Local News

Notes from the Manager  
September 30, 2009  

Hello Brothers and Sisters. The summer, if we can call it that, is zooming by and I just wanted to bring you up to speed on everything that has been happening in and around Local 527. I am pleased to be able to report that we are still an oasis in Ontario for work and have not suffered from the recession that has affected many of our Sister Locals. There are still many bad news stories here because of plant closings and market downturns but a lot of the programs put in place over the years to diversify our market share have helped us weather the storm. I won’t pretend that projects like the Bruce restart and the Halton Hills Generating Station have not helped immensely but I believe that over the years companies look at investing in our area because we have a solid history of delivering projects on time and on budget.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to congratulate those members working on the Halton Hills project for giving the building trades and especially the United Association a success story that they can use as an example for future clients.

We have many challenges as we head forward into bargaining and as new and exciting projects break ground here in our area. As I have told you previously we have been successful in convincing contractors and owners to look at the UA as their first choice for labour and that should bode well as we develop new industries and new technologies in this area. In addition, as our cities grow new and expanded markets become available for our members to showcase their talents and training. You are all aware that next spring we will be renewing our collective agreements in the ICI, EPSCA and pipeline sectors as well as next fall will see our Fabrication Agreement come up for renewal. As your Business Manager I am ready and eager to represent you on these agreements to ensure that the needs and interests of Local 527 do not take a back seat to anyone.

I have been elected to sit on ICI bargaining this coming round and have also been appointed to a committee to look at new ways to encourage the interests of our fabrication shops and how they can help us secure projects in the future.

I will also be at the forefront of EPSCA bargaining as the Bruce Project continues to be the premier project in our nuclearindustry in Ontario. Our Canadian Director has seen fit to appoint me to represent Ontario on the Canadian UA/MCA Labour Relations Committee and that committee has developed the disciplinary process to put teeth into the Standard for Excellence that has been approved by the Strategic Planning Committee. In addition that committee is charged with fostering relations between the UA and the MCA to find new and better ways to increase market share for our members and our signatory contractors. And I must be honest the time spent on these many projects and committees only makes sense if it translates into jobs in the future for the members of the UA but more specifically the good members of Local 527 who the officers of this Local work for.

Speaking of jobs for the future, the ground has been broken for our training addition and it is moving along very well. Most of the contracts have been let and the work is proceeding forward to ensure that we have the facilities in place to ensure that Local 527 stays at the forefront of training and technology in our industry. I feel confident that the centre will be open on schedule and on budget to deliver the top-notch programs that our training department has asked for and deserves. So enjoy the rest of your summer and take note of the many announcements in thisnewsletter about upcoming events and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Fraternally yours,
John Germann, Business Manager

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