Cody Wells, Kiel Tassell, Daniel Beauregard, Dan Shoults, Riley Gibson, Ed Fraser, Cory Boyd, and Ken Grainger in attendance for the Executive.
Daniel gave the yearend financial report for 2018 as well as expenses in December and gave the Investment report. Accepted as read.
Riley gave the grievance and arbitration report for all of 2018 that himself and Curtis put together. Announced two arbitrations coming up in February and March. Had a discussion on the letter of understanding with the company on travel pay and how it is calculated. Members asked about RRSP percentages and how the company calculates the amount and how they are calculating the vacation pay and why it is going to arbitration. Two members asked about a couple of old grievances that may have been withdrawn and were looking for an explanation why, Riley and Curtis will find the information on their grievance and get back to them. Accepted as read.
Cory gave his year end OHSC report for 2018 and explained the training courses that were put on for the stewards. Spoke about the commitment going forward to have more regular scheduled safety steward meetings. No safety concerns brought forward. Accepted as read.
Kiel announced Election Committee nominations are open until the end of next month’s general meetings and we are looking to fill 12 positions, explained the responsibilities of the Election Committee and what requirements are needed. Kiel also explained how the executive is committed to posting general meeting minutes to the union website and will continue to put as much information on the website as possible.
Ed discussed some of his ideas for more union apparel in the future and mentioned the toques being a big hit with the members. Member asked if the local could put on a free hot meal at the mine site sometime in the future. Ken gave a report on the issues he has been dealing with in the mill and the challenges of getting members through training in order to have enough coverage so more are able to get time off when it’s requested. Ken asked if any of the members have any ideas for helping our brothers and sisters in the Alberta oil sands and would like to put together a political action committee that would deal with issues like this and lobby the government to tackle the issues around the legalisation of marijuana and safety sensitive environments.
Cody gave a year end review of all the accomplishments of the executive in 2018 and all the donations the local has made in the community of Williams Lake and Quesnel.
Dan spoke about the bursary application form he has been re-writing and should be available at local schools soon. He also mentioned all the bursaries that are available on the Nationals website as well, and is encouraging our members to apply for these.
New Business: Member asked how to go about proving harassment in the workplace coming from a foreman. Motion was made to donate $500 to a member for his undue hardship, all in favor. Member thanked Ken for all his hard work to better training in the mill and also thanked Cory for bringing back proper safety meetings for crusher operators.