LTD Recalc Arbitration…

After several years making it’s way through the grievance procedure, and over a year of waiting for a decision after a hearing that was held in 2011, we have finally received the arbitrators award on the recalculation of Long Term Disability Insurance benefit grievance.

For those of you that don’t recall what the issue was… and I can’t blame anyone for forgetting…..

In 2008 we negotiated changes to the language that specifies how people on LTDI have their benefit level recalculated. Changes to both the frequency of updates and the formula used for the updates, were made. Then in May 2009 employees qualified for a wage increase. (even though most were laid off and only a handful were working because of the indefinite curtailment) We inquired whether the employer had done the recalculations for those currently receiving LTDI benefits, and if not yet, when were they to be done? The employer’s response was that only those individuals who went onto LTDI after the agreement came into effect in December 2008 would be having their benefits recalculated using the new language.  We launched a grievance and now have our answer.

The Arbitrator found that the changes negotiated should apply to both groups of LTDI employees. Not just those who went onto benefits after the 2008- 2012 collective agreement was signed, but also those that were already on benefits before the agreement.

We still have many details to work out with the employer, but it does look like we’re getting closer to having the adjustments made. We will keep people updated as we work through the process.

 

CEP Construction/Maintenance shutdown Job Openings – 2013

For anyone that may be looking for work there are a number of job postings listed here.

They are mostly for trades, but there is sometimes labouring and equipment operator work.The list gets updated quite frequently, so check back regularly.

If you know anyone who is interested, let them know.

Would you pay for something you’ll never get? Certainly doesn’t seem to bother Hydro…

 The Consumers always foot the bill – So Hydro just continues to pay ….?

After 6 months of negotiations, Capital Power continues to demand contractual concessions from it’s workers.
Now Capital Power has ratcheted up the pressure on workers at Island Generation by locking them out!
The local management group is in the plant. They have hired a security firm to videotape the locked out workers every move.  But it’s what management are doing hidden in the plant that should concern people!

They say they intend to try starting and operating the plant if they get the call from BC Hydro.

None of the management group at the facility has had formal training on the safe operation of the equipment so the mere notion of management employees starting up the plant on their own is frightening.

So why would management risk damaging the equipment and put their own personal safety in jeopardy?

It appears that if Capital can convince BC Hydro they have a fully operational plant, ready to supply power when required, Hydro is obligated to pay Capitol $millions$ each month as per the existing agreement.

However, if the Island Generation facility isn’t available, BC Hydro’s agreement gives them financial relief. Hydro doesn’t have to pay – instead, that money could be reallocated to any of the other infrastructure improvement projects being undertaken by Hydro around the province.

Certainly BC HYDRO can’t believe that 4 untrained managers can safely operate this 275 MW Power Generation Facility and guarantee their contractual obligations?   So why would they continue to pay?

As you will notice, the Elk Falls Workers site has been re-purposed to help CEP 1123 workers circulate information about their current labour dispute.

Historically, Local 1123 and it’s members have had their fair share of experience when it comes to lockouts or strikes.  When we had over 1000 members taking turns walking the picket line, and the largest employer in town no longer producing, everyone in town was aware of what the issues were.   And they were always concerned about finding a way to get the parties back to the table and   There were many competing interests, but they all worked to find resolve to the outstanding issues. so we could all get back to work.

The current dispute with Island Generation is different in many ways.

The picket line is at the entrance to the facility on Orange Pt road, only visible to those in the neighborhood who drive that route.  Out of sight – Out of mind.

There are 14 members locked out, so they are required on the picket line for as many hours each week as they would normally work. 14 people on a picket line has a very minor financial impact the community so other parties resist getting involved – Not my problem – I’m OK.

But the biggest difference is Island Generation continues to be paid by BC Hydro. The 4 managers from the plant insist they are capable of operating the facility, and Hydro doesn’t appear to be calling their bluff.
With no financial impact to Island Generation there is little incentive to return to the table. How long will Hydro continue to pay for a facility that isn’t available. Consumers need to ask them why they are paying and why they are helping the employer try to extract concessions from the employees?

The 1123 members on the line are solid in their resolve, they will not to bullied into giving concessions.
They will be on the line for as long as it takes, so any way you could show support would be appreciated.
Whether dropping off a few sticks of firewood or just stopping by for a visit – It all helps…

CEP 1123 members Locked Out…

The 14 remaining active CEP 1123 members who work at Island Generation were locked out at 5:00 am today by their employer Capitol Power.

Negotiation for a new collective agreement have been underway since April. The employer is asking the members to strip parts out of the collective agreement that have been in place throughout the industry for years.

The CEP members have been in a legal strike position since Sunday, however had postponed job action and instead applied to the LRB for mediation in an effort to resolve the outstanding issues. Despite agreeing to not lock members out until the mediation option was explored, the employer chose to renege on that and send the 14 members to the street.

Arbitrator rules on who gets retiree benefits…

A few months ago we won an arbitration in which it was ruled that people who were 55 or older when they were severed from Catalyst, qualified for retiree benefits as well. The Union took the position that everyone 55 or older should qualify, and the Company contended that only those individuals who retired immediately after being severed would get the retiree benefits. We were back in front of the Arbitrator on Monday, asking him to clarify who was eligible to receive retiree benefits.
He issued his award today, and unfortunately we were not successful in our bid to have everyone get all retiree benefits.
The award essentially divides people effected into 3 categories.

1) Anyone who retired within the first 8 months following getting their severance would qualify for all retiree benefits (MSP, Extended Health, and Pop-up Bridging).

2) People who retired later than 8 months after receiving severance, but before the initial award was released (May 3, 2012) will receive retiree medical benefits only (MSP, Extended Health, but not Pop-up Bridging)

3) People that didn’t retire before the initial award was released do not qualify for any retiree benefits.

Because Catalyst has just emerged from CCAA, there will be no retro-activity for retiree benefits, they will be implemented as soon as possible on a going forward basis.

Because the award is full of personal details I will not be posting it, but will be contacting effected people to let them know their status.

Catalyst set to exit CCAA…….

I have been told that Catalyst expects to exit CCAA tomorrow (Sept13). There are still a few outstanding issues that need to be resolved for members from Elk…
We are still waiting on a ruling about LTD payment increases for members who were on LTD prior to the signing of the 2008 collective agreement. And there are still issues over eligibility of members to get bridging/medical if they didn’t apply for pension immediately upon leaving Catalyst.
Hopefully now that the CCAA is completed, we can get these resolved sooner rather than later.

Court approves sale of Elk Falls site….

On Aug 28th the courts approved the sale of the Elk Falls mill site land and assets to Pacific Deep Sea Terminals. The closing date of the sale to Pacifica has been pushed back to September 19th so that Schnitzer Steel has more time to wind up the salvage they are currently doing and get off site.

Interestingly, the #5 Paper machine assets that are still there are excluded from the sale,(the amchine – not the building) and the entire Kraftmill (limeplant, recaust, recovery, TG, Digesters and washers) is listed as excepted from the deal, meaning that if Catalyst can sell it, they will split the proceeds with the new owners.

The sales agreement is online: anyone interested in reading it can ClicK Here