Update Aug 26, 2012

 

We are now CAW!!

I don’t think that it is a secret anymore that we have been successful with our transition to the CAW. It was a long road and a long struggle. There were many obstacles placed in our way, However we managed to push our way through.

However, now is not the time to sit back and rest. We must press on with our success. There are still challenges ahead and they must be met head on. All of you have shown 100% support, and that support will carry the day.

There were a number of conditions that had to be agreed to prior to the dispute being settled.

1. The CAW had to agree that we as officers are required to monitor other associates and report violations. In a nut shell we had to agree that we have a greater responsibility to the employer than we do to other unionized and non unionized associates.

2. Condition number 2 was that if in the event that CAW is successful in future with unionizing the rest of the facility, we would maintain separate Bargaining Units and Bargaining Committees. This was seen as a non issue as CAW has not been successful to date.

3. Condition # 3 was that there would be no bargaining until after Sept 10^th. I can’t speak to the companies requirement for this, However for the CAW it gives them time to get things together. They area also currently bargaining Auto Sector Deals not to mention a very large merger going on as well.

Once those Items were agreed to the document was signed and then forwarded to the OLRB for the official award.

CN Group Grievance – Health and Safety

Recently a group grievance was filed regarding 3 alleged work refusals. The health and safety committee has conducted an investigation. Our Director has made arrangements for the Chief Steward and myself to view the tapes of the incident. The resolution to this grievance is still ongoing as their appears to be two versions of events . Hopefully the tape will shed some light on which one is correct.

Health and Safety Rep.

Our Health and Safety Rep is now in the process of getting certified. Emilio Lupia will be taking part 1 of his Health and Safety Certification in the near future.

Outstanding Grievances

I have entered into discussions with the employer and the CAW regarding outstanding grievances. From the Union side OPSEU will be forwarding all grievances to the CAW. The Employer is compiling a list of grievances that they have as well. I have already secured Union Leave for myself and the Chief Steward (dates to be determined) so that we can go over and asses the grievances.

Meeting with HR

I am pressing to carry on with an initiative that was originally started by the employer. Human Resources originally suggested that informal meetings between HR and the Union. I am in the process of scheduling informal meetings with them, to discuss issues that could avoid future grievances and to address problems that may not be grievances at all. I look forward to these meetings and I hope that they are productive.

Till next time,

Jack Profijt.

Update Aug. 6 2012

I haven't posted anything for a while, I have been a little busy with things. There is a OLRB hearing on the 13th of August in Toronto, I will be attending this. It is the first day of a set of 4 days that we will be trying to resolve the Conflict of Interest and Section 68 application (transition of Unions). The employer Is calling our director and his boss to give evidence, we will have an opportunity to cross examine testimony.
We have filed a Group Grievance on what the union believes were 3 work refusals (Occupational Health and Safety Act) over a three day period at the CN site. If any one has any info on this I would be happy to hear it.
I have put forward a request to the employer for an LMC meeting, we have not been able to solidify a date as of yet but that is on going. I don't know what the employers agenda items are yet. Our items are going to center on the on going problems at the CN site. One of the top issues we will be discussing is the significant number of officers that are on different types of accommodations. The focus for the union will be to find out if there is contributing factor in the workplace and if there is to press the employer to fix the situation.
I have heard that there are rumours of a shift bid, I have not been spoken to at all about any such thing. It is possible, however until I hear it directly from the Director, as far as am concerned they are just rumours.
There are a number of grievances for terminated officers that are still ongoing, as always the employer is being difficult.
As for recent days off that have come available, a set will not be posted pending the out come of a termination grievance. Others I'm sure will go up at some point in the near future, I do not have a specific date.
That is all I have for now, I apologize for not posting more often, i will try to do so in the future.

Out of town.

Just to let everyone know I will be unavailable from 5pm today until sunday evening. I am on military exercise and well be unable to respond to emails, texts or phone calls. If there are pressing matters that need to be addressed contact the CAW hall, during business hours.
Jack
Jack Profijt,
Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Notice of Barganing team nominations.

Today I placed a notice in your personal files. The notice is to inform you all that we are pressing ahead with Bargaining Team nominations. The notice is in a brown envelope in your files. Follow the direction on the notice, of there are any questions I will answer them if I can.

The following is from Steve McMullen, Chairperson Election Committee, CAW local 199

The nomination box will open on Tuesday, March 6 2012 at 9 am and close on Tuesday March 13, 2012 at 4:00 pm. Nomination box and forms will be available at the CAW union hall 124 Bunting Road, St Catharines.
Election, if necessary, will be held the week of March 19th. Date, time and place to be determined.
Anyone elected to a position, must attend at least two (2) General Membership meetings in a three month period or will be removed from office pursuant to local union bylaws.

Jack Profijt
Jack Profijt,
Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Short up date

There have been a number of you asking about union cards and the bargaining team. The union cards will be signed at such time that CAW has officially taken over the time frame for that remains to be seen. Plans are underway for getting a bargaining team in place.The CAW does things differently and in my view more effectively then the previous union. We are working out locations and times on where and when to have the vote. All indications are that we hope to have that worked out by the end of this week. There is no word yet on the transition between the unions. I will keep you posted on that.
Jack Profijt,
Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Fw: General Membership Meeting please read below.

I apologize if you are getting this twice.
------Original Message------
From: Jack Profijt
To: Jack Profijt
Subject: Gaeneral Memberrship Meeting
Sent: Feb 7, 2012 9:06 AM

Alright let's try it this way

General Membership Meeting

There is a membership meeting scheduled on Thursday Feb 9th at the spring
street legion. I apologize for the short notice.

CAW has called a meeting to discuss the happening of the past couple of
weeks and so that the members can ask them questions directly.

Location The spring street legion

Time 8:45, am 1 Pm and 5 pm

Again I apologize for the short notice.

Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Union Buisness
Union Cell 905-650-7950
Union BBM pin 208CFF52
jprofijt.loc278pres@rogers.blackberry.net

Its CAW

We are officially now CAW let the fun begin
Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Union Buisness
Union Cell 905-650-7950
Union BBM pin 208CFF52
jprofijt.loc278pres@rogers.blackberry.net

Fw: Mandatory Generic Drugs

Good Morning Jack,
 
In response to the question from one of our Security Officers regarding their child's medication, the Mandatory Generic Policy would apply to the Associate:
 
-          If a generic dug is not available for the prescribed medication, the plan will cover the full cost of the brand name drug.
-          If a generic drug is available for the prescribed medication, the plan will reimburse up to the cost of the generic drug only even if the doctor writes no substitute on the prescription.
-          If the Associate chooses to purchase the brand name drug, they would be responsible for the difference in price between the brand name and the generic drug.
-          If the doctor believes that there is a chance of an allergic reaction due to an inactive ingredient in the generic drug or other efficacy related concerns with the generic drug, the Associate may be able to request a special review of his/ her situation.
 
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
 
 

 
 
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Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Notice of Representation Vote

Notice of Representation Vote

Casino Niagara NUPGE/OPSEU members

Date: Friday, January 20, 2012

Location: Lakes Rooms, 2nd Floor

(signs will be posted)

Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls

6361 Fallsview Boulevard

Niagara Falls, Ontario

There will be three (3) separate presentation sessions during the day.

Each presentation session will consist of 10-minute presentations from each of

the following unions: CAW-Canada, Teamsters Canada, and UFCW Canada

(not necessarily in that order). A representation vote will follow after
each session.

Presentation Sessions: 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.

All members will be eligible to vote anytime between the hours of 9:00 a.m.
and 6:00 p.m. at the above location.

Contact: Michael MacIsaac, Executive Director, Canadian Labour Congress

Email: executive-director@clc-ctc.ca

Casino vote Notice from CLC

jim storin - steward

Good day,
To better serve the members of the local and until such time that an election can be held I have appointed Jim Storin as an interim Union Steward.

Please forward this information to the appropriate positions.
Jack Profijt, President Local 278
Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Union Buisness
Union Cell 905-650-7950
Union BBM pin 208CFF52
jprofijt.loc278pres@rogers.blackberry.net

Page 1 of 1.jpg

Health and safety Rep.

The union is currently looking for a new Health and Safety Representative.
The position require that the candidate become Certified in Health and Safety. This position is a two year post, and the certification remains with you if you leave the post or the company. Typically speaking there are meetings once per month, and as required. You will be a primary point of contact for Health and safety concerns.
If there any interested parties please let me know.
If there is only one suitable candidate that person will be acclaimed to the position and there will be no vote.
The position will take effect on Jan 12, 2012.

Jack Profijt, President Local 278
Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Union Buisness
Union Cell 905-650-7950
Union BBM pin 208CFF52
jprofijt.loc278pres@rogers.blackberry.net

Health and Safety Committee Rep.

MEMO

From: Jack Profijt, President Local 278
To: unionize officers
Cc: Richard Paris, Joe Baldinelli, ken Conhiser
Date: Jan 6 2012

Subject: Health and Safety Representative

The union is currently looking for a new Health and Safety Representative.
The position require that the candidate become Certified in Health and Safety. This position is a two year post, and the certification remains with you if you leave the post or the company. Typically speaking there are meetings once per month, and as required. You will be a primary point of contact for Health and safety concerns.
If there any interested parties please let me know.
If there is only one suitable candidate that person will be acclaimed to the position and there will be no vote.
The position will take effect on Jan 12, 2012.

Jack Profijt, President Local 278

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Update.

I contacted Michael MacIsaac of the CLC today. He informed me that there are three affiliate union that are interested in representing our local. Those unions are CAW, Teamsters and UFCW.  Mr. MacIsaac will be contacting the affiliate unions tomorrow (Jan 5) and will discuss with them the options that are open to them with arranging information meetings for the members. After Mr MacIsaac has had discussions with them he will be contacting me again to discuss dates and times.

 

 Two options were discussed on how to arrange meetings for the members. The Typical 9am, 1pm, and 5pm format was suggested and each union would be able to give a 10 or 15 minute presentation at each of those times. This option can be more structured and more people get the same information at the same time.

 

The second option is that each union arrange a meeting space on the same date from 7am to 7pm and have people wander in at their own time to ask questions.  This option is less structured but it allows for people to come on their own. 

 Each union will be given the opportunity to provide members with their own literature prior to the meetings. This literature will be made available to all members in their files over the next couple of weeks. I will also make efforts to create electronic copies.

 

Once we have the meetings Mr MacIsaac suggested that we have the vote for our union of choice on the same day right after the meetings.  Once the choice is made this process will move to the Ministry of Labour and our bargaining rights will be transferred to the new union.

 

The time frame that we are looking at is tentatively two weeks, provided everything runs smoothly.  Once the dates, times and format of the meetings has been determined   with the cooperation of all 4 unions involved I will forward that info asap.
Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Union Buisness
Union Cell 905-650-7950
Union BBM pin 208CFF52
jprofijt.loc278pres@rogers.blackberry.net

Update - Finally moving

I contacted Michael MacIsaac of the CLC today. He informed me that there are three affiliate union that are interested in representing our local. Those unions are CAW, Teamsters and UFCW.  Mr. MacIsaac will be contacting the affiliate unions tomorrow (Jan 5) and will discuss with them the options that are open to them with arranging information meetings for the members. After Mr MacIsaac has had discussions with them he will be contacting me again to discuss dates and times.

 

 Two options were discussed on how to arrange meetings for the members. The Typical 9am, 1pm, and 5pm format was suggested and each union would be able to give a 10 or 15 minute presentation at each of those times. This option can be more structured and more people get the same information at the same time.

 

The second option is that each union arrange a meeting space on the same date from 7am to 7pm and have people wander in at their own time to ask questions.  This option is less structured but it allows for people to come on their own. 

 Each union will be given the opportunity to provide members with their own literature prior to the meetings. This literature will be made available to all members in their files over the next couple of weeks. I will also make efforts to create electronic copies.

 

Once we have the meetings Mr MacIsaac suggested that we have the vote for our union of choice on the same day right after the meetings.  Once the choice is made this process will move to the Ministry of Labour and our bargaining rights will be transferred to the new union.

 

The time frame that we are looking at is tentatively two weeks, provided everything runs smoothly.  Once the dates, times and format of the meetings has been determined   with the cooperation of all 4 unions involved I will forward that info asap.


Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Union Buisness
Union Cell 905-650-7950
Union BBM pin 208CFF52
jprofijt.loc278pres@rogers.blackberry.net

Health and Safety rep.

The local is looking for a new Health and Safety rep. You will receive training for this spot and you will become a Certified health and Safety rep. Anyone that is interested please let me know. If there is enough interest, we will have an election for the position.

Jack
Jack Profijt, President OPSEU Local 278

Home 905-988-1068
Cell 905-321-2374
jprofijt@cogeco.ca

Union Buisness
Union Cell 905-650-7950
Union BBM pin 208CFF52
jprofijt.loc278pres@rogers.blackberry.net