Local Happenings

Workers at GardaWorld join Unifor Local 1-S

posted May 17, 2018, 4:17 PM by Gail Sawatzky [ updated ]

The approximately 90 GardaWorld workers from the Regina Airport have joined Unifor and will become a separate bargaining unit within Local 1-S. These workers work in variety of positions throughout the Airport and are currently in the process of negotiating their first collective agreement between Unifor and their employer.

Welcome GaraWorld members!

Nominations are currently under way for the positions of Chief Steward, Steward and Occupational Health and Safety Representative.

Details

Bylaw Review - FAQ

posted May 3, 2018, 7:58 AM by Greg Olson [ updated May 11, 2018, 4:46 PM by Gail Sawatzky ]

1. Why is the local in violation of the constitution by charging flat rate dues?

The National requires for each member to be charged at least 1.35% in union dues. For some of our members, our flat rate dues works out to as much as 4% and as little as 1.18% for others. In order to comply with the constitution and use a flat rate dues amount, the local would need to determine the highest wage earner and calculate 1.35% of their wage.

A bylaw proposal was submitted by a member to change the dues structure to percentage based. The membership will decide whether or not to change, and the local will either continue with flat rate or change to a percentage based on the outcome of the vote. While the National has the authority to force us to comply with the constitution, there is no indication they will force us to change our due structure. However, it is important to understand, the National could force us to change at any time.

For more information regarding the change to percentage dues bylaw see - Percentage Dues Sheet

2. If dues changed to a percentage amount, what would they be charged on?

Dues would be charged on your regular wages only. They would not be charged on over-time or any other bonuses or pay-outs.

3. Bylaw Proposal 15 – Members appointed to positions cannot fill roles of elected positions. Does this mean someone cannot run for a position?

Members are always able to run for any position. The intent of this proposal is a member appointed to a position cannot back-fill for roles of elected positions.

4. Bylaw Proposal 4 - Would the tabled officers have voice and vote?

An ex-officio member is someone who holds a membership on a board or committee by virtue of being an elected official or holding some office or position. They would have the same rights and privileges as any other member of the board or committee. Currently the President is an ex-officio member of all committees.

5. Bylaw Proposal 8 - Do the compensation committee recommendations need to be approved by the membership?

The recommendations of the committee must be ratified at a General Membership meeting.

6. Bylaw Proposal 10 - What is plurality, what are we currently doing, and what is the difference?

Currently chief steward positions are elected by plurality (the person receiving the highest number of votes is elected, not necessarily a majority). Tabled Officer posistions are elected requiring the winner to have majority (50%+1) vote. If this does not happen on the first ballot, a run-off election with the two candidates with the highest number of votes is held.
The proposal is to change the election process so it is the same for all positions. The member submitting the proposal suggested the plurality method. This proposal elminates the need for run-off elections.

7. Bylaw Proposal 16. Who is the executive as referred to in this proposal?

In this case the executive refers to the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Chief Stewards.

8. What is the difference between Tabled Officers and Executive Board?

Tabled Officers are the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Executive Board is comprised of the Tabled Officers and Chief Stewards.

| Attachments: Unifor 1-S Percentage Dues Sheet.pdf

Bylaw Review Proposal Package and Voting Schedule

posted May 1, 2018, 3:57 PM by Greg Olson [ updated May 10, 2018, 8:49 PM ]

* Please note - the voting location for Moose Jaw has been updated

The Bylaw Review Proposal Package is available on the Membership Database website: https://members.uniforlocal1s.ca

If you need help logging into the Membership Database, please contact the office.

If you have any questions about the bylaws, please contact any of the committee members. The Bylaw Review Committee consists of Greg Olson (chair), Gail Sawatzky, Tara Bast, Kyle Lakness, Karla Hurst, David Owens, Maryann Federko, and Ali Chowdhury.

The voting schedule is:

Regina

May 14 & 15

11:00 – 4:30 and 6:30 – 10:00

Unifor 1-S Local Office,

3525 Pasqua St

Saskatoon

May 16

11:45 – 1:15

DirectWest Board Room

17-2220 Northridge Drive

Yorkton

May 16

5:00 – 8:00

Home Inn and Suite

506 Broadway St. W.

Estevan

May 17

3:00 – 7:00

Days Inn

1305 9^th Street

Weyburn

May 22

3:00 – 7:00

Canalta

1360 Sims Ave

Swift Current

May 23

3:00 – 7:00

Home Inn and Suites

1411 Battleford Trail East

Moose Jaw

May 24

3:00 – 9:00

Heritage Inn Hotel

1590 Main St N

Bargaining Update - SecurTek – January 25, 2018

posted Jan 28, 2018, 5:08 PM by Gail Sawatzky

As per the Saskatchewan Employment Act, notice to begin bargaining must be served by either the employer or the Union 60 days prior to the expiration of the Collective Agreement. As you’ll recall, the SecurTek Collective was extended for 1 year from March 19, 2017. This meant the new expiration date would be March 19, 2018.

Notice to bargain for the March 19, 2018 contract needed to be given by January 18, 2018. This notice was not given by either party which extends the contract by another year. The new expiry date for the SecurTek Collective Agreement will be March 19, 2019. All benefits and language in the Collective Agreement will remain as is.

In solidarity

Your Bargaining Committee

Bargaining Update - DirectWest – January 25, 2018

posted Jan 28, 2018, 5:04 PM by Gail Sawatzky

As per the Saskatchewan Employment Act, notice to begin bargaining must be served by either the employer or the Union 60 days prior to the expiration of the Collective Agreement. As you’ll recall, the DirectWest Collective was extended for 1 year from March 19, 2017. This meant the new expiration date would be March 19, 2018.

Notice to bargain for the March 19, 2018 contract needed to be given by January 18, 2018. This notice was not given by either party which extends the contract by another year. The new expiry date for the DirectWest Collective Agreement will be March 19, 2019. All benefits and language in the Collective Agreement will remain as is.

In solidarity

Your Bargaining Committee

Elections for Executive Positions in Local 1-S

posted Aug 14, 2017, 9:17 AM by Gail Sawatzky [ updated Aug 14, 2017, 10:15 AM ]

The process has begun for the election of several executive position in the Local.

This year elections will be held for the positions of:

Vice President;
Recording-Secretary;
Chief Stewards:

A - Head Office floors 10 - 13
C - Head office Floors 5 & 6
E - Locations in 1825 & 1855 Lorne Street
F - Customer Support Centre (Henderson Drive)
K - 2133 - 1st Ave (CST/FT and District Locations)
M - Yorkton and District

The nomination and elections for Vice-President and Recording-Secretary will be held consecutively followed by the Chief Steward nominations and elections.

Additional information can be found on at: Upcoming Elections

Questions can be directed to any member of the Election Committee.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

posted Jun 2, 2017, 10:25 AM by Gail Sawatzky [ updated Jun 23, 2017, 10:17 AM ]

PENSION SETTLEMENT FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED ON A NON-PERMANENT BASIS

BETWEEN MAY 29, 1981 AND JUNE 30, 1992

If you were employed with SaskTel on a non-permanent or part-time basis between May 29, 1981 and June 30, 1992, please continue reading this as you may be entitled to settlement funds.

You may be entitled to settlement funds if:

• you were employed on a non-permanent or part-time basis by SaskTel during the time period mentioned above
• you were not aware of your option to participate in the Public Employees’ Pension Plan (“PEPP”) during that time
• had you been aware of your option to participate in PEPP, you would have done so.

If you believe the above may apply to you or if you have any questions regarding the above, please get in touch with the union as soon as possible for further information. The Union will be sending out application packages at the end of June, whereby individuals may apply to receive settlement funds. The deadline for receipt of completed applications by the union from individuals is September 30th, 2017. Any individuals who submit applications after that date will not be eligible for settlement funds.

By way of background, the Union filed a grievance relating to the above mentioned pension issues and a settlement with SaskTel was reached. SaskTel entered into the settlement with the Union without admitting any liability. SaskTel expressly denied and continues to deny the validity of the union’s grievance and any liability to the union or its members.

Prior to reaching the settlement, the Union saw evidence that SaskTel had communicated in various ways with non-permanent and part-time employees regarding their right to participate in PEPP. The Union also saw evidence that some non-permanent and part-time employees did choose to participate in PEPP. Having seen the employer’s evidence, the Union determined that the settlement was a reasonable compromise of its grievance. For more information, please contact the union as set out above.

If you have questions or believe you may be eligible please contact:

Greg Olson

3525 Pasqua St.

Regina, SK S4S 7G9

(p) (306) 791-2472

(f) (306) 779-1210

parttimepensions@uniforsaskcouncil.ca

Chief Steward H Election

posted Apr 3, 2017, 12:15 PM by Gail Sawatzky [ updated Jun 2, 2017, 10:09 AM ]

Carrie Bearss was the successful candidate for the position of Chief Steward for Group H.

Congratulations Carrie!

The current Chief Steward for Group H, representing members at 2133 1st Ave, Regina, has stepped down and there will be a election held for the remainder of the 2015 - 2018 term.

Voting will happen from noon on May 11, 2017 to noon on May 25, 2017.

The election will be held following that date electronically using Election Buddy - members of the group should watch their email for information on the nomination process as well as the voting process to follow.

Questions can be directed to the Election Committee:

Rick Ostlund

Dawn Thomas-Cameron

Sheryl Spence

Nomination Information

Carrie Bearss David Owens

Nominee for Job Evaluation Rater position - two year term

posted Jan 24, 2017, 5:51 AM by Gail Sawatzky

The six JE (Job Evaluation) rater positions are up for renewal.

Specifics of the position:

2 year term
Committee meets approximately 1-2 days a month to rate the submitted jobs;
Significant prep time could be required to review, challenge & rate the documentation submitted by the incumbent;
Internal position for members of union;
Committee members consist of members from all three of the SaskTel locals

If interested in the position please submit:

Your name
A history of your union involvement
Anything else you would like to be considered in the selection process

The bargaining committee will review submissions from Local 1-S, Local 2-S and Local 3 and select the members that will be on the committee

Deadline for submission: February 1, 2017

Send an email to secretary@uniforlocal1s.ca with your details or if you have any questions.

Local 1-S 2015 Annual Report

posted Dec 8, 2016, 7:28 AM by Gail Sawatzky

The 2015 Annual Report is now available to members.

Information contained in the report includes:

President's Message
Unifor Principles & Objectives
Executive, Chief Steward and Committee Reports
Secretary-Treasurer's Message
Financial Statements

See members.uniforlocal1s.ca for the complete report.