USW SOCIAL EVENTS Fishing tournament

USW SOCIAL EVENTS
We have booked Southern Pines Golf and Country Club for our
inaugural golf tournament this year on June 27th, with a crossover
starting at noon. There will be a steak BBQ to follow, and we will
be having a sausage or hotdog on the turn.
The cost will be $85.00, and will be due one month prior to the
tournament.
Please contact Joe Paquette at joe.paquette@usw7135.ca for
more information or to register.
USW LOCAL 7135 BASEBALL
I have received many emails about registration to play baseball this summer.
We will be holding a team meeting at the Moose Lodge on Saturday March
21st @ 12:00pm. If you are unable to attend this meeting, but want to play,
please contact Joe Paquette @ joe.paquette@usw7135.ca.
Baseball diamonds will be booked directly after this meeting for practices.
USW LOCAL 7135 HOCKEY
We will be having a Hockey Team meeting at Wild Wings restaurant at
the Centre Mall in Hamilton Ontario on March 14th. This meeting will start
at 12:00 pm, and there will be discussions about registration in hockey
tournaments.
We will be booking ice for practise as well as games with other teams
directly after this meeting.
Fishing tournament
Bills Bait & Tackle is inviting USW Local 7135
members for a charity fishing tournament on
May 3rd 2015 at bay front park
Cost is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids
This will run from 8:00am to 12:00pm
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE:
MARCH 2015 NEWSLETTER
P-1 & P-5: Various Orders of the 29K tank Car will run until September 2015, and the 31K tank
Car Orders will be in production until March 2015.
P-2: Thru- sills will run until the second week of July 2015.This line will then change over to Pellet
Hoppers that will run until February 2016. This change over may move the shutdown ahead, and
we will keep you informed. This line will change back to Thru-sill Cars and run until August 2016.
P-3: This line will run Flat Cars for TTX until the second week of April 2015, then change over to
run Potash Cars starting on the 1st week of May 2015. This Potash type car will then run until
November 2016 with the possibilities of more of this car type.
P-7: we will be running the Three packs for TTX until May 2016. There is a possibility for
additional orders that would take this line until November 2016.
As you can see from this report, we do have a full order book for some time, but short layoffs are
a reality in the transition periods, so please keep this mind and plan for them.
Nominations for all Executive positions within our Local will be presented at this month’s general
monthly meeting to be held on March 10th 2015. We have selected an election committee at the
February meeting, and this committee will be posting all nominees in the plant in the very near
future.
Summer shutdown dates will be posted at the end of this month, but keep in mind that the P-2
dates may change. Vacations outside of these shutdowns, must be authorized in advance, and
make sure you have your authorization slips for your holidays.
Due to the difficulty in understanding our paystubs, any members in P-5 and the steel prep area
should ask their supervisor what they are being paid, and how they are being booked each shift,
and keep a record of this. This will help us in resolving any differences.
Please also keep in mind that a paid lunch will not be paid unless your Forman approves it. This
is the same for overtime, it also will not be paid unless your Forman approves it, so make sure
that you that have proper approval, and keep a record of this.
We are proud to announce that the gate collection for Gary Hayes was very successful, and it
goes to show the generosity of our members. Together with the Labour council’s donations, we
collected $2922.45. As stated, after 2600.00 was paid out to the Chedoke Prosthetic
Department, a donation of $322.45 was made on our members behalf to the War Amps of
Canada
RAILCAR
MANUFACTURING
NEWS
―The U.S. economy continues to grow, and strong demand for rail service
demonstrates that the freight rail industry is integral to this growth,‖ the AAR declared
in releasing its Freight Rail Industry Outlook outlining the industry's prospects.
―In 2015, the nation's major freight railroads plan to spend an estimated $29 billion—which
would set an annual record—to build, maintain, and grow the rail network,‖ AAR's report stated.
―This private spending will go to expenditures like new equipment and locomotives, installation
of new track and bridges, the raising of tunnels, and new technology used to keep America's rail
network the best in the world.‖
In terms of employment, AAR noted that ―freight railroads estimate they will hire 15,000 people
this year, building on hiring trends over the past five years. These are high-paying jobs being
made available due to projected retirements, normal attrition as well as growth.‖ New hires, of
which an estimated 20% will be veterans, join the ranks of those with compensation, including
benefits, among the highest of any industry, averaging $109,700 per year.
Sound public policy and today’s balanced economic regulations make it possible to offer highpaying rail jobs and provide the affordable and efficient service American businesses need if
they are to compete in a global marketplace. With the right federal policies in place, the world’s
best rail network is on track to be even better.‖
AAR asserted that the industry’s role in 2015 will in essence extend the positive impact freight
rail investment has had already. ―The combined economic impact of freight rail spending—
roughly $575 billion over the past few decades—has rippled across the country. These private
investments have helped improve safety, efficiency, and reliability of the nation's 140,000-mile
rail network, while supporting more than 180,000 well-paying jobs at railroads nationwide.
Unlike most other transportation modes, freight railroads rely on their own funds, not taxpayer
dollars, to build and maintain their networks. The result of spending more than half-a-trillion
dollars of private funds over the last couple of decades makes this country’s freight rail system
the envy of the world.
The U.S. rail network survives and grows overwhelmingly on private investment—its own.
Imposing price caps, rather than letting the marketplace work, will mean that railroads have
less revenue to spend on essential infrastructure improvements at exactly the wrong time—when
there is an increased demand to move more to power the recovering economy. The current
economic regulatory framework also provides an environment in which rail companies—rather
than U.S. taxpayers—foot the bill for the maintenance and upkeep of the coast-to-coast rails that
industries rely upon. A healthy freight rail industry is vital to the nation’s economic recovery and
growth. Continuing today’s balanced regulation is essential for a robust freight rail network in
2015 and beyond.
USW DISTRICT 6 NEWS
Supreme Court Votes for Workers’ Rights
TORONTO - The United Steelworkers union (USW) hails today's Supreme Court decision in favour of
workers' rights.
"Today's historic decision is a victory for all Canadian workers. For the first time, the Supreme Court of
Canada has recognized what we in the labour community have always known: that the right to strike is a
fundamental part of the collective bargaining process," said Ken Neumann, USW National Director
In its 5-2 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada held that the freedom of association provision in the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right to strike, finding it an essential part of meaningful
collective bargaining. The USW was a participant in the case as part of a group of unions and labour
organizations that challenged the constitutionality of laws limiting workers' rights passed by the
Government of Saskatchewan in 2007.
"While 94% of federal disputes are settled without a work stoppage, this decision recognizes the vital role
the right to strike plays in promoting equality at the bargaining table," said Stephen Hunt, USW Western
Canada Director.
"This Supreme Court's majority decision in favour of workers' rights is especially important given our
current climate of attacks on workers and unions by the vindictive policies of Stephen Harper and the
Conservatives," said Neumann.
"Workers join unions to gain a voice and collective power in the workplace. This decision recognizes that
the right to withdraw services is needed for workers to gain leverage and legitimacy in a system that is
tilted in favour of ever-larger global employers," said Hunt.
The text of the court's decision recognizes that the right to strike reduces strike frequency by making
collective bargaining meaningful. The court also noted Canada's international human rights obligations as
a signatory to international agreements protecting the right to strike and under international law
WORK BOOT DONATIONS
The Good Shepard centre in Hamilton has reached out to our local, and has asked for us to show
our generosity in the community and help out the less fortunate.
The Good Shepard Centre is asking our members to donate their old work boots for the center to
distribute to unemployed men and women so as they can get employment in fields that require
them.
Any work boots in decent shape can be droped off at the Union Hall, and we will make sure that
they get to the centre.
STEELWORKER EDUCATION
Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to apply for
USW Scholarships!
Apply Now! Deadline is June 30, 2015.
The United Steelworkers have a proud tradition of supporting worker education. Whether it is through our
Back-to-the-Locals Education program, our Leadership Development Scholarship program, or labour and
community sponsored courses, Steelworkers invest in giving members the skills and expertise they need to
meet the political, social and economic challenges of today’s global economy.
Post-Secondary School Scholarships
The Education Fund of the United Steelworkers is offering 21 scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 to
qualified secondary school students across Canada. The scholarships shall be awarded to Steelworker
members, or children of members, who are completing high school and starting post-secondary studies or
enrolled in or graduating from CEGEP this year.
Rudychuk Scholarship Placement Program
Bill Rudychuk was a Steelworker staff representative in District 3. Working primarily in mining communities, Bill
was always a strong supporter of Steelworker education. In the mid-1990s, Bill passed away, leaving $100,000
to the Steelworkers for education scholarships. The Canadian Directors of the Steelworkers are pleased to
offer the Rudychuk Scholarship Placement Program, giving activists opportunities to apply their skills alongside
servicing staff representatives in this unique mentoring program.
Lifelong Learning Scholarship
This year, there are 12 scholarships of $1000 each available. These awards support USW members who are
enrolled in a part-time or full-time public post-secondary or accredited labour program including
correspondence or distance education.
The Columbia Institute is a charitable organization established to motivate and support working people to
build strong communities. Through training, education and scholarship programs, the Institute hopes to
enhance the role labour activists can play in moving forward our progressive agenda inside and outside of our
workplaces.
David Ellis Scholarship
The Steelworker David Ellis Scholarship is a health and safety scholarship award available to sons, daughters or
grandchildren of any Steelworker member.
District 3 Director Steve Hunt, District 6 Director Marty Warren and District 5 Director Daniel Roy are offering
five $500 scholarships for each District for 2015.
Submissions can be either a written essay of 750 - 1000 words approximately or get creative and develop your
own personal three to five minute health & safety YouTube video.
– Contact Joe Paquette for more information at 905-545-3554 or joe.paquette@usw7135.ca
Canadian Railway Facts
Canada’s railway sector is globally competitive, sustainable, and most importantly, safe. Working closely with
customers and communities, Canadian railways move 75 million people and more than 70 per cent of all
intercity surface goods in Canada each year, relieving road congestion and limiting harmful emissions.
Powering the Economy
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Canada's railway network is the fifth largest in the world.
Canada’s railways handle the fourth largest volume of goods in the world.
Canada’s railways move roughly half of Canada’s exports (by volume)
Private railway companies in Canada are owned directly by tens of thousands of investors – including
thousands of railway employees – and indirectly by millions of ordinary Canadians, through savings and
pension plans.
Canada’s railways paid more than $777 million in fuel, property, sales and other forms of taxes in
2012.
Canadian railway companies pay $2.9 billion annually in wages and benefits.
In 2012, Canada's railways invested $1.8 billion in new capital programs to support growth and service
improvements.
Helping Protect The Environment
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Canada's railways conserve fuel, limit emissions and relieve highway congestion. One train, on average,
moves the same amount of freight as 280 big trucks.
Canada’s transportation sector generates 27 per cent of our country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
– however railways produce just 4 per cent of that total, and less than 1 per cent of our country’s overall
GHG emissions.
Employing Canadians
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Canada’s railways employ 34,000 people and support an additional 60,000 direct and indirect jobs in
the railway supply industry.
With average annual earnings of $82,883, railway employees are among the highest paid in Canadian
industry.
Innovation, Making a Difference
Canada’s railways apply a number of innovative technologies to improve safety, and operational and fuel
efficiency:
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LED (light-emitting diode) technology and retro-reflective material to make railway crossing lights and
warning signs more visible from further distances.
Strobe-light effects when trains are using crossings.
Digital technologies such as electronic data interchange (EDI), Internet applications and wireless
communications to allow customers to place orders, check prices, trace cars, request plant switches,
check bills, and perform various other functions in real-time.
Advanced security gamma-ray technology at borders to allow customs officials to see the contents of
cars.
"Low idle" and automatic stop-start systems to increase fuel efficiency.
Rail lubrication technology that deposits a thin bead of lubricant on the rail as a train passes, to reduce
friction, noise, wear and energy consumption.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Please remember that this is your newsletter. If you have any special events, offers or
announcements, you can submit them on our website under Letter to the editor section
and we will post the information in the next newsletter for you. Comments and
suggestions for the newsletter are also accepted in this format. All requests, within
reason, will be reviewed and responded to.
Freight car backlog grows 75%
The backlog of freight cars grew by about 75% in 2014, according to fourth -quarter reporting statistics
compiled by the Railway Supply Institute American Railway Car Institute (ARCI) Committee. As of Dec.
31, 2014, the backlog stood at 142,837 units, compared to 81,927 units at the end of 2014’s first
quarter.
Orders in 2014’s fourth-quarter decreased slightly, from 42,900 in the third quarter to 37,431. Deliveries
stood relatively flat at 18,941 units, compared to 18,432 units in the third quarter. However, total orders of
138,234 cars in 2014 were nearly double that of 2013’s 66,569 cars.
2014 deliveries of 67,383 cars were 27% higher than 2013’s 53,050 cars. The number of deliveries has risen
sharply since 2010, a rough year for the industry, when only 16,535 cars were delivered.
Tank car orders in the fourth quarter topped all other car types, at 14,964 units—about 60% of the total, and
the highest ever in the modern era (post-1980 Staggers Act), according to the ARCI. Covered hoppers under
3,500 cubic feet came in second in orders, at 8,627 units. Trailing in third and fourth place, respectively, were
articulated intermodal platforms, at 5392 units, and covered hoppers in the 3,500-5,500 cubic-foot range, at
3,802 units.
QUARTERLY PENSION REPORT
For the quarterly period of September 2014/ November 2014 for the hourly employees of National Steel Car
MONTH
On February 7th, 2015, 62 members of USW Local 7135 took to the ice in Beaverton Ontario, for some
good old fashioned ice fishing.
With a full busload and even some overflow in their personal vehicles, all members left the from the
Union Hall at 6AM on the chilly Saturday morning, and headed to Lake Simcoe for the day. With the
sun shining, a little snow, good company, and good fun, this years annual Ice Fishing Trip was another
one for the books
Accommodations were provided by Floyd Hales Fish Huts who received two thumbs up from our local
for their excellent customer service and expertise. USW Local 7135 definitely recommends Floyd Hales
Fish Huts for anyone looking to get out on the ice for the day or the weekend, and have nothing but
smooth sailing.
Thanks to our generous sponsors for this event, Bills bait and Tackle and Union Strategies
CURRENT SERVICE COST
SPECIAL PAYMENTS
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS
SEPTEMBER
$451,461.00
$500,000.00
$951,461.00
OCTOBER
$405,012.00
$500,000.00
$905,012.00
NOVEMBER
$468,826.00
$500,000.00
$968,826.00
TOTAL SERVICE COST
PAYMENTS
$1,325,299.00
TOTAL SPECIAL PAYMENTS
$1,500,000.00
TOTAL QUARTERLY
CONTRIBUTIONS
$2,825,299.00
We have received our quarterly report for our pensions as negotiated and ratified by our
membership in June 24th, 2012.
We have verified that these payments have been made, and that all payments are current and up to
date with receipts from CIBC Mellon.