Message from the President

JANUARY 2012

CHANGE IS IN THE WORKS 

Since my last message numerous events have occurred in the labour movement, politics, our economy, and in the IUPAT around Ontario. I wish to touch on these issues keeping the membership aware and informed of how fast things change in our world.

The labour movement is in a daily fight trying to maintain and gain market share. In all industries and sectors of our economy, union leaders start the day wondering how can we make it better for our members. As the “middle class” deteriorates and corporate greed takes over we become less and less a force in the decision making and our role in society. A lot is being said about the provincial and municipal unions with government clawing back pensions and wages claiming it is the unions that have thrown their budgets and taxes into a tailspin. In our industries it continues to be the underground economy and the non union workers that make it difficult for our contractors to win jobs.

In October the provincial election was held bringing back the Liberals to form a minority government. Thanks to our members recognizing the importance of electing McGuinty and not the Conservatives that have an agenda to change labour laws and create an imbalance in the workplace and fight unions. With a minority government, it is expected there may be an election in the next couple of years and the government may fall, we can only hope that does not occur. Meantime, the Liberals were successful in moving Bill 118 to Proclamation and have WSIB mandatory in the construction industry. We hope this becomes a factor in the elimination of the underground economy.

The Ontario economy has been in a cycle with strengths and weaknesses. With a strong start to 2011 in the 1st quarter unemployment hit in the ICI sector in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. We have areas such as Thunder Bay, Kingston, Ottawa, and Windsor that have great employment whereas the remainder of the province experienced some weak employment. The low rise residential market is slowly returning as the condo market grows. The 4th quarter of 2011 showed promise and going into 2012 it is just a little early to predict where we will be. I will say that 2012 will be better than 2011 as there are signs of growth.

With regard to the IUPAT in Ontario, I first of all want to thank all of the District Council 46 members for electing me and my competent representatives back into our leadership positions. Same is said for the members in Locals 1494 and 1590 electing Kevin Elliott. I assure you that we will provide the best representation we possibly can for the remainder of our terms.

The IUPAT in Ontario has once again experienced growth although minimal. Organizing around the province continues with union organizers and SALTS. We have several applications for certification at the Ontario Labour Relations Board and if we are successful in winning these applications it will improve our market share considerably. As we continue to gain market share we also continue to provide education and training to our members at both training facilities, the OIFSC and IFSTC. Health & Safety training is mandatory and necessary for you to go to work each day.

Apprenticeship classes are full and we take all opportunities possible for government funding. Your Union has also been training. This past November District Council 46 provided a New Officer Training Program with all executive boards and trustees invited to attend a one day seminar on how to perform their duties and conduct Union Meetings. The opening, closing, and initiation rituals for new members have been reinstated and mandatory in each District Council Local Union and met with enthusiasm by the membership. This past November 26-27 a TEAM train-the-trainer program was initiated with members from around Ontario and other parts of Canada spending a weekend learning about our Union and our mission to advance. STARS program continues whereby members can participate in an awards program, and the Member To Remember for charities continues. See this website for more information.

Finally, we are moving forward with the Social Media network. The Ontario Council has signed an agreement with WSI Worldsites and help from our International to move our Union into Facebook, Twitter and You Tube. Please provide us with your email address and be watching for this going forward.

In closing I thank all of you who voted to secure the existing benefits in our H&W plan. The trustees are very confident that the funding transfer from wages to the Plan will get you the benefits that are important for you and your families into the next collective bargaining agreement.

Bill Nicholls