would clearly demonstrate the railroad’s keen sense of business ability.
The locomotive engineers struck the railroad because the wage reduction and declaration of contentment constituted the last straws in a series of long-standing grievances. They complained of the high costs of meals and poor sleeping quarters at divisional points. Lodging was at a premium at all major centres on the main line. At Medicine Hat lodging for engineers consisted of one bunk room. At Calgary the situation was even worse. For engine drivers one boxcar constituted their sleeping quarters. Most of the time the engineers were not even permitted to use this accommodation and were forced to sleep on their engines. [9] The cost of meals on the Swift Current to Calgary run averaged 75¢. [10] Having two meals on a passenger run the driver could be expected to spend $1.50 out of his daily wage of $3.50. Long working hours were another source of complaint. To earn $135 to $204 per month Joseph Barker put in 51½ days work at the standard rate of 12 hours per day plus overtime. [11] More usual was the time put in by Frank Restein. For a remuneration of $95 per month Restein worked 26 twelve hour days. [12] The men therefore complained that any wage reduction was unacceptable - a wage increase allowing for reduced working hours would be more to their liking. The men struck because in the view of their leader, James Slavin, the company wanted them to submit to arbitrary measures. [13] By signing the company’s declaration they would be relinquishing the right of their union to act as their bargaining agent. Like all other individuals in the North West they were unaware of the company’s near bankrupt financial status.
Happy 120th Birthday IBEW!!
Posted on Nov 28, 2011 in General News
Happy 120th Birthday IBEW!!
One hundred and twenty years ago 10 electrical workers representing 286 union members came together in St. Louis Missouri and established the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Eight years later it would become the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers when IBEW local 93 (now L.U 586) was organized in Ottawa on December 20th 1899.
Today the IBEW represents over 650,000 electrical workers internationally. Canada (District One) has 88 locals representing 63,676 members. We’ve come along way from our founding in St. Louis. Take a little time to think of how it all began and celebrate our 120th birthday! Still looking good! For a complete history of our great union go to; http://www.ibew.org/IBEW/history/1890_1897.htm
Today In Working History Nov 24
Posted on Nov 24, 2011 in Today in Working History
Nov. 24/1995 CUPE Local 8 and AUPE local 55 hospital workers’ illegal strike in Calgary ends with a moratorium on contracting out. Read ALHI’s article on the strike below.
Laundry Workers Walk - Ralph Klein Blinks
In November 1995, 120 laundry workers at two Calgary hospitals went on a ten-day illegal strike after the Calgary Regional Health Authority announced it was contracting out their jobs to a private company in Edmonton. Laid off workers would not receive any severance pay. Many were immigrant women and single mothers who had had their wages cut by up to 28 per cent in the preceding two years to less than $9.00 per hour.
The strike began 5:30 a.m. on 15 November when sixty members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8 who worked at the Calgary General Hospital hit the streets. They were joined the next day by sixty members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Local 55 who worked at Calgary’s Foothills Hospital. The health authority responded by filing a request for a cease and desist order with the Alberta Labour Relations Board. The board ruled in their favour but the strikers ignored the order.
Public support for the strikers was strong. An opinion poll indicated that 72 percent of the public supported the strikers. Over 2,500 hospital and nursing home workers in Calgary showed their support by refusing to work for short periods of time, while other unions launched work-to-rule campaigns. Many other workers, including doctors, showed their support by joining the picket line. They came not only from Calgary but from across the province.
On 24 November the unions representing the strikers announced a tentative deal, which the strikers eventually voted to accept. It included a one-year job security guarantee and a promise of severance pay if hospital laundry services were later contracted out, which they were. It also stipulated that no penalties would be sought against those who participated in the strike. The strikers returned to work the next day.
Although the strike was relatively small to begin with, it is significant not only because of the widespread support the strikers received but also because of the Klein government’s response. A week after the strike began, the province’s health minister announced it was not only canceling planned spending cuts but would also put more money into health care. Premier Klein said it was time to re-evaluate how the government planned to restructure health care in the province, which caused media headlines announcing Klein had finally ‘blinked,’ something which he had vowed never to do.
Today In Working History Nov 23
Posted on Nov 23, 2011 in Today in Working History
Nov.23/ 1170 B.C. First recorded strike of workers occurs in Egypt.
For information on who built the pyramids and some insight into working and living conditions go to: http://heritage-key.com/egypt/servants-place-truth-who-built-tombs-valley-kings
Today In Working History Nov 22
Posted on Nov 22, 2011 in Today in Working History
Edmonton Shaw Conference Centre Workers UFCW Local 401 strike ends with workers winning first contract:
WORKERS AT THE SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE WIN THOUSANDS
It’s been a long time coming but the workers at the Shaw Conference Centre have won a major victory that will result in nearly $100,000 being put into the pockets of more than 80 workers!
May 3, 2002 the workers at the Shaw Conference Centre were force out on strike against their Employer over their unreasonable demands for concessions and refusal to bargain even the most basic human rights. The strike lasted for 7 long months, ending November 22, 2002. Shortly after this 7 month strike ended, the Union filed a grievance over scheduling violations in 2003.
After the strike, the Employer decided to forget what was negotiated and began implementing the agreed to scheduling language contrary to what the Union’s bargaining committee felt they negotiated in good faith. Scheduling was a huge problem at the Centre and was central to the Employees’ desire to organise in the first place. The Union spent a great deal of time arguing about fairness and recognition of full time rights as well as rights of long service and available anytime Employees. Despite this, the Employer implemented the scheduling language the way they thought it should be. The Employer claimed that full time Employees were weren’t guaranteed more than one shift per week, even if there were shifts to be had each day. Full time? Once shift per week? Absurd you say! In an event driven facility like the Shaw Conference Centre, it can be feast or famine with hours depending on the time of year and this was a big blow to those who went on strike to improve their work place rights rather than erode them. After much arguing between the Union Representative and the Employer, the Union filed the grievance.
It took 2 years to get to the arbitration hearing but the Union and its members finally made their case in front of arbitrator Rob Abells through 3 days of hearings held over 2 months. Interestingly, this arbitration occurred during the 2005 round of contract negotiations and due to our success in presenting our case at the hearing, we were able to fix the scheduling issues in that bargaining session on a go forward basis, resulting in immediate improvements to how Employees were scheduled. Once that was fixed, we waited for the final decision. Ultimately, arbitrator Abells agreed with the Union and the matter was finally resolved by way of written decision in August of 2005. The Union and its members had won a major victory! Patience paid off.
The only outstanding matter at that point was to decide on compensation for the members who lost as a result of the violations on scheduling. This was a very complicated calculation that took months to determine and many more months of back and forth with the Employer over the disparity in our respective tallies. Happily, however, the parties finally resolved their dispute over how much is to be paid and to whom and now it’s almost over.
Many people wondered why it was taking so long. The grievance process can be frustrating for everyone, Union Representatives included, but it does work. This grievance is a prime example of the benefits of belonging to a Union. Even though it took years to resolve, UFCW Local 401 never gave up and continued to push through even though the Employer was reluctant from the beginning to resolve this. Along with the members, UFCW was determined to right the wrongs of this Employer and ensure that justice happened and thanks to the help of arbitrator Abells, justice was indeed served to the tune of nearly $100,000 for many of the workers at that Shaw Conference Centre. Congratulations to all of those Employees at the Shaw who fought for their rights and patiently awaited the outcome; your determination has paid off!
Edmonton-Beverly NDP Shindig
Posted on Nov 21, 2011 in Events
Dear Friends
Join Deron Bilous and the Edmonton Beverly-Clareview NDP Constituency Association for a special constituency Open House which celebrates and honours volunteers, supporters and friends.
The evening (which is run in conjunction with an online Silent Auction -- see details below) includes: Hors d’oeuvres, Refreshments, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, and of course, Music.
During the event we’ll also be honouring four very special people: Ray Martin, Harold Hall, Dorothy Hall, and Jack McMorran. Over the years, each one contributed much to the constituency, and to the community.
ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
While there will be an "in person" silent auction, we’re very excited to present an online silent auction which features some unique and very special items. Bidding starts November 7th, and ends midnight, November 21st. Check our website at www.deronbilous.ca for details, and to submit your bid.
IBEW Edmonton & Calgary Children’s Christmas Party
Posted on Oct 30, 2011 in Events
Volunteers are needed to help transport gifts and help Santa. If you can help, please arrive at the Polish Hall by 11:00 am Nov 27th.
Contact the Edmonton office to purchase tickets and call 780-462-5076 to volunteer.
Updated Nov 15 Action Alert Calgary
Posted on Oct 28, 2011 in Action Alert
Issue
In an attempt at union-busting, Sobey’s has tabled an offer to members of UFCW 401 at the store in Forest Lawn in Calgary that does not include a return-to-work agreement for striking workers. The workers have declined to vote on the offer, so the strike continues.
Action Requested
Join the rally to support the workers at the store at 5105 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary.
When
4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 16th.
Issue
On Saturday November 12, 2011, UFCW local 401 members at Forest Lawn Sobey’s declined to vote on the company’s latest offer because it did not include a return-to-work agreement for striking members. This is a radical step in collective bargaining. The absence of such an agreement sends a strong message that the company is not interested in bargaining, it is only interested in union busting. Not having a return-to-work agreement leaves the door open for the employer to try to punish workers for exercising their right to strike. The Sobey’s family is one of Canada’s richest, with skyrocketing net worth into the billions of dollars. Canadian Business magazine ranked them in 25th spot on its Rich 100 list in Canada, with a net worth of $2.26 billion, with their wealth growing rapidly in the last two years. Meanwhile, they have been pushing for concessions from employees at a Sobey’s store in Calgary.
AFL’s Position
The AFL is asking union members to support the striking workers by joining them on the picket line whenever possible (the picket line runs every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and by attending the rally on November 16th. We are asking retail customers to avoid shopping at all Sobey’s outlets until they sign a new collective agreement that respects workers.
Action
Join the rally from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16th, at the Sobey’s outlet store at 5105 17th Avenue. S.E., Calgary.
Action Alert : Occupy Edmonton
Posted on Oct 28, 2011 in Action Alert
Issue
The Occupy movement is holding marches and rallies to call for a Robin Hood Tax on financial transactions that would raise billions of dollars to protect public services, help tackle poverty and help the most vulnerable adapt to climate change.
Actions Requested
Join the Occupy Edmonton march and rally to push for a Robin Hood Tax. Bring a green mask and feel free to dress up.
When
2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29th at the Occupy Edmonton camp at 102 Street and Jasper Avenue.
Win $2000 with your one minute message ad!
Posted on Oct 18, 2011 in General News
If you have access to a video camera and friends AND you are fed-up with watching the corporations that caused a financial market melt-down continue to demand (and get) their taxes lowered, while the rest of us pay to clean up their mess...
Then this ad contest is for you!
We are excited to announce the launch of our ‘One Minute Message’ Ad contest.
What’s it all about?
Are you sick of corporations getting tax breaks and NOT creating jobs in return? Have you had enough of CEOs collecting fat bonuses while their companies lay off workers and abandon our communities? If so, then you have the right angle to participate in this contest.
Create and send in an advertisement that best illustrates the unfairness of the rich getting richer and the rest of us paying the freight, of corporations getting billions in tax breaks but telling us we have to tighten our belts.
Did we mention there are 5 cash prizes? First place is $2,000, second place is $1,000 and the other finalists will walk away with $250 each.
Visit the contest site today to learn more about how to enter; you have until December 9th to give us your best video masterpiece!
Occupy Edmonton
Posted on Oct 13, 2011 in Events
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We are the 99%This Saturday people in Edmonton will join a global movement of people pushing for a better world and we want you to join us. What began with a few people setting up tents in Wall Street’s Financial District in New York City has ballooned into a movement of thousands. 100′s of cities in the United States have set-up camps and on Saturday, October 15th cities across Canada and across the globe will join them. Corporate greed is killing us. Corporations are infecting our political institutions and dictating public policy. The system we live in continues to put a hunger for profits above the health and well being of our communities and the environment and that needs to change. The system is broken so we are joining with communities and movements around the world to demand and build the change. We want a system that works for not against the 99% of us and on October 15th we will take one step closer to that goal. JOIN US!!! Saturday, October 15th
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For more information contact:
[email protected] or visit the website: http://occupyedmonton.org
For more information on the global ‘occupy wall street’ movement:
http://www.occupytogether.org
http://www.occupywallst.org
Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Needed.
Posted on Sep 22, 2011 in General News
We are recruiting volunteers for Tuesdays to Saturdays from 8:30 – 4 pm. Please note that we don’t work on long weekends. We provide lunch for all volunteers. If you have a member who doesn’t have PPE, (office personnel perhaps J) they need to let us know their shoe size and what they need (hard hats, boots, safety glasses) and we will be sure to have it there for them. This Saturday we have one of the office ladies from Local 110 joining us – anyone who is a member is welcome to come out, even if they are a beginner.
Here is information about how to register on our scheduling system.
How to volunteer with us
Go to our website and register as a volunteer at www.hfh.org. Click on "volunteer", then click the button to register as a volunteer and follow the instructions.
After you register, you will need to print a copy of our waiver and send it in. If you don’t have a printer, let us know and we’ll find another way to get you a copy. IF YOU ARE FAXING, PLEASE FAX YOUR WAIVER TO 780-451-3727.
You can then log in anytime and view our schedule and sign up for any shift you would like. You can also cancel your shifts on the system if you need to reschedule.
When you look at our events whatever date is “tomorrow” will always be listed as reserved on our system. This isn’t necessarily true. Please contact a volunteer coordinator if you would like to come out with less than two days notice.
Although we use an online scheduling system, please don’t ever hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We value our volunteers and we look forward to meeting you and working with you.
Whats happening @ the 38th Annual Convention? Follow Along
Posted on Sep 20, 2011 in General News
Follow along with the I.B.E.W 38th Annual Convention. Find out what’s happening visit BrotherhoodBeyondBorders.org, or go to www.facebook.com/ibewfb for updates and news from the convention floor.
You may also follow the Convention on twitter https://twitter.com/ibew
Dialy Video updates from YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/TheElectricalWorker
Picture updates on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/
Jack Layton passed away on Aug 22nd leaving a letter to Canadians
Posted on Aug 23, 2011 in General News
Often, when loved ones pass away, they leave us with our sorrow, our pain and an abiding sense of loss. We mourn their passing, and we struggle to come to terms with the loss, trying to find ways to carry on without them.
Jack Layton passed away on Aug 22nd leaving a letter to Canadians assuaging our sorrow and inspiring us to carry on and work to build a better Canada. Regardless of our political affiliation, we must respect the man’s vision and integrity. He was a Great Canadian.
Please take some time to listen and view the CBC news clip
A New Museum for Alberta: Union Made?
Posted on Aug 22, 2011 in General News
Downtown Edmonton will soon be the location of the new Provincial Royal Alberta Museum. Scheduled to begin construction later this year the project promises to become an Edmonton landmark.
Infrastructure Alberta has received four proposals from Alberta building contractors, one of which is Ellis Don, who, if successful, will be sub contracting the electrical work to one of our signatory contractors, Canada Power Pac.
Infrastructure Alberta is asking Albertans to choose their favorite design. We have been given two options; a chance to vote on which design will showcase Alberta’s history and culture, and an opportunity to ensure it will be built by union craftsmen, lets do both and vote for the Ellis Don design. Go to http://www.infrastructure.alberta.ca/3688.htm to vote.
We can look with pride at the Provincial Royal Alberta Museum knowing it was build with union labour. Let’s work together to build another quality union landmark in downtown Edmonton.
Action Alert Calgary
Posted on Aug 02, 2011 in General News
It is important that Local 424, actively supports the efforts of all working people who want to organize into unions. By supporting actions such as this, we can build Solidarity and Brotherhood. Through active consistent support, we add to the Solidarity and Brotherhood in other locals and in the community. It’s important we’re all in this together. Please attend UBC Local 2010’s picket and Wednesday’s rally. A link to the location is at the bottom of the Alert.
Issue
20 members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners Local 2010 are on strike at Peri Formwork Systems at 29 Industry Way SE, Calgary, in pursuit of a first contract.
Actions Requested
Come to a rally in support of striking workers – and join them as often as possible on the picket line, which is running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When
Rally at 3 p.m., Wednesday, August 3, at the depot at 29 Industry Way S.E. Picket line support is welcome any time until a first contract has been secured.
Backgrounder
Workers want job safety and reasonable raises, not a three-year wage freeze
Workers at Peri Formwork Systems voted by 21-1 to join the union, but attempts to get a first contract have been fruitless. Key issues are having a safe workplace, job security and reasonable wage increases. In response, the company offers have included allowing termination without cause and a three-year wage freeze. Peri Formworks is a multinational company and has depots across Canada.
Show the workers they are not alone by joining them on the picket line. Donations of water and fruit would be appreciated.
Click here for a map to the site.
ACTION ALERT! POSTAL STRIKE
Posted on Jun 24, 2011 in General News
Issue
48,000 members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have been locked out by Canada Post and the federal government has introduced back-to-work-legislation.
Actions Requested
Help them on the picket lines in your area. In Edmonton, go to the main plant at 12135-149 Street or to the downtown plant at 9808-103A Avenue. In Calgary, join them at 1100 - 49 Avenue, N.E. In Fort McMurray, go to the Hardin Street depot, In Red Deer, go the Canada Post plant at 6010 - 67A Street. Check your local Canada Post depots for other picket lines.
When
Today and until postal workers go back to work.
Backgrounder
CUPW CALLS ON ALLIES FOR SUPPORT
Canada Post has locked out 48,000 workers across the country and the Harper government has introduced heavy-handed and one-sided back-to-work legislation in a blatant attack on the collective-bargaining rights of workers. A statement issued by the executive committee of the Alberta Federation of Labour says the federal government move “parallels the attack on public-sector unions in Wisconsin and other U.S. states, differing only in form, not in substance.” It’s time to join CUPW in their fight for workers rights by joining them on the picket lines.
Read the AFL press release and the statement from the AFL executive committee
The truth about the economy
Posted on Jun 20, 2011 in General News
Robert Reich is an American political economist who served as a very pro-union Secretary of Labour during the Clinton administration.
He knows that unions are essential to a free and democratic society and has stated, “Unionization is not just good for workers in unions, unionization is very, very important for the economy overall, and would create broad benefits for the United States”. Of course we know that the benefits of unionization extent throughout the world.
In this short clip, http://www.commondreams.org/video/2011/06/17-0 Mr. Reich, (as a political economist), explains what happens when the economy operates only in the interests of the rich and points out that a healthy, contributing middle class results in a healthy economy.
The attack on working people and the so called “middle class” Please read Mr. Reich’s article on how the right wing’s attack on working people (and our unions), is wrecking the American economy. And please understand that Canadians and Albertans are non immune to such attacks http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/06/15-2
TODAY IN WORKING HISTORY June 14th
Posted on Jun 14, 2011 in General News
June 14th 1872, Trade unions were provided with first recognition in Canadian law; however severe restrictions forced most of them from to forgo registering.
Before 1872, a combination of people to increase wages or lower working hours was seen as an obstruction to trade and commerce. In legal terms, this was called a restraint of trade and was illegal
In Canada in the late 1800s, the Nine Hours Movement campaigned for a working day of nine hours instead of the more usual eleven or twelve hours. Strikes were held in 1872 in support of the movement.
In Toronto, printers, who were members of the Typographical Society, joined the action. George Brown, editor of the Globe newspaper, opposed the printers. Brown warned the printers’ wives that the strike was bad because the men would become a nuisance at home.
Following a large demonstration in Toronto on April 15, 1872, all twenty-four members of the Toronto Printer’ Vigilance (strike) committee were arrested. The printers were charged with criminal conspiracy.
Why were the Toronto printers charged with criminal conspiracy for going on strike 1872?
The conspiracy charge arose simply because the strikers had combined together with the purpose of lowering working hours. The act of combining that is, forming a trade union, for this purpose was alleged to be illegal. In effect, the trade union was seen as a conspiracy because it had illegal purposes.
What happened to the strikers after they were charged with conspiracy?
The printers appeared in court on April 18, 1872. Their defence lawyer pleaded that the union had existed for 25 years and had been accepted by the community. The prosecutor said that combinations of labour were illegal at common law. The magistrate ruled for the prosecution that the men were guilty of belonging to an illegal body, a combination.
That same day, however, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald introduced a bill into Parliament, modeled on the British law, which freed unions from charges of conspiracy for combining to increase wages or lower hours. This bill became the Trade Union Act, 1872.
June 14th 1912, First convention of the newly formed Alberta Federation of Labour begins in Lethbridge. For a downloadable history of the Alberta Federation of Labour go to http://project2012.ca/default.asp?mode=booklets&id=7 and follow directions to download the booklet “Uniting to Change the World, the AFL 1912-2012”
Today In Labour History: June 13 1381, Wat Tyler leads March of English peasants to London
Posted on Jun 13, 2011 in General News
June13 1381, Wat Tyler leads March of English peasants to London
Life wasn’t easy for the common man in 14th century England; the term “taxed to death” was often a reality. The peasants had no legally enforceable rights and lived under the rule and control of the so-called “upper” classes who ignored the suffering of those who made up the huge majority of the population.
When a tax collector physically abused the daughter of Wat Tyler he had had enough, and, as so often happens in history, one solitary action set off a mass movement, and this one would be known as “Wat Tyler’s Revolt” read about it here http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/WatTyler
Training Centre Courses added
Posted on Jun 07, 2011 in Training
The Training Centre has decided to run courses over the Summer Months! Please find the dates below and call Tracy or Chantal at the Training Centre (780-462-5729) ASAP as they will fill up fast!
Substation Construction (Monday to Friday)
June 20-24, 2011
July 4-8, 2011
July 18-22, 2011
July 25-29, 2011
August 8-12, 2011
August 22-26, 2011
Switchgear (Monday to Friday)
June 20-24, 2011
July 4-8, 2011
July 11-15, 2011
July 18-22, 2011
July 25-29, 2011
August 8-12, 2011
August 15-19, 2011
August 22-26, 2011
Heat Trace Introduction
July 11, 2011
August 15, 2011
Heat Trace Installation
July 12-13, 2011
July 23-24, 2011
August 13-14, 2011
August 16-17, 2011
Quality Field Inspection
June 20-21, 2011
July 4-5, 2011]
July 18-19, 2011
Solar Panel Installation
June 15-16, 2011
June 29-30, 2011
AFL Kids Camp 2011
Posted on Jun 01, 2011 in Events
Brothers & Sisters
Once again IBEW 424 will be sponsoring two (2) children to go to the AFL Kids Camp at Nordegg, Alberta. Aug 8 - 12, 2011.
Ages are 8 - 11 for children and 12 - 15 for youths
The cost of the camp plus bus fare from Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, or Ft. McMurray will be covered by the Local Union.
As we did last year we will be taking applications for interested parties with siblings being paired together in the draw. Other applications will be paired together.
Please e-mail names and ages of your children to Dan Smith at [email protected]
Deadline for applications is June 14 2011
The Draw will be made on June 15, 2011.
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Update on Wisconsin: The right wing’s attack on working people.
Posted on May 25, 2011 in General News
The attack on the middle class (working people) continues. Led by right wing Republican (Conservative) governor Scott Walker, the assault on worker’s rights and collective bargaining, along with cuts to social services and education continues through a number of Republican controlled American states.
But while the attack continues, the fight back has not wavered; it is sustained by working people who believe that the purpose of government is to protect and empower its citizens. On May 14th 20,000 people rallied at the state Capitol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j5y1Z_eEdc&feature=related to protest the right wing attempt to privatize education and let the Governor know that that the fight is still on. To their credit, Wisconsinites have not let up since the fight began back in February! They know that progress comes through Solidarity and Tenacity.
At present, the original Bill (which was an outright attack on worker’s rights and collective bargaining) sits in limbo as its legality is being questioned. That doesn’t mean it will not be passed, as the Republicans may attempt to push it through by including it in the upcoming budget. The fact that it has not yet been passed is because responsible citizens are exercising their democratic rights.
Our fellow workers in Wisconsin enjoy an enviable law which allows for recall of politicians who do not act on the people’s behalf. If enough citizens sign a petition demanding recall, then the State must call a vote within 45 days. Right now, 6 Republican state senators are facing a recall vote in early July. Unfortunately, the recall law requires that the newly elected Governor cannot face a recall until next January, but there is a concerted effort to make sure a petition demanding his recall will be available in November.
Governor Walker is promoting the privatization of education, for some insight into how far the right wing agenda will go, please read,http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/05/09-8 or https://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/05/12-7
In response to the Republican (Conservative) attack on education, the Academic staff at the University of Wisconsin Superior, (which was the only campus that was not unionized), has voted overwhelmingly to join the American Federation of Teachers (not exactly what the Right wing had expected!).
People are motivated. Farmers and firemen, nurses, policemen, teachers, truckers, tradesmen and other progressive-minded citizens from across Wisconsin and across the USA are beginning to realize that in order to make progress they must unite, and act in their own best interests. Not the interests of the rich, not the interests of corporations, but in the interests of the majority of citizens; working people.
The situation and the growing response in the USA is being replayed in Europe and everywhere in western Democracies, with the economic downturn and the loss of a progressive vision, people are asking, …What kind of country do we want to live in? On what values do we want to establish our society and our government?
These are the questions we should all be asking. And we should never become complacent or feel that we are somehow immune to the Right Wing Agenda.
Today in History, May 25th 1905
Posted on May 25, 2011 in General News
Today in History, May 25th 1905: Calgary Trades and Labour Council granted charter. Although the council was first formed in 1901 it would be four years before they received a charter from the American Federation of labour (AFL)
http://www.project2012.ca/default.asp?mode=news&category=This%20Month%20In%20Labour%20History&id=30
For the role the Calgary Trades and Labour Council played in the formation of the One Big Union go to; http://nextyearcountrynews.blogspot.com/2010/03/calgary-hosts-iconic-1919-labour.html
Today in Working History : Drumheller Coal Miners May 24
Posted on May 24, 2011 in General News
May 24 1919, Drumheller coal miners begin strike, demanding recognition of the One Big Union as there bargaining agent. For more information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Big_Union_(Canada) or http://libcom.org/library/calgary-1919-birth-obu-general-strike-eugene-plawiuk
Enjoy this short video on the Winnipeg General Strike.
1921, Trial of Italian- American anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti begins. For an essay on this important piece of American labour history go to, http://writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/88/sacvan.html
The fairness of the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti has been questioned to this day. Were they guilty or were they scapegoats?
The trail brought international attention and condemnation the early part of the 20th century saw many labour battles and many martyrs to the cause of Justice; were Sacco and Vanzetti crazed anarchists or martyrs???
Enjoy a short video featuring Joan Baez singing “Heres to You”
CANADA’S SHAME:
Posted on May 19, 2011 in General News
Although it’s not always readily apparent, all work has value and dignity. However we tend to assign a greater value and dignity to those who are wealthy than we do to the low wage earners who struggle to sustain the basics of life.
The Banker and the CEO, as a result of simply being wealthier than the majority, are often assumed to be more wise and profound. And we allow them respect and “dignity”,-even when their machinations result in the greatest economic collapse since the 30s. We allow that they remain unscathed and unpunished, and we bail them out with our tax dollars. Talk about bargain priced respect and dignity!!
On the other hand, the migrant farm workers who come to Canada each year to plant, tend and harvest our food are examples of the great disparity in assigned value and worth. When it comes to dignity and respect, some people get more then they deserve and others get none!
These migrant workers, who provide us with an essential to life, are denied basic rights that other workers in Canada too often take for granted!
These people provide food! They do work that we do not want to do! Their labour gives us sustenance!
And yet, as a nation, we deny them their worth and offer them no dignity in exchange for their valued and essential labour!
Canada’s Shame; On April 29th, the Supreme Court of Canada further denied farm workers dignity and respect by ruling they have no right to organize or join a union. They are among the most exploited and abused workers in Canada and they have no right to collectively bargain with their employers! Shame!
The ruling comes five months after the International Labour organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations found Canada and Ontario guilty of violating international conventions 87, (freedom of association and protection of the right to organize) and convention 98, (the right to organize and collective bargaining on the rights of agricultural workers)**.
For more information go to “Witness to the harvest pilgrims” @
For one worker’s moving first hand account of an industrial accident and his subsequent mistreatment, go to “Estaban Interview” @
** http://www.ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2340&Itemid=316&lang=en
Is Today the Day You Die at Work?
Posted on Apr 25, 2011 in General News
The following article came from the CLC, attached to a letter from CLC’s Secretary-Treasurer Hassan Yussuff on March 17, 2011
The National Day of Mourning was established in Canada at the urging of the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984, and is now recognized in over 80 countries around the world. The 28 of April is the day that workers and unions mourn for the dead and fight for the living. On this day, we find inspiration to redouble our efforts to keep workers both safe and healthy.
Unfortunately, the annual observance of this day has not made Canada safer for workers. Over the past decades, successive governments have pledged their support to workers and their unions. They have announced new workplace health and safety laws and regulations some of the best in the world. Regrettably, the resources needed to enforce those laws have not always been provided.
In 2009, the most recent year for which we have statistics, 939 Canadians lost their lives as a direct result of their work. Canada’s workplaces have been claiming a growing number of lives every year because our health and safety laws have not been enforced. The number of fatalities is staggering, but there is opportunity for action. Special prosecutors have been appointed in “Alberta1”, Nova Scotia and in Manitoba, while in Ontario and Quebec; criminal charges have been laid, hopefully putting an end to reckless employers carrying on without consequences. We need more prosecutions to send a message.
It is the police that investigate these matters, and it is at the discretion of law enforcement officers to conclude what charges are laid if any. Provincial and territorial governments must appoint and train special Crown prosecutors to vigorously prosecute employers when their actions cause death or serious injury. It’s time for all levels of government to commit to law enforcement education and training.
As we take time to remember those who have lost their lives, have been injured, or have become ill due to their work, I ask you to call your local police chief to tell them that employers who kill need to have charges laid that result in convictions which include jail time.
It must be recognized that workers dying is not a product of neglect. Our brother and sisters losing their lives are the direct and inevitable outcome of choices made in the pursuit of profit, choices to deregulate workplaces, choices to not have safe and healthy workplaces, choices that take lives for which those responsible should be criminally prosecuted. We must stop the killing!!!!
Greetings:
The National Day of Mourning was established in Canada at the urging of the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984, and is now recognized in over 80 countries around the world. The 28th of April is the day that workers and unions mourn for the dead and fight for the living. On this day, we find inspiration to redouble our efforts to keep workers both safe and healthy.
After a quarter of a century since the official recognition of the Day of Mourning, we have achieved improved legislation, regulations, and collective bargaining provisions, but even with these achievements, a record number of workers still die from workplace causes. The slogan for the 2011 National Day of Mourning will again be “Is Today the Day you Die at Work?”
The Day of Mourning though, is also intended to focus attention on what we can do to break the silence of indifference and say enough to the suffering caused by hazardous working conditions. The IBEW was originally formed by workers who wanted to improve safety in their workplace and today, safety continues to be a main focus of our Local Unions’ mandate. This day is a tribute to those men and women who have died as a result of a workplace illness or accident and the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast.
Join us on Wednesday, April 28th, 2011, as we honour those who have lost their lives or paid with their health, commemorating workers whose lives have been lost or who have been injured in the workplace and recommit to the challenge of preventing, reducing and eliminating workplace deaths and injuries; observing this day will strengthen the resolve to establish safe conditions in the workplace for all.
While reflecting, please give a moment of silence for our fallen Brothers and Sisters and also those fallen Brothers that were reported into the First District Office in 2010 to date: Local Union 1620-St. John’s, NL member Jamie Brace who died after coming in contact with a live line while on the job; Local Union 402-Thunder Bay, ON, member Ed Bowles died from an occupational disease, mesothelioma; Local Union 353-Toronto, ON, member Kevin MacDonald who was working as a groundman was struck and killed by a TTC bus; Local Union 258-Burnaby, BC, member Brandon Beday of BC Hydro in Cranbrook died in an electrical contact accident.
In solidarity,
IVP Flemming
GET OUT AND VOTE!
Posted on Apr 19, 2011 in General News
For information on the MAY 2nd Federal election including your riding, who is running, location of polls and advance polls go to: http://www.elections.ca/home.aspx
Election Day is Monday May 2nd. Do yourself and Canada a favour, VOTE. Yes VOTE. This means you! Fellow citizen; if you’re 18 years of age or over you have a right and a responsibility to VOTE. VOTING is the most important part of the democratic process. We live in a Democracy. You are a Canadian. If you love your country, if you feel you deserve the rights and freedoms we all enjoy, if you are proud to be a Canadian, if you care about what kind of country you live in; then why would you not VOTE?
Maybe you’re one of those who have never VOTED, never taken part in the political process. - You might think “what’s the use?” or, “my VOTE doesn’t make any difference”. Then think again, - what if everyone thought like that? What if no one VOTED?”
VOTER apathy breeds contempt. We see that contempt for citizens from the legislators in some American states where low, (less than 50%) VOTER turnout has resulted in some very backward draconian anti worker/middle class legislation. Had our American brothers and sisters been active participants in the democratic process, and voted in high numbers, perhaps they would not be out on the streets today, protesting the undermining and elimination of their rights and privileges
We can all take a lesson from the American experience. We are Canadians, we won’t make that mistake. We care. We VOTE!
ON MAY 2nd
VOTE
Today in Working History: The Edmonton Free Press
Posted on Apr 12, 2011 in General News
The dates in “Today in Working History” are provided courtesy of the “Alberta Labour History Institute’s (ALHI) 2011 Calendar. For more insight and information on these important events please visit the provided links. And for more information on the invaluable work ALHI does, please visit their web site @ www.labourhistory.ca and www.project2012.ca , these sites provide a wealth of information on Alberta Labour History. Keep informed.
April 12 1919: The Edmonton Free Press, a journal of the Edmonton trades and Labour Council is first published.
For a brief article go to, http://www.edmontonhistory.ca/prelaunch/citycalledhome/remember/i_page_labour_history.php?pg=2&SSKey=9886&SectionKey=751&ScreenKey=7474
Today in Working History :Cesar Chavez March 31, 1927
Posted on Mar 31, 2011 in General News
The dates in “Today in Working History” are provided courtesy of the “Alberta Labour History Institute’s (ALHI) 2011 Calendar. For more insight and information on these important events please visit the provided links. And for more information on the invaluable work ALHI does, please visit their web site @ www.labourhistory.ca and www.project2012.ca. These sites provide a wealth of information on Alberta Labour History. Keep informed.
For more information on Cesar Chavez go to, http://clnet.ucla.edu/research/chavez/bio/
For information on the Grape Boycott and links to the United Farm Workers history, go to, http://library.thinkquest.org/26504/History.html
Also on March 31st 1949, the last major strike of The Canadian Seamen’s Union. For more information on the CSU go to, http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0001329
For more information on the strike go to, http://www.wfhathewaylabourexhibitcentre.ca/labour-history/the-1949-canadian-seamen-s-union-strike/
American workers got what they deserved
Posted on Mar 30, 2011 in General News
The following article was written by Ray Buursma, a Michigan journalist and contributor to the “Holland Sentinel and “Broadcast Union News”. His take on worker/voter apathy, and the American economy is harsh but honest. It’s a wake-up call for Canadian workers as well. There is a lesson here for all of us.
We are all in this together!
American workers got what they deserved
Are you an American employee? If so, today’s column will likely offend you. If you’d rather not be offended, read no further. If you continue and then complain, I’m sorry, but that simply proves you’re, well, stupid. But then again, stupidity plays a large role in today’s topic.
Still reading? OK. You’ve had fair warning.
So you’re an American employee. Maybe you make car parts. Maybe you’re an engineer or designer. Maybe you’re an accountant, store clerk or tradesman. Whatever you do, you’re probably stupid or lazy. Yes, I wrote it, and I mean it. You are either stupid or lazy. Maybe both.
Now, I’m not referring to your work ethic or job performance. No, most of you are competent and devoted to your profession or vocation. I’m addressing the way you view economics and employment. I’m challenging your gumption to advocate for yourself and your fellow Americans. Here’s what I mean.
Remember the Reagan standard? Are you better off today than you were a decade ago? Two decades? Three? Unless you make more than $380,000 a year, the answer is no. In fact, your standard of living over the last quarter century has actually decreased while millionaires have added 30 percent to their net wealth. Why? Two reasons.
First, hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs went overseas while the politicians you elected did nothing to stop them. Yet you continue to elect leaders who offer nothing but tax cuts, as if that would stem the flow of disappearing jobs.
Did you demand your leaders address America’s trade imbalance or continuous outsourcing of jobs? Did you demand your leaders require foreign countries to buy a dollar’s worth of American goods for every dollar of goods they sell here?
No and no. You didn’t bother. You simply crossed your fingers and prayed, “I hope my job’s not next.” You made concessions to your employer and hoped that would stem the exodus of jobs, or at least yours. How’d that work for you?
Second, you bought into the myth that unions are the cause of America’s demise. You didn’t bother to learn America became a world power when union membership was at its peak. You didn’t bother to learn America became the envy of the world while 1 of every 3 Americans was a union member.
So, how are things going for you? How do your benefits compare to a quarter century ago? Are you paying a higher or lower percentage of your income for health insurance? Does your company offer a pension plan, or do you now fund your own 401(k)?
Maybe you’re thinking, “I’m not a union worker, so this doesn’t affect me.”
Stop being stupid. Union benefits provide a standard other companies have to match, or at least come close to. When those benefits are cut, yours are, too. Or do you think you operate in your own little employment vacuum?
To make matters worse, you’re again being played for a chump. The same puppets who did nothing while your standard of living decreased are now using the oldest gimmick in the book — jealousy — to continue their assault on American workers. Rather than protect Americans’ jobs, they deflect your attention through jealousy.
“Cut the pay of government workers,” they cry. “Increase their health premiums. Decrease their pensions. Break their unions. After all, you’ve suffered so they should suffer too.” And in your misery, you buy their argument while more jobs head oversees. Pretty stupid, eh?
If their antics weren’t so pathetic, if the consequences weren’t so dire, if they didn’t prey on your stupidity, and if you didn’t buy into their convoluted reasoning, this whole situation would be laughable. But of course it’s not. I warned you I’d likely offend you, and I suspect I did. But once you overcome your anger, consider my analysis. Then, either wise up and do something about it, or resign yourself to a lower standard of living for the next decade.
Holland Sentinel
RAY BUURSMA
Specially Called Meetings
Posted on Mar 30, 2011 in Events
The Local Union will be holding Specially called information meetings to discuss and debate the new Memorandum of Agreement on the Following dates:
Fort McMurray
April 5, 2011, 8.00pm. to 11.00pm
@ The Quality Hotel and Conference Center, 424 Gregoire Drive, Ft McMurray
Calgary
April 6, 2011, 7.00pm to 11.00
@ the Calgary Hall. 3623 – 29 Street NE, Calgary
Edmonton
April 9, 2011 9.00am. to 12 noon
@ The Sands Motor Hotel, 12340 –Fort Road NW, Edmonton
All Ballots will still have to be mailed to the secure Post Office Box and will be picked up and counted April 15, 2011.
Article X Local Union 424 Bylaw Vote Results
Posted on Mar 28, 2011 in Members
Article X Local Union 424 bylaw vote results
| 300 | For |
| 58 | Against |
| 4 | Not Valid |
I.B.E.W. would like to thank all members who took time out of there day to come to the meetings and vote on this bylaw change.
This is What Happens When Nobody Votes
Posted on Mar 22, 2011 in General News
Among the thousands of protest signs carried by protesters during the ongoing demonstrations in Madison Wisconsin there were some which pretty much said it all in 7 words…
”This is what happens when nobody votes”
In a number of right wing Republican controlled states, working people and unions are under attack. Thankfully in Wisconsin, a State judge ruled that the governor grossly violated legislative procedure, and put the bill on hold, it is expected that the judge will give a final ruling on Mar. 28. Make no mistake, the battle lines between corporate interests and the rights of the people are drawn and the Wisconsin bill could very likely still get passed. It’s only being held up by the judge’s ruling.
Meanwhile the Republican governor in Michigan, along with legislation gutting union rights, is pushing through a bill which gives the authority to remove publicly elected city or town officials (including mayors and councils) who are not fiscally responsible,- replacing them with his own appointed fiscal manager!! This is not a “budget issue” this is a straightforward attack on Democracy.
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/3/9/naomi_klein_on_anti_union_bills
In Republican Ohio, Indiana, Idaho, and other right wing states there is a movement to take away the rights won by working people and their unions. If successful this movement will compromise the political process by effectively denying working people a collective voice. And its all generously funded and supported by corporate interests using multimillion dollar Ad campaigns to misrepresent the truth. For more on this corporate funded yet “grassroots” (astro-turf) Organization go to http://www.freedomworks.org/blog/jborowski/top-10-reasons-to-support-wisconsin-governor-walke and ask yourself; how grassroots is this organization?
This is what happens when nobody votes!
THERE ARE ONLY 6 U.S. STATES WITH VOTER TURNOUTS OF OVER 50%!
Can’t happen here?
In Alberta, in the last Provincial election only 41% of eligible voters cast ballots.
2011 Bargaining
Posted on Mar 18, 2011 in Members
2011 Memorandum of agreement is now posted in the members section.
The Uprising in Wisconsin
Posted on Mar 11, 2011 in General News
There’s a line drawn at the State Legislature in Madison Wisconsin. On one side of the line is the power and influence of corporate America and their Republican friends. On the other side of the line, average working citizens stand united in their struggle for workers’ rights dignity and justice.
The Governor’s election campaign was heavily funded by corporate interests, - in particular Koch Industries, the second largest privately held company in the U.S. owned by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. Koch Industries spends millions of dollars on political campaigns (Republican) and direct lobbying to influence legislation for their benefit. **
Scott Walker, the Republican State Governor, was elected in November2010 and sworn in on January 3rd 2011.Thirty nine days later on February 11th he proposed a bill to balance the state budget; the bill required unionized public employees to take roll backs in wages and benefits and the union workers agreed. It was an honest and responsible thing to do, if roll backs would help balance the budgets, then the unions were prepared to accept that.
However, also included in the bill was a clause to limit bargaining rights to wages only, and wage increases would be limited to the rate of inflation. Also the bill proposed elimination of automatic dues check off and unions would have to be re-elected every year, - by May for unions representing local government workers and by December for those representing school teachers. It was an outright attack on organized labour which would roll back more than fifty years of collective bargaining rights and eventually eliminate unions altogether.
The war on unions is not isolated to Wisconsin. Republican Governors in Ohio, Indiana, New Jersey, Iowa and New York are attempting to blame their budget troubles on “overpaid pampered public employees”. There is a concerted effort to demonize unions in the media and across the northern states, the newly elected Republicans are pushing legislation to curtail or eliminate public sector unions.
Why is this happening?
Corporations and right wing conservative Republicans have a vested interest in attacking unions. Organized labour has always supported the Democratic Party financially and most union workers vote Democrat. By demonizing unions as greedy and self serving, and enacting legislation to limit union strength, the Republicans will have cleared the way for the corporate agenda, and weakened the Democratic Party. The corporate agenda seeks to minimize costs and maximize profits. Corporations have no loyalty to a state or a nation, their major responsibility is to their shareholders and the democratic method holds no purpose to their objectives.
Like the Republicans in the U.S, Conservatives in Canada are allied with big business; both parties share a conservative ideology of individual responsibility over social responsibility, and the idea that government influence should be limited to maintaining the physical infrastructure while everything else should be privatized for profit. See http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/02/20 for George Lakoff’s article “What Conservatives Really Want” and keep in mind that Alberta’s Tory and Wild Rose Parties share the same ideology.
Follow Progress on Wisconsin AFL-CIO Blog HERE
I.B.E.W Local 424 will be selling shirts with this logo and all procedes will go to th AFL_CIO Stand with WISCONSIN Fund. Shirts will be $16.50 and at the edmonton hall the afternoon Monday March 14th
** Entertaining, informative and true, a blogger posing as David Koch called the Governor it’s interesting to note how eager Walker is to please his supposed benefactor.
Naomi Klein’s take on the cause and effect of what is happening in Wisconsin
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
*******UPDATE*******
Special 10% IBEW Discount Shen Yun Performing Arts Calgary
Posted on Feb 01, 2011 in Events
From New Tang Dynasty Television, we are proud to present the acclaimed show, Shen Yun Performing Arts, which will be at the Jubilee Auditorium (Calgary) on March 27, 28, 29, 2011, as part of a 25-country world tour.
This will be Shen Yun’s fifth year performing in Calgary. As in the others, Shen Yun will feature a live orchestra and an all new program.
Inspired by the spirit of an ancient culture, Shen Yun Performing Arts brings to life classical Chinese dance and music in a gloriously colorful and exhilarating show. With an elite company of dancers, singers, and musicians, the New York-based Shen Yun comes to Calgary on March 2011.
The company’s masterful choreography and graceful routines range from grand classical processions to ethnic and folk dances, with gorgeously costumed dancers moving in stunning synchronized patterns. Its themes are drawn from the pages of history as well as our world today.
State-of-the-art backdrops conjure celestial palaces and pastoral vistas, while groundbreaking music combines the best of Chinese and Western composition. Taking inspiration from ancient heroic legends and modern courageous tales, the breathtaking beauty of Shen Yun Performing Arts is not to be missed.
I probably have reviewed over 3,000 to 4,000 shows since1942…I will give this production five stars, That’s the top. I have never seen anything like that, I’ve seen enough Broadway shows that still cannot compare to what I saw tonight.
- Richard Connema, critic for talkin’ Broadway, USA
Ticket Hotlines: (403) 456-0350 | 456-0349
Please use ticket discount code 5008
Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary
March 27, 28, 29, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Ticket price: $200, $180, $150, $120, $110, $100, $90, $60
NEWS Bulletin from the Training Centre
Posted on Jan 19, 2011 in Training
Want to get involved in the building of Alberta’s Power Grid?
Here is how to make it happen:
The Training Centre has developed a number of courses to get you going. Starting in February we will be offering the following courses Daytime Monday to Friday.
- Substation Construction 40 Hours Max 12 Students Journeyman only
- Switchgear Testing and Commissioning 40 Hours Max 6 Students Journeyman only
How about getting into the Protection and Controls? Interested?
The following courses are designed to help you on your journey.
- Protection Skills for Electricians 40 Hours Max 25 Students Journeyman only
- Drawings and Controls 40 Hours Max 20 Students Journeyman only
Protective Relay Courses
As a Journeyman Electrician you will have to successfully complete an entrance exam or the two preliminary courses listed above. If you are a CET, PSE Journeyman or Electrical Engineer you can enter these courses directly.
- Multilin Protective Relays 40 Hours Max 6 Students
- Sweitzer Protective Relays 40 Hours Max 6 Students
Alberta Employment and Immigration has approved these programs for Employment Insurance only if you are on a claim before attending. You will not be eligible for EI if you quit a job to take this training. If you are planning on collecting EI there is a form and procedure you must follow prior to attending. This is available from the Training centre.
The courses are filling up fast so register today.
CALL TODAY: (780) 462-5729
Edmonton Oil Kings First Annual Union Appreciation Night
Posted on Jan 13, 2011 in Events
First Annual Union Appreciation Night will be here before we know it.
The Edmonton Oil Kings would like to honour local union members with the 1st annual Union Appreciation event for Union Members, where the Edmonton Oil Kings will go head to head again the Prince Albert Raiders on Saturday, January 29th at 7 p.m.
You can purchase your tickets for just $15* each (discounted from $29) in one of the following ways:
*you must state your Union and Union card Number
- By e-mail, send ticket orders to [email protected]
- By phone, call Cody Osborne at 780-409-5914
- By fax, attention Cody Osborne at 780-409-5901
Don’t forget that the deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, January 28th. So get your game face on and we’ll see you at the rink on January 29th!
With over 300 Union members from across Oil Country attending, you won’t want your members to miss out!
Labour Decision: Union security
Posted on Dec 14, 2010 in General News
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) from Local 401 fight for union security rights on behalf of ALL unions.
Old Dutch employees had been locked out and on strike since March 29, 2009. The dispute was, in part, over food safety issues, wages, benefits and job seniority matters. But, most importantly the strike was about something that is often described as “union security”.
Union security means that a union contract ensures that a union can survive and represent employees in a meaningful way. At its most basic level, it requires that employees who receive representation be required to pay their fair share of union dues. According to legislation the union is required by law to represent all employees in the bargaining unit.
Union dues enable a Union to effectively represent the membership. Without the support from dues paying members it would be very difficult if not impossible for a union to exist.
In the past unions spent a great deal of time and effort in reminding, contacting and cajoling members to pay their dues. This of course took union resources away from the actual “business” of unions (representing the Membership).
Today dues are deducted and remitted to the union by the employer (unless the member opts to make self payment while employed). This method of ensuring union security is know as the “dues check off” or the “Rand Formula”. The Rand formula is a landmark arbitration decision handed down by Supreme court Justice Ivan Rand on January 1946-following a100-day strike by Ford auto workers in Windsor Ontario.
The original formula was based on the assumption that the union is essential for all workers and must be responsible for them. The genius of Rand’s decision is that it recognizes the benefits all workers derive from collective bargaining and the inherent obligation of each member to contribute by paying union dues.
In most provinces, employers must by law, agree to include a “Rand Formula” in all collective agreements. Justice Rand ruled that union security demanded that employees represented by a union all be required to pay dues so a union could survive and because it would not be fair for anyone to “ride for free”.
In Alberta there is nothing in our labour legislation that protects or enforces the Rand Formula. At Old Dutch, the company refused to provide a Rand formula for dues check off, hoping that the UFCW local would fail to represent its members.
But the men and women of UFCW local 401 decided that they would not fail. They voted to strike, if necessary, for at least a Rand formula in their collective agreement. Before they could strike the company locked them out!
The UFCW then brought a complaint to the Alberta Labour Relations Board alleging the company had bargained in bad faith. In addition the Union argued that the Alberta Labour Relations Code was “unconstitutional” in so far as it did not guarantee that each collective bargaining agreement provide for union security through a Rand formula clause.
The UFCW argued that disallowing the inclusion of a Rand formula in the agreement would substantially interfere with collective bargaining. Collective bargaining is a Constitutional Right protected in Canada under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “freedom of association clause”. UFCW local 401 won on both arguments.
The ALRB ruled that the company was guilty of bargaining in bad faith and has also said that the law in Alberta must be reconsidered to ensure it protects employees Freedom of Association rights by enforcing a minimum Rand Formula clause.
As a result of the board’s decision Old Dutch was forced to resume negotiations and eventually agreed to a contract which included a Rand Formula.
However that is not the end of the story!!
The Alberta Attorney General has appealed the Board’s decision and a group of Old Dutch employees has asked for, and received intervener status which allows them to support the appeal. Basically “intervener status” allows an individual or a group having… “a direct interest in, or having an special expertise or insight to bring to bear on the issues facing the court” This group of Old Dutch employees is in support of the company’s stance and believe they should not have to pay union dues but still be represented by the Union. This is called “free riding” and it has no place in a union or in civilized society. Free riding is akin to not paying your fair share in taxes; a free rider would argue that because he does not own a car, the portion of his taxes that go towards building roads should be deferred even though he regularly takes the bus.
But this whole exercise by the Alberta Attorney General and the group of Old Dutch employees is not really about the “rights of the individual” versus the rights and power of the big bad Union. It’s all about Union busting plain and simple. The famously anti-union Merit Shop Association also wants intervener status in this case and that alone is cause to be concerned. And while the appeal has not yet been heard it bears careful scrutiny and attention as a decision in favor of the interveners would affect all unions across Alberta!
As this case unfolds we will keep you up to date. I would recommend that anyone interested in this type of information should regularly visit the Alberta Labour Relations Board website to view posts of their decisions. It’s an interesting place to gain insight into some of the constant union battles that are regularly brought before the Board.
Does Local 424 have talent??
Posted on Dec 09, 2010 in Events
Calling all Musicians, Singers, Comedians and all around Stars! Does Local 424 have talent??
With over 7000 members, you bet we’ve got Talent!! Well all you talented members (and you know who you are) here’s your chance. If you can sing pick, grin, spin, yodel or yuk it up - you can hit the BIGs at the 38th IBEW International Convention in Vancouver.
IBEW Talent Rules
- All participants must be IBEW members in good standing. In the case of a band or group act, at least one must be an IBEW member in good standing.
- All acts should submit a video of their performance to the International Office as part of their entry form. A team of judges will determine the top qualifying acts for each IBEW Vice Presidential district.
- The next round of competition will take place at the annual district progress meetings. Each qualifying video will be viewed and judged by participants at the contestant’s district progress meeting. See adjoining table for a list of districts and deadlines
- The winning act from each district will be invited to the 38th International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, where they will compete live at the convention picnic on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.
- The top three finishers will compete live in a final round of competition on Sept. 17, where a winner will be selected by the delegates.
Why should the folks on television have all the fun? The IBEW Has Talent, and it’s time to show off.
Click here to view the contest rules and to enter the contest.
Construction Safety Training System
Posted on Dec 08, 2010 in Training
The ACSA has released a new version of Construction Safety Training System (CSTS-09) with new video, graphics and new and updated course content.
An upgrade is being made available for those interested in upgrading their certification to the new version. All students who have completed CSTS v3.2 between Jan. 1st, 2004 and October 31st, 2010 and have an ACSA registered completion certificate will be able to take this online course free of charge.
The training is done individually and will take, on average, 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. Students who complete the upgrade course will receive a CSTS-09U certificate from the ACSA.
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ACTION ALERT! Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Posted on Nov 23, 2010 in General News
ACTION ALERT! ACTION ALERT!
At the present contribution rate the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) pays a maximum of $934.17 per month at age 65. Not everyone gets the maximum. The average payout is slightly more than $500.00. That is why the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) proposes a doubling of CPP benefits through a modest and gradual increase in contributions over seven years. Check out the plan @ www.canadianlabour.ca and calculate your CPP payment under an improved CPP.
On Dec. 19th and 20th the federal Finance Minister will meet with his provincial counterparts at Kananaskis to examine CPP reform, our Finance Minister Ted Morton is the only one who favours an independent privately run (for profit) pension plan, one that would cost more, pay less and be less portable across Canada. In short it would be on giant Tory step backwards. Tell him NO!
Take Action
Contact Ted Morton (Alberta’s Finance Minister) at www.realpensionreform.org and let him know that you support Labour’s plan to provide all working Canadians with a better retirement pension!
ACTION ALERT! Friends of Healthcare! We need your support!
Posted on Nov 23, 2010 in General News
For-profit, privatized health care is a serious threat to your health and your wallet. More for-profit, privatized health care means less public health care - something Canadians cannot afford.
Overwhelmingly, Canadians support our public health care system. But there are a small number of powerful opponents, including insurance companies, right-wing politicians and financially motivated doctors, who are trying to sabotage it. The Canadian Health Coalition is launching a major campaign to expose the dangers of (and alternatives to) private, for-profit health care in Canada. We hope you will join us!
Please go to http://medicare.ca/defend-health-care-letter and send Prime Minister Harper a letter supporting our Universal Health System. A personal letter is always more effective. You can erase the letter provided by medicare.ca and write your personal comments and concerns. Either way it’s very important that we let our elected representatives know that we support Universal Health Care!
Also visit http://www.friendsofmedicare.org/
Reminder for Specially Called Meetings
Posted on Sep 13, 2010 in Meetings
IBEW Local 424 recently sent out to all members a package containing three (3) agreements for your consideration and possible ratification. These agreements include ENMAX-SHEPARD ENERGY CENTRE PROJECT, the CONOCOPHILLIPS RESOURCES CANADA CORP SURMONT 2 PROJECT, and the HUSKY ENERGY SUNRISE THERMAL PROJECT.
To the best knowledge of the local union all other building trades have already signed off on these agreements and for this reason we do not believe the Local has any opportunity to change the terms and conditions contained in these agreements. We have seen enough of these Agreements that I don’t believe anything can be said which will change our member’s minds about the need for these Agreements. We are basically being told to accept these terms or run the risk of not being asked to participate on these projects.
As the membership has not yet had the opportunity to review how our Union conducts these types of votes, we are continuing with the practice of mail out ballots. But for those members who would like the opportunity to have their input heard and their concerns answered, we will also be conducting three (3) Specially Called Meetings throughout the province to meet these needs. The dates, times, and locations of these meetings will be as listed below:
- 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 18, 2010-Edmonton - Edmonton Union Hall - 4232-93 Street
- 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2010-Ft. McMurray - Canadian Paraplegic Association - 194 Grenfell Crescent
- 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 21, 2010-Calgary - Calgary Union Hall - 3615-29th Street N.E.
Remember ballots must be returned by September 27th, 2010
Safety Training (CSTS-09) Upgrade
Posted on Aug 26, 2010 in Training
The ACSA has released a new version of Construction Safety Training System (CSTS-09) with new video, graphics and new and updated course content.
An upgrade is being made available for those interested in upgrading their certification to the new version. All students who have completed CSTS v3.2 between Jan. 1st, 2004 and October 31st, 2010 and have an ACSA registered completion certificate will be able to take this online course free of charge.
The training is done individually and will take, on average, 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. Students who complete the upgrade course will receive a CSTS-09U certificate from the ACSA.
2011 Bargaining Survey
Posted on Aug 10, 2010 in Surveys
Brothers and Sisters:
In the members section of this website we have added a survey for our collective bargaining agreement. While our current agreement does not expire until April 30, 2011 the schedule for negotiations has already been set by government legislation. As a result of just taking office this means we have a very tight timeline to consult with our most important stakeholder, our members.
Our proposal for items to be negotiated in this round of bargaining must be put to the contractor’s committee by early September, 2010. Due to these timelines, I apologize that I am unable to involve membership to the level which we had aspired. Therefore I am asking for your assistance in completing this online survey as quickly as possible.
Once the survey results have been gathered we will go through each and every one of them and the results will be used to guide your negotiating team. I will also do a presentation at all the monthly meetings in September to update the membership on the results of the survey and the direction of the negotiating team.
I want to thank you for your understanding and your cooperation with this matter, and again urge you to return these surveys as quickly as possible so that your Bargaining Committee can rely on our memberships input to help guide them through the process.
A copy of the survey will also be mailed to you if you have already filled out the online survey there is no need to return the mail version.
Yours in Solidarity
Kevin Levy
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
Local Union 424 IBEW
Introducing Personal Benefits Life Insurance
Posted on Jul 29, 2010 in Members
****This Coverage is not mandatory and is over and above your existing coverage****
A fresh twist on your benefits program from Manulife Financial
Separate and distinct from your current benefit plan you now have access to Personal Benefits, a new way for you to help protect the things you value most – your family and your lifestyle. Personal Benefits make it easy for you to purchase life coverage from Manulife that’s affordable, portable and available to you, your spouse and your children. Since you purchase this coverage directly, it moves with you even if you change employers.
Personal Life Insurance
This benefit provides additional coverage above and beyond your Basic Group Life Insurance and allows you to choose the amount of coverage that fits your circumstances.
- Up to $25,000 of term life insurance for you and your spouse without medical information.
- A maximum of $500,000 may be purchased by providing additional medical information.
- Child Life coverage is a flat amount of $20,000 per dependent child.
Applying is easy
Applying for Personal Benefits is as easy and payments are made by credit card or pre-authorized bank withdrawal. For more information about Personal Benefits, please visit www.manulife.ca/personalbenefits/life or call the Manulife Customer Service Centre at 1-800-268-6195.
Vubiz Online Training
Posted on Jun 30, 2010 in General News
IBEW Canada in Conjunction with your Local are pleased to Announce the Renewal of 200 Prepaid Online Training Courses for You our Members and your Friends and Families.
We are pleased to announce that we have prepaid for courses covering subjects from Improving Your Listening Skills to Time Management to Back Safety to All About the Internet. A number of these courses are authored in French.
The course will be available to you and your friends and families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until May 1, 2013. That means that you have 3 years to take and retake any or all of the courses. Be sure to take advantage of as many courses as possible, we are certain that you and all of your friends and family members will find a number of courses that will address both your needs and interests.
To start your learning experience go to: http://vubiz.com/chaccess/IBEW2/
Every time that you sign on, you will need to enter
- The IBEW Password which is: IBEW2
- Your Membership Card Number: That is the number on your IBEW Membership Card for example 123456 or 123456AA or AB123456. If you do not know your Membership Card Number, you can use any unique number such as your home phone number or postal code without any spaces for example 4169492211 or L3P4R9.
- The First time that you sign on, you will need to enter a little extra information so that we can set you up.
- Membership Card Number (confirmation): This is to confirm the information that you keyed above.
- First Name: So that we can identify you properly in the system when you return.
- Last Name: So that we can identify you properly in the system when you return.
We hope that you enjoy the training and make the most of it. The value of the prepaid courses if bought individually would cost over $4,500.00. We are proud to be able to make this opportunity available to you, our members and your friends and families.
IBEW Executive Election Results
Posted on Jun 21, 2010 in General News
Here are the results for the election that closed yesterday.
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
Kevin Levy - 1550
Tim Brower - 1039
President
Dan Smith
Vice-President
James Hawreliak - 1299
John White - 1027
Recording Secretary
Dave Handley - 1027
Jerry Stepanko - 1024
John Evans - 436
There will be a recount on the position of Recording Secretary as a protest was lodged.
Treasurer
Robin Duke
Examining Board
William Papenhuzen
Ray MacNeil
Stan McNaughton
New Member Dividend Program
Posted on May 19, 2010 in Members
You should be recieving a Members Divedends Program card in the mail shortly.
Our 424 Member Dividends Program will provide you and your family with a group of companies, service providers and retailers that offer special deals and bargains for 424 members. This initiative, which will expand over time, encourages you to bring your business to these participating companies in exchange for various discounts and incentives.
AFL Kids Camp 2010
Posted on May 17, 2010 in Events
Every year, 424 has sponsored 2 children of IBEW members to attend this AFL kid’s camp. In the past we have rotated sponsorship through each of our 3 construction units.
This yeas we are looking for 2 children, hopefully siblings from Unit 1 in Edmonton.
If you have children between the ages of 8 to 15. Please contact President Dan Smith @ [email protected] application deadline Friday, June 11th , 2010.
AFL Kids Camp is a 5-day program — running August 9-13 — that combines summer activities with educational activities.
The Rapid Site Access Program (RSAP) is a voluntary alternative to site access testing
Posted on Mar 31, 2010 in General News
Members who choose to opt in agree to comply with the Canadian Model and the RSAP Procedural Rules, which includes agreeing to be random tested while employed on participating sites.
In return, participating members who take a dispatch to a participating site proceed directly to the job without having to submit to a site access test. Managed by third party case administration, RSAP expedites dispatch, enhances privacy, helps to ensure compliance with the Canadian Model, and, ultimately, improves safety performance.
This is optional and will benefit some members while others will prefer to not register in this program. The choice is yours.
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