Steven Martin Robert White Ext.5240 Jeff Irons Ext.5272 Bill Acorn

Transcription

News & Views
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By: Steven Martin, Business Manager / Financial Secretary
A
s I write this article, our Low-Rise Residential
Sisters and Brothers prepare to go on strike.
The members overwhelmingly turned down the
ratification of the contractors’ final offer. In the residential
sector in the GTA, a trade union can only be on strike or
lockout until midnight of June 15th. This is the first time in
their history that they have been on strike or locked out as
the case may be. If no deal is reached, we will be going to
a Final Offer Selector (FOS) who will pick between the last
offer each side has tabled. As our residential members gear
up to get on the picket lines, all members who are able to
assist are asked to do so. Business Representatives Nino
DiGiandomenico, Rudy Lucchesi and Tony Chiappetta will be
coordinating the location of pickets, so if you are willing to
help out please contact any of them at their extensions at
the hall. They will contact you to direct you to a location.
It has been a tumultuous year of negotiations, but in
the end, I believe we have a fair and equitable deal
in place to continue growth in every market. Our
Provincial I.C.I. will have a bump in rate due to the Post
Negotiated Wage Adjustment. Both our Communication
and Line sectors are settled with the exception of a
few letters of understanding to complete and I am
hoping they will be done within the next few weeks.
To say this round of negotiations have been a challenge
is an understatement. In jeopardy is the Joint Proposal
going forward. With the prospect of returning to traditional
bargaining for the next round of negotiations, we must
prepare ourselves for a possible labour interruption. Our
BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES
Jeff Blackwell Ext. 5228
Jeff Bond Ext. 5525
Dave Cake Ext. 5264
Lee Caprio Ext. 5222
Nino DiGiandomenico Ext. 5523
Mark Lawlor Ext. 5227
Sal Maltese Ext. 5425
Local has not been on strike for over 25 years and most
members have not had to deal with the inevitable loss
of employment due to a strike or lockout. I would hope
that all parties involved would take a serious look at
what will be lost due to a strike or lockout and come to
a fair and equitable agreement going forward in 2019.
Last month was the All Canada Progress Meeting in
Winnipeg Manitoba. Winnipeg is a very culturally
diverse city steeped in history. There is a lot of activity
and construction throughout the city. Our host Locals put
together an extremely busy schedule for the delegates. I
would like to thank them for their hospitality in welcoming
all the Locals from across the country and it was great
to get caught up with some of the other officers.
I was fortunate to be asked to help Brother Barry Brown,
Business Manager of Local 636, present a community video
to the Utility caucus. The video we presented was and is
meant to highlight what the I.B.E.W. can do and will do
collectively to ensure our customers are looked after wall
to wall. The days of closed minded, closed door Locals
has to end. While each Local has their particular marketshare and base-work they rely on, we need to pursue new
and emerging markets and in order to do that we need to
engage other Locals around us for their expertise. The vast
knowledge and expertise the I.B.E.W. has within its’ ranks
is limitless and the video we presented proves just that.
For those members who believe they have a singing voice
please read the following correspondence received from our
1st District International Vice-President, Brother Bill Daniels.
Craig McLeod Ext. 5231
John Mightis Ext. 5621
Ken Nicholl Ext. 5524
Chris Paul Ext. 5338
Ted Szwec Ext. 5244
Brian Wilkie Ext. 5421
ORGANIZERS
Tony Chiappetta Ext. 5536
William Finnerty Ext. 5263
Rudy Lucchesi Ext. 5522
Gord Nye Ext. 5255
Derrick Smith Ext. 5422
Andrew White Ext. 5628
BUSINESS MANAGER/
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Steven Martin
PRESIDENT
Robert White Ext.5240
VICE-PRESIDENT
Jeff Irons Ext.5272
RECORDING SECRETARY
Bill Acorn Ext.5260
TREASURER
Jan de Jong Ext.5295
CHIEF COUNSEL
Michael O'Brien
CONTROLLER
Jane Clifford
EXAMINING BOARD
Karen Pullen Ext.5221
Tony Santia
John Smith Ext.5215
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Les Carbonaro Ext.5283
Jodi Hill Ext.5432
Aaron Zboch-Alves
Joe Marcello
Howard McFadden Ext.5238
Jason Mitchell Ext.5622
Ron White
WSIB CONSULTANT
Gary Majesky Ext. 5251
As you are aware, our 39th International Convention will be
taking place in St. Louis MO, in September. As part of the Opening
Ceremonies, we traditionally have a Canadian present to sing our
National Anthem. For the first time ever, we will be opening up this
opportunity to any interested IBEW Canada member, by way of a
contest.
Canada Day Holiday
The Statutory Holiday will be
observed on Friday, July 1, 2016.
If your employer asks you to work on this day, you
must be paid double time for working on this holiday!
Interested applicants can send a video of themselves singing our
bilingual national anthem by June 30, 2016. Entries submitted after
this date will not be accepted. The chosen member will be flown
to St. Louis on September 16, to participate in the pre-Convention
festivities and the opening ceremonies, and leaving on September
20. Hotel and transportation costs will be covered, lost wages will
not be.
June, July, August &
September Office Hours
Fridays ONLY
Should the chosen member’s Local Union decide to have this
member stay for the duration of the International Convention, the
Local Union would have to cover the expenses for the additional
days, and submit a request for their guest credentials to the First
District.
7:30am - 3:30pm
1377 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto
423 Bloor St. W. Unit 7, Upstairs, Oshawa
2 Saunders Rd., Barrie
Videos can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, or whatever
is their preferred method, and then submit the link, along with their
name, Local Union and Membership Number to the First District at
IVPD_01@IBEW.org.
8:00am - 3:30pm
3185 Orlando Dr., Mississauga
The full lyrics of the bilingual national anthem can be found here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/celebrate/pdf/National_Anthem_e.pdf.
Once the winner is selected, notification will be sent out to all Local
Unions, along with an announcement on our IBEW Canada website.
Please see below the Stab/Market report for the month.
Good luck to all members who submit a video. After you submit the
video link, please go to our home page and enter the link on our contact
form, so we can post the videos we receive.
PENDING PROJECTS (As of May 31, 2016)
I.C.I.
TDSB - George Webster School, 2 Cedarcrest Blvd
I.C.I. - North
Deerhurst, Huntsville,
I.C.I. - East
Corbett Creek, WPCP, Upgrade PH1
Lowrise
n/a
Communication
BNS, 1 St Clair, 4th & 7th floors
Hi-Rise
Retro Fit-Skyrise on Yonge, 7300 Yonge St
Linework
Kitchener Wilmot Hydro, Doon Village Rd
COMPLETED PROJECTS
I.C.I.
St Mary & St Abraham Ortholox
Lowrise
Empire Communites, Victory
Communication
n/a
Hi-Rise
Harhay Construction, 111 Bathurst St
Linework
Pole Replacement, Various locations
SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS
I.C.I.
Patheon Chiller Replacements
Lowrise
Valery Homes
Communication
n/a
Hi-Rise
1088 Kingston Rd
Linework
Kitchener Wilmot Hydro, Erb's Rd
2
JUNE 2016
Fraternally,
Steven Martin
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
PROJECT HOURS / UNITS
12500 hrs
18500 hrs
4000 hrs
START DATE
5/30/16
6/1/16
5/30/16
COMPLETION DATE
12/31/16
12/31/17
12/31/16
340 hrs
1800 hrs
3550 hrs
PROJECT HOURS/ UNITS
3800 hrs
179 units
5/20/16
5/30/16
5/1/16
START DATE
1/1/14
3/1/15
7/15/16
10/31/18
12/31/16
COMPLETION DATE
5/31/16
5/31/16
30000 hrs
94 poles
PROJECT HOURS/ UNITS
1000 hrs
33 units
1/1/14
2/1/16
START DATE
5/1/16
6/1/15
5/31/16
2/28/16
COMPLETION DATE
7/1/16
12/31/16
14,200
2000 hrs
4/15/16
5/1/16
4/30/18
12/31/16
20 Year Pin Recipients
North Unit Meeting May 10, 2016
Chris Lilly
South Unit Meeting May 12, 2016
Joe Chircop, Craig Arbic, Sharon Watt, Colin Johnson and Jan de Jong.
Sponsorship / Donations
At Local Union 353, we receive numerous requests for a wide variety of sport team sponsorship/donations. The requests for funding is high
and to assure the participation of your Union, the member or immediate family must be directly involved in the activity. This also assures
the integrity of funding, so the membership can be confident the funding is being administered fairly throughout the Union and within our
local communities.
To be eligible both sides of the SPONSORSHIP / DONATIONS request form must be completely filled in.
Requests must be received by the last Thursday of the month. If received later, it will be dealt with during the following month.
Cut off dates:
Winter Sport team sponsorships by October 1st
Summer Sport team sponsorships by May 1st
IBEW LOCAL 353
3
Introducing our newly appointed Executive
Board member, Brother Aaron Zboch-Alves
By: Robert White, President & Chairman
T
he unfortunate and untimely
passing on February 11, 2016 of
Executive Board member Brother
Martin Kearney created a vacancy that our
Executive Board was compelled to fill.
Many of the members had similar
experiences, qualifications or were;
Brother Aaron Zboch-Alves works fulltime in the Low-Rise residential sector.
• Past Executive Board members,
Our IBEW Constitution requires any vacant
Local Union Office be appointed by the
Local’s Executive Board until our next regular
election, which will be held in June of 2017.
•Stewards or Health and
Safety Representatives,
Below are a few of Aaron’s qualifications
that makes him an asset to our Local
Union, the membership, our industry,
and now, our Executive Board.
IBEW Constitution, Article XVI, Section
16. Vacancies occurring in any L.U.
office, and the Examining Board,
shall be filled by the L.U. Executive
Board until the next regular election,
except when filled by the I.P. The
eligibility requirements for election
to the office shall apply. Vacancies
in the position of press secretary,
registrar, door foreman, or inspector
shall be filled by the L.U. president.
As an elected Executive Board member for 20
years, we’ve appointed several replacement
Officers for various reasons over the decades.
In my March and April articles, I predominately
informed the membership that our Executive
Board was interested in members who wished
to apply with the reasons why they should be
considered to fill the vacant Executive-Board
position. I hope this method continues into
the future, should a vacancy arise again.
The Executive Board appointment was
made after considering all applications at
our May, 2016 Executive Board meeting.
We wish to thank all the applicants and were
very impressed by the qualifications and
volunteer responsibilities taken on by the
11 members who forwarded their requests
to be considered for the appointment of
the vacant Executive Board position.
4
JUNE 2016
•Members/Co-Chairs of jobsite Workers
or Joint Health and Safety Committees,
Committee Work
•Co-Chairs/Members or volunteers
of various IBEW 353 Committees
who’s planned functions benefit our
membership and their families,
Recording Secretary for the
NextGen Committee
•Graduates of various Labour Studies,
Steward and Health and Safety courses,
•Attend most regular and specially
called union meetings,
•New member or JAC
Saturday morning
training instructors,
•Foremen on jobsites
which require high
degrees of planning
and working with
our members,
clients, engineers
and architects to
complete projects.
Obviously our decision
was not taken lightly and
we were impressed by
their skills, dedication and
the ways they have given
back to our membership.
I believe as Chairman of
the Executive Board, I
should high-light some
of the good reasons why
Aaron was selected
and appointed to the
Executive Board.
-Organizing the agenda and
minutes of the meetings.
Co-Chair of the Education Committee
-Developing course curriculum and
procedures for the growth and development
of member’s education courses.
(June 9, 2016 / 12:48:34)
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Union Activities
Low-Rise Steering Committee
-Discussions on the development and progression
of the Low-Rise sector and their agreement.
Negotiation Committee
-Discussions with the Contractors Association to negotiate
the terms and wages of the Low-Rise agreement.
Community Work
Skills Ontario and Tech Committee member
-Includes project design, material ordering,
sponsorship relations, set-up and team organization
prior, during and at completion of event.
-Due to the fact that this event will be moving into Toronto
Congress Center in 2017, I will be pursuing the increased
involvement of Local 353 as we move into the future.
The Kawartha Lakes Soccer Club
The Kawartha Lakes Soccer Club would like to extend our
sincere thanks to I.B.E.W. Local 353 on behalf of all of
the club's players and coaches. Your donations make a
difference in our community and they help us to develop
the game of soccer. We couldn't do it without you!
Organization and coordination of the Future
Buildings trade expo for Local 353
-Including set-up, team organization, and participation
with students, teachers, parents, and schools,
promoting Local 353 and the electrical trade.
Instructor at Humber College Electrical Techniques Program
-Currently teaching Intermediate Prints,
basic shop, intermediate code.
-Translating trade skills to a classroom setting to
further the interests of youth in the trade.
We are always Stronger Together!
In solidarity,
Robert White
(416) 985-7215
robertw@ibew353.org
Boys Rep U11 Indoor League
Indoor mixed soccer team won the year
end tournament undefeated!
Andrew T. White
Membership Development Representative
(289) 356-3840
andreww@ibew353.org
IBEW LOCAL 353
5
Committee on Political Education
By: Jeff Irons, Chair, COPE Committee
E
very month when I sit down to put
“to paper” my monthly ramblings
about how I see things, mixed in
with a bit of education and a gentle push
towards activism, I actually worry at times
whether I am becoming a lead from the rear
kind of guy. Thankfully, earlier on a Friday
in May, I had a chance to leave the office
and serve the membership in a manner I’m
more accustomed to. I got out and lobbied
my own Member of Provincial Parliament
(MPP), Yvan Baker, in his Etobicoke Centre
constituency office. Yvan is a Liberal who was
elected for the first time in the spring 2014
provincial election and enjoyed the support
of the Central Ontario Building Trades.
Throughout the various facets of my work,
I’m informed of various types of ongoing
campaigns and actions. One such campaign is
the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) “Make
it Fair” campaign whose origins go back to the
start of the Changing Workplace Review that
the Wynne government has been conducting
provincially now for over a year. OFL President
Buckley’s spring report to the OFL executive
board, where I sit representing the IBEW, had
an overview of this ongoing campaign. It
is also a facet of the “$15.00 & Fairness”
being run to raise the minimum wage. This
fairness portion includes language to have the
minimum wage adjusted annually for inflation.
OFL President Chris Buckley is a very strong
proponent of specifically the “Make it Fair”
campaign because as he believes, we have
a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make
changes to Ontario’s outdated labour laws; that
in doing so would raise the bar for all workers
– both those with a union and those without.
We need modern laws to better protect
workers in today’s economy of part-time and
precarious work. Nearly 1/3 of workers in
6
JUNE 2016
Business Representative Chris Paul; LU 30 Sheet Metal, Brother Blair Gallant;
M.P.P. Yvan Baker; and Jeff Irons.
this province (1.7 million people) earn low or
minimum wages, making it impossible to make
ends meet. Why does this affect me? Within
the society we live, this will affect my own
family, friends and neighbours. I’m a skilled
tradesman, who has the benefit of a fairly good
collective agreement with decent benefits
and a pension plan, so why should I care?
Ontario workers are falling behind.
For those employed in precarious work
and who don’t have a union, improving
the Employment Standards Act could
raise the floor for every worker, improve
conditions of work and job security. At
the same time, improving Ontario’s Labour
Relations Act could extend the possibility
of union protection and better access to
collective bargaining to more workers.
When I heard through Chris’ report they were
looking for GTA area residents to help out by
meeting with their M.P.P.’s, I knew I could help.
All politicians in any party want to hear from
their constituents (possible voters). Certainly
not just from “interest party’ talking heads. I
filled both these shoes in this case. I received
some activist training through some helpful
and knowledgeable OFL staff, via a conference
call. To me it was pretty standard stuff, but
I’m also a firm believer that any education is
good. It was an insightful call with activists
from across the province to hear more from the
grass roots. The Canadian Labour Congress
(CLC) was on the call as well because they
tagged up on the lobbying campaign.
For years, the CLC has been working at the
federal level to have the Canada Pension Plan
(CPP) increased by mere pennies a week,
which would allow current and future retirees the ability to live in
retirement with dignity after a lifetime of work. The Canada Pension
Plan is probably the best managed and cost effective pension plan
of its size in Canada. The plan was, those of us who were in Liberal
constituency offices would pitch to them as the sitting government,
that while we are grateful for the Wynne government initiatives on
the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) they really should be
pressuring their federal Liberal counterparts for this long needed
pension reform rather than try to reinvent the “pension wheel.”
Both the OFL and the CLC had very professional and easy to understand
briefing folders for us to review prior to our meeting and to also
leave behind for the MPP and their staff to study. Blair Gallant (LU
30 Sheet Metal Workers), Local 353’s Business Representative, Chris
Paul and I met just prior to our OFL scheduled
appointment with the MPP to review basically
who was going to speak; when and on what,
but more importantly who had a personal story
to relate. The personal stories are important
to bring up for it explains why we are doing
what we are doing. Sadly, I’m confident
that everyone has a story regarding an
exploited or underpaid worker in their
families. This way lobbying effectively
brings the elected official closer in and
builds a bond between us when discussing
issues like “Labour Law Reform”.
At our appointed time we arrived and were
greeted by Yvan at the door, since his staffer
was busy. Chris personally knew Yvan and his
father from campaigning in the 2014 election
and also from some local neighbourhood issues
which helped break the first introductions
ice. Blair had a story regarding his wife and
precarious employment. Chris was well
versed on the subject matter leaving me to
provide colour as well as anecdotal stories
and facts. Yvan was not well versed on the
“Labour Law Reform” campaign but asked
some good questions and was clearly happily
interested and agreed regarding the pension
reform that we should just beef-up the existing
plan. He agreed to the one big ask that was
tasked to us lobbyists, which was for him to
bring up our concerns and discussion points in
caucus. This is an important point in lobbying
because when issues like these are brought
forward from meetings with constituents it
lets the Premier and her Cabinet Ministers
know what the regular folk like us are concerned with. As usual,
only time will tell if our collective efforts through the OFL and the
CLC will pay off. For further information on these campaigns or to
get involved please visit www.ofl.ca and www.canadianlabour.ca.
Please also remember that the sell off to private interests continues
with our hydro utilities. To help send a clear message to the Wynne
Liberals, that we the rate payers will not stand for any further
privatization of Ontario Hydro, please log into www.youpaytheprice.
ca and or www.keephydropublic.ca. The fight continues…
In Solidarity,
Jeff Irons
(416) 510-5272
jeffi@ibew353.org
COBT HAMMER HEADS NIGHT
AT BMO FIELD
WED. AUG. 3RD, 2016 – KICKOFF AT 7:00PM
VS.
Free tickets will be available on
Monday, July 4, 2016 at
our (3) union halls.
IBEW LOCAL 353
7
Unit Meetings Highlights
By: Bill Acorn, Recording Secretary
T
his month the North unit meeting was
chaired by Brother Jodi Hill with Brother
Brian Wilkie sitting as Vice Chair and
Brother Bill Acorn as Recorder. The East
unit meeting was chaired by Brother Andrew
White with Brother Jeff Irons as Vice Chair
and Brother Bill Acorn as Recorder. The South
unit meeting was chaired by President Brother
Robert White with Vice President Jeff Irons
and Brother Bill Acorn as Recording Secretary.
Our Business Manager Brother Steven Martin
was present at the North, East and South unit
meetings. Treasurer Brother Jan de Jong was
present for the North and East unit meetings.
The minutes were approved and the
monthly bills were read for information.
BUSINESS MANAGER /
FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT
This month we had ten Brothers apply
for their pension. The members moved,
seconded and approved all the applications.
Brother Steven Martin reported on the low-rise
negotiations and how challenging they have
been. Our low-rise members have been below
the UA for years and it was time to catch up
while we had the market share. Brother Martin
reported they currently had $3.75 on the
table for the May 19, 2016 ratification vote.
Brother Steven Martin reported on the ICI
negotiations which was also challenging.
The Selector chose $3.15 due to the “Me
Too” clause in our agreement. The Operating
Engineers had an offer of $3.80 on the table
while the Sprinkler/Fitters had $3.90, so
we should see some make up money.
Brother Steven Martin reported the East
office had been sold as of June 24, 2016 and
we are currently looking for a location while
the new building is under renovations.
Brother Steven Martin reported the
Thursday, July 14, 2016 South unit meeting
8
JUNE 2016
would be moved to Monday, July 11,
2016 as four of our Table Officers will be
attending a Trustees Training Session in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 14-18, 2016. A
notice will go out in the newsletter.
Brother Steven Martin reported on the legal
bills complete with an explanation of each.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Retirees Club Report given by
Brother Robert Rynyk:
Brother Robert Rynyk reported on the April
20, 2016 Pin/Award Breakfast where 63
members were presented with their Pin and
Award for their 50 to 65 years of service. Over
100 retirees were present to witness the
presentation and enjoyed the breakfast. There
were also 17 Local 353 staff and Officers who
got to socialize with representatives from
IdeaLab and TEIBAS as well as our retirees.
Photos will be published in the newsletter and
on Facebook. Brother Rynyk reported Sunday,
May 15th a bus of 65
retirees will head off
to Hamilton Local 105
for their annual dinner/
dance; in June will be
Herongate Theatre;
in July will be the St.
Jacobs overnight with
theatre. He informed
the members they are
finalizing items for
August and September.
In October Local 804
has again invited the
Club to join them for
Oktoberfest. November
will be Remembrance
Day and the Retirees
Christmas Dinner and
Dance. Brother Rynyk
finished his report by
announcing the Retirees Club donated $136.44
to the NextGen’s Cystic Fibrosis Walk.
Skills Canada Report given by
Brother Aaron Zboch-Alves:
Brother Aaron Zboch-Alves reported this
year’s Skills Competition was a success
with over 22,000 students, teachers and
volunteers that came through the event. He
continued to thank all the volunteers for their
help setting up the booths, four days prior
to the event. Brother Zboch-Alves finished
his report with a slide presentation of the
process of the setting up of the booths. Next
year the event will be held in Toronto.
Education and Training Committee
Report given by Brother Brad Watt:
Brother Brad Watt reported this coming
Monday would be the start of registration for
the upcoming summer semester. There will
be 19 courses available. If you can’t make
it out to the summer courses, don’t forget
about the on-line training. The Education
WE ARE EXCITED TO
ANNOUNCE THE
LAUNCH OF THE
NEW & IMPROVED
EDUCATION AND
TRAINING
WEBSITE
Please scan the QR code or visit
www.ibew353.org/education
to check it out!
Department has launched a new micro site
within the website. Brother Watt reported
there was currently a competition going on
there as you navigate through the site, you
can answer some questions and win prizes.
Social Committee Report given
by Brother Tony Santia:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Promotion Fund, Sports Entertainment
& Retirees Fund, and Political Fund
requests were all moved, seconded
and approved by all three units.
GOOD OF THE UNION
A member reported on the June18,
Brother Tony Santia reported June will bring
2016 Charity Ride which will start from
the Annual Burd’s Fishing Day for the kids,
the North union hall, 2 Saunders Road,
posted in the newsletter for registration. He
10:00 am. The Ride will proceed to the
also reported on the Burd’s Fishing Day and the
Kitchener for the Festival of Meats.
deadline for registration is June 10th. Brother
A Brother reported on the Day of Mourning
Santia reminded the members July 16, 2016
held at the Barrie City Hall last week
was the Annual Local 353 Summer Picnic at
Canada’s Wonderland. Brother Santia finished and how nice it was to see a good
turnout from the Local 353 members.
his report by announcing December 3, 2016
will be the Annual Children’s Christmas Party.
A member in the North unit meeting was
recognized for receiving a Health & Safety
ILL & INJURED/
Award from Barrie District Labour Council.
DECEASED MEMBERS
Each unit Chair or Vice Chair encouraged
the members to visit the ill and injured, the
names are posted at our meetings every
month. The names of the 7 members who
passed away were read and the members
were asked to stand for a moment of silence.
NEW MEMBERS
This month we had 45 members who took
their Oath of Obligation, 7 members who were
congratulated on the successful completion
of their Certification of Qualification, and
6 members who received their 20 year
Service Pins. There were 3 members who
received their $600 pension honourarium.
The 50/50 draws this month were
$72.00 in the north, $29.00 in the
east and $210.00 in the south.
At each unit meeting, members won
$50.00 gas cards and First Aid Kits.
A member in the East unit meeting shared
his experience that after going into cardiacarrest his life was saved by his wife who
was a certified First Aid and encouraged
the members to get their First Aid.
New
Members
APPRENTICES
Alexander Azzoli, James Bellemore,
Thomas Bermingham, Adam Czyrko,
Evan Damaren, Sahildeep Dhillon,
Andrew Dinatale, Rajvinder Dosanjh,
Michael Douglas, Terry Driver,
Matthew Fimiani, Edwin Gibson,
Evan Hopkins, Ryan Howard,
Robert Kekewich, Brian Martins,
Milos Matijevic, Ian McArthur,
Jeff McCall, Joshua Minawi,
Jordan Nelson, Damian Petrasthuk,
Shaun Riedstra, Peter Sauret, Connor Self,
Siwen Shen, Matthew Shmorgun,
Igor Sinikovic, Nathanael Taylor,
Jonathan Thomas, Alexandros Tourlis,
Nathaniel Valeije, Stephen Vieira,
Alexander Watson.
APPRENTICE HOUSEWIREMEN
Nicholas Elia, Ryan Mendes,
Luca Minchella, Matthew Moon,
Nicholas Pasqualino.
APPRENTICE LINEMEN
At the South unit meeting a member spoke
about his laser eye surgery and thanked
the members for passing the benefits at
last year’s Special Called meeting.
Mathieux Bertrand, Carlos Candela,
Thomas Cole, Jeremy Hilliard,
David McGinty.
A Brother thanked the membership
for the $10,000 donation to the
Fort McMurray Disaster.
GROUNDMEN
Come out and be a part of the
next unit meeting. We need your
voice, opinion and support.
Marc Gibson, Timothy Raposo, Feng Zheng.
In Solidarity,
JOURNEYMAN LINEMEN
Your Recording Secretary,
Bill Acorn
Alcoholics Anonymous
A closed AA meeting will be available at
1377 Lawrence Ave. East 8pm every Friday night.
All Alcoholics welcome.
APPRENTICE TECHNICIAN
Nicholas Quon
Kristopher Italiano, Daniel Kular.
JOURNEYMEN
JOURNEYMAN HOUSEWIREMEN
Ramsey Elhallak
Peter Chin, Kristopher Pyke.
JOURNEYPERSONS UPGRADE
Kabir Ahuja, Robert Barg, Keith Corbett,
Andrew Durrer, Mark Elsner, Victor Gowler,
Tim Intera, Sean Maule, Nicholas Niemi,
Bradley Porter, Angus Ryer, Kevin Short,
Michael B. Smith, Vi Truong,
Andrew Van Opstal.
SH/REC - BA
Luis Contreras, Eugene Jones,
James Rowe.
TECHNICIAN LEVEL 2
Adam Smith, Ryan Waterhouse.
IBEW LOCAL 353
9
EDUCATION, APPRENTICESHIP & LABOUR STUDIES
By: Bradley T. Watt, RCDD, Director of Education and Training
Summer 2016 Semester
While I write this newsletter article we are
just hours away from registration opening
for our largest ever summer semester. As
mentioned in my May newsletter article,
with the sale of the Bowmanville offices
we are running additional courses this
summer as there will be no courses in
Bowmanville for our fall semester.
The education and training department
is looking forward to serving the
membership this summer at our Toronto
and Mississauga Training Centres.
Vubiz Online Courses
If you are not up to sitting in a classroom
this summer but would like to keep
your learning up, you can always take
advantage of the Vubiz online courses.
We are pleased to announce the renewal of
our online course program through Vubiz. This
comes to you through IBEW Canada (First
District) and each of the locals. Vubiz has over
200 online courses for members, their families
and friends to use. Courses can be accessed 24
hours a day, 7 days a week until May 1, 2019.
Courses range from computer use, safety
training and business skills to supervisory
skills. There is even a section for courses
in French. Accessing any of these courses
is easy with a simple login to get you
started. The process is outlined below.
or 123456AA or AB123456. If you
do not know your Membership Card
Number, you can use any unique number
such as your home phone number or
postal code without any spaces for
example 4165555555 or L3P4R9.
The first time that you sign on, you will
need to enter a little extra information
so that we can set you up.
•
Membership Card Number
(confirmation): This is to confirm the
information that you keyed above.
•
First Name: So that we can identify you
properly in the system when you return.
• Last Name: So that we can identify you
properly in the system when you return.
NOTE: Sometimes you may need to re-enter
the card number confirmation, first name
and last name when you login even though
it is not the initial login. This has been my
personal experience, but not a big deal.
Again, with over 200 courses to choose from,
there is most likely something for everyone to
take advantage of. Some of the membership
have taken advantage of this training as a
supplement to what our continuing education
program has to offer. Some utilized the
training because they have never taken an
online course and wanted to see how it
worked. Either way, we hope that you find
this service useful for your education needs.
Movie Review
To start your learning experience, go to:
http://learn.vubiz.com/chaccess/IBEW2_LU353 Yes, that’s right, a movie review. Not
something that I normally do, however,
Every time that you sign on,
not so long ago I stumbled across a
you will need to enter:
documentary on solar power – Catching
•The IBEW Password, which is: IBEW2
the Sun, (2015) on Netflix.
•Your Membership Card Number:
Although this 1h 13m documentary is very
That is the number on your IBEW
single sided it does illustrates some of the
Membership Card – for example 123456
difficulties behind getting alternate energies
10
JUNE 2016
in place. It was interesting to see how “nonAmerican” countries are adopting this type
of energy. Regardless of your views of the
environmental situation, it was interesting
to watch and see how widely things are
changing...or not. We can realize how
“big business” tries to block some of the
paths to a “greener approach” for energy
development – not like we haven’t seen
this action before as outlined in the 2006
documentary – Who Killed the Electric Car?
Even though there was no talk about
Unions and how we fit in on the subject,
there was a part of the movie, around the
1h 5m mark which shows a climate rally/
parade with an IBEW Local 3 banner
behind a very large banner with “HEALTHY
PLANET & GOOD JOBS” on it.
Just some food for thought, as we
move forward into the future.
Independent Electric Supply Inc.
It is a pleasure to report to the membership
this month the start of a new program with
one of our training partners - Independent
Electric Supply Inc. Together, we
are pleased to officially announce the
commencement of the Independent Electric
Supply Inc. / IBEW Local 353 discount program.
This new program will allow the IBEW
Local 353 membership to take advantage of
the lowest prices offered when you make
your purchase from Independent Electric
Supply Inc. when the enclosed discount
card is used. In order to utilize this program,
members must produce their discount card
and Union identification at the time of
purchase. This program is intended for our
membership for their personal purchases.
At Independent Electric Supply Inc. WE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We have:
•The highest order fill rates in the
industry with over $2M in inventory
•Same day GTA delivery with our
fleet of 5 GPS tracked trucks, and
•Designated lighting consultants (LC) on
staff to help obtain available hydro grants
•We are open from 6:30am –
5:00pm Monday – Friday.
•Fully staffed and dedicated
divisions looking after industrial,
lighting, commercial, quotations
and project co-ordination
I think that the membership will agree
that this program is very exciting! As we
move forward I hope that you will take
advantage of this discount program.
With this discount program coming to
fruition I would like to extend a very large
IBEW Local 353 thank you to everyone at
Independent Electric Supply Inc. for making
this a reality, it is greatly appreciated.
Fraternally yours,
Bradley T. Watt, RCDD
Director of Education and Training
LEARN MORE, BE MORE
IBEW LOCAL 353
11
EDUCATION, APPRENTICESHIP & LABOUR STUDIES
NextGen Report
By: Aaron Zboch-Alves and Jim Belanger
The NextGen initiative was started in 2010
by IBEW First District to reflect the RENEW
initiative in the U.S. NextGen is targeted for
our young workers under the age of 35. Prior
to 2010 concerns began to grow when we
realized that 25% of the membership under
35 years of age had NEVER been to a union
meeting in the construction sector, and nearly
45% of the membership in the industrial
sector. The percentages were even worse
when we looked at regular attending members.
The goal of this initiative was to get the
younger members of the IBEW involved in their
local. The focus of the initiative is to promote
strong communication between both the
leaders of our union and the newer members,
as well as educating the younger members on
the importance of the union and its structure.
For the All Canada Progress Meeting in
Winnipeg, Manitoba this year, two NextGen
members from Local 353 were invited to
participate in the NextGen caucus, preceding
the general assemblies. This was the fifth
caucus to be held in conjunction with the All
Canada Progress Meeting and as the years
have progressed, there has been exponential
growth of the NextGen across Canada in
both the locals and our communities.
Our delegates participated and lead the
discussions about the progress and direction
of our NextGen committee and their continuing
involvement in Local 353 and its surrounding
communities. Other locals from across
Canada were present and gave progress
reports on their NextGen committees.
The caucus was headed and directed by
Kate Walsh, Strategic Coordinator /NextGen
Initiative, Canada. International Vice President
Bill Daniels welcomed and addressed the
caucus, stressing the importance in the
strengths of solidarity, the importance of
12
JUNE 2016
NextGen and the continued success
of the IBEW. Matt Wayland –
Political Action / Media Strategist,
Canada – thanked all the different
NextGen and PAC committees for
their support and achievements in
the recent federal election. He also
introduced special guest NDP MP
Daniel Blaikie. Mr. Blaikie is also
an IBEW 2085 member and spoke
to NextGen about their integral
contribution to the future of the IBEW.
Speakers were also invited to speak
on topics of community involvement.
An important topic covered was to
educate, not just the NextGen, but all
members on safety in the workplace
and the need to always remember to
lookout for the worker next to you.
In closing the caucus, Kate Walsh
announced that there will be an
Ontario NextGen Conference to be
held in Mississauga on October 28,
29 and 30, 2016. Local 353’s NextGen
look forward to participating and representing,
in the highest of pride, this October.
The NextGen delegates were also afforded
the opportunity to attend the entire All
Canada Progress Meeting. This included
training sessions, the general assembly and
the sector caucuses. The training focused
on the navigation of the election process. At
the general assembly key speakers including
International Office (IO) President Lonnie
Stephenson, IO Treasurer Sam Chilia, IO
Executive board members and host local
(Winnipeg 2085) business manager, addressed
delegates and spoke to the focus of the
meeting “Leadership of the Challenge of
Change.” During the construction caucus,
the delegates got to listen to the progress
reports from across Canada and its 86 different
locals. The topic of strategic planning of
organizing was also concentrated on and how
to develop it back at our local level. At the
closing, delegates also got the opportunity
to listen to Hassan Yussuff, President of the
Canadian Labour Congress, speak on the
labour movement in Canada, and the need
for the continuing support of the IBEW. All
delegates were sent back to their local unions
with the leadership of the challenge of change.
Local 353’s NextGen delegates would like
to thank everyone for this opportunity to
participate at the All Canada Progress
Meeting. We were proud to carry
Local 353’s flag across the country.
Jim Belanger and Aaron Zboch-Alves
Ontario Skills Competition Canada
By: Lee Caprio, Business Representative
T
he Ontario Technological Skills
Competition (OTSC) held May
2 – 4, 2016, is Canada's largest
skilled trades competition. With over 67
contests, 2,000 competitors and 20,000
spectators, the hallways at RIM Park in
Waterloo bustled with trembling hands,
cheers and the smiles of proud parents.
The OTSC offers a unique opportunity for top
students to demonstrate that they are the
best of the best in their field. Over the two
and a half days, they turn the heads of their
educators, family, friends and prospective
employers. Winners are awarded with Gold,
Silver or Bronze medals - and some with
monetary awards, too - and the opportunity
to compete at the Skills Canada National
Competition. From there, competitors could
be headed to a World Skills Competition.
IBEW 353 Proud Sponsors
Once again this year, your Local was a proud
sponsor and supporter of the Ontario Skills
Competition Industry Breakfast. I was proud to
speak on behalf of our Local and was joined
by several key industry leaders including
The Honorable Reza Moridi – Minister of
Training, Colleges and Universities and David
Tsubouchi – Registrar, Ontario College of
Trades. Sponsoring this breakfast means a lot
to our Local and to be part of the competition
itself. We provide a wealth of resources
for the electrical installation portion of the
competition along with materials, tools,
supplies and, most importantly, volunteers.
IBEW Local 353, along with the Construction
Council of Ontario (CCO) and Electrical
Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) are
very well versed in what is required to set up
and man the various information booths we
have for the visiting students to experience.
Students were offered various small projects
to do such as wire joining, termination
of communications cables and conduit
bending expo. There is never a dull moment
at the booths as we attract the attention
of most technical students
looking for a future career.
Touring the Exhibitions
If you’re a parent of a
secondary school student
who may be contemplating a
future apprenticeship or who
need further information on
skilled trades this is the event
to attend. There is a severe
shortage of real information on
the skilled trades. Most parents
and guidance councillors are
Ontario Skills Competition Canada
reluctant to see the value in
RIM Park in Waterloo, Ontario on May 2 - 4, 2016
the skilled trades. Most point
Lee Caprio, The Honorable Reza Moridi (MTCU),
students to higher education
Pat Blackwood (OCOT), David Tsubouchi (Registrar OCOT).
programs in white-collar job
sectors. While those students
Park in Waterloo. The Park and the City
that may be less scholastically inclined are
of Waterloo provided over a decade of
pushed to the skilled trades as being “easier.” support for the competition. Now the
There is nothing that is further from the truth.
competition is moving to Toronto.
The truth is a highly skilled individual who
After years of outgrowing RIM Park the
is in an apprenticeship in a Red Seal trade
distinguished Board of Directors and Gail
can benefit from a very high wage package,
Smyth of Skills Ontario made the move to
which if unionized, can include benefits and
come to Toronto. RIM Park had to be extended
a pension. The Joint Apprenticeship Council
beyond its capacity with much of the lawn
(JAC) knows this too well. Each year the
areas being overtaken by skills competitor
apprenticeship intake that they have sees
areas. The new location will provide a
between 800 and 1000 applicants and the
much-needed larger footprint and access
competition level is very high. Students are
to more competitors. With a waiting list of
baffled by the intensity of the application
over 1500 competitors who could not join
process, not understanding that this trade
in the competition it was time to move.
isn’t just a job - this trade is a career. This
trade culminates in a license that is just as
I wish I had room to list all the volunteers from
valuable as that of a doctor or lawyer.
our Local and associations. I want to personally
thank each and every one for their time and
If your child’s school does not currently
dedication. It is very much appreciated. A
send students to the Ontario Skills
special thanks goes to Aaron Zboch-Alves
Competition please have the school look
who is our newest Executive Board Member
into this for next year. It is a valuable
and also a Skills Ontario volunteer.
experience for all students. The advantage
next year is it is being held in Toronto.
I hope we are part of the new Skill
Ontario adventure next year.
Goodbye RIM Park, Hello Toronto!
This was the final year for the Ontario
Skills Competition to be held at RIM
Fraternally,
Lee Caprio
IBEW LOCAL 353
13
WORKPLACE SAFETY & INSURANCE
IBEW Wins Two Recent Appeals After Injured Workers
Were Laid-off (Work Disruption) While Partially
Disabled and Performing Modified Duties
By: Gary Majesky, WSIB Consultant & Executive Board Member
I
t is generally understood that our electrical contractors have a broad
latitude and right to manage their workforce, staffing requirements,
and can issue a layoff with 1-hours’ notice. However, this becomes
more complicated when a layoff involves an injured worker.
In my November 2015 article – Understanding the Re-employment
Obligation and the Unable to Work Threshold, I explained the
WSIB policy framework that governs whether an injured worker has
actionable re-employment rights. This month’s article expands on
what information an Appeal Officer considers relevant in awarding
Loss of Earnings benefits after an injured worker is laid-off.
Appeal #1, Shoulder Injury, Electrical
Contractor Ceased Business
In this appeal, a JW injured his right shoulder after attempting to
lift an extension ladder in an upward motion up onto a mezzanine
when he felt a sharp pain. He reported the injury immediately, and
remained at work performing modified duties as a non-working foreman
which he performed until the permanent layoff (work disruption).
The injured worker was laid-off after the accident employer
closed its doors on October 30, 2015 and ceased business
operations. Several current projects were assumed by another
IBEW contractor. After the injury, the worker cooperated
in an Early and Safe Return to Work (ESRTW), and health
recovery initiatives, however surgery remained an option.
After the layoff, the member approached the WSIB seeking Loss of
Earnings Benefits claiming he was competitively unemployable in
the general labour market as an electrician because of his functional
limitations of no overhead work, pushing and pulling against resistance,
and repetitive motions involving the use of his right upper extremity.
WSIB Ruled Worker Could Find Work
As Non-working Foreman
The Case Manager initially ruled the workers wage loss was not
related to the work injury, because he could find employment
through the union OR the general labour market as a non-working
foreman, a position that does not involve physical work.
The union filed extensive submissions, however, the central issue was
whether the worker’s employability is “clearly affected” by his workrelated right shoulder disability. The Appeals Resolution Officer ruled:
14
JUNE 2016
I find that the worker’s modified job with the employer
as a working foreman/supervisor was exquisitely unique
to him and to the employer’s business and that it was a
highly accommodated job to meet the worker’s functional
restrictions for his work-related right shoulder disability. In
support of this finding, I relied on the employer’s evidence
•A working foreman/supervisor is required to oversee
other staff “but also he would be doing much of the
work which is a lot of lifting/overhead work etc.”
•At the time the contractor ceased business operations, the
worker was doing some of his preinjury work yet he “did not
work overhead, work with his arm away from his body or heavy
lifting and he did have an apprentice to do those duties.”
Union’s Evidence Preferred
I did not overlook the employer’s evidence regarding the worker’s
employability as an electrical foreman with an alternate
employer, and unable to accord any weight to this evidence as
it is speculative in nature and not grounded with valid reliable
labour market information. I prefer the evidence submitted by
IBEW Local 353 that details with particularity the idiosyncrasies
of the journeyman electrician, including physical demands,
work tasks, processes, equipment and job expectations. I
find that the modified job he was performing at the time the
employer closed its doors was a job that was not available to
him with an alternate employer in the general labour market.
Non-Working Foreman Job A Fiction
It is instructive that the worker was attending active nonmaintenance physiotherapy treatments at the time of the
permanent work disruption on October 15, 2015 and he required
ongoing treatment for his work related shoulder injury that was
approved by the Board. I am persuaded by the evidence that
the worker had more than a minor ongoing impairment with his
work-related right shoulder injury. I also find the worker at the
time of layoff was in a highly accommodated job. It was, in
essence, a predominantly inspection/supervisory job that was
unique to him and that an apprentice was assigned to perform
the majority of the physical and labour-intensive work. I accept
the worker representatives’ submission that the foreman/
supervisor job performed by the worker was not a standard
job in the context of the electrical industry in which the worker
was employed. In my view, no such job, or anything similar to
it, would likely have been available at any other employer.
Appeal #2, Knee Injury, Electrician
in Highly Accommodated Job
In February 2013, at age 53, a JW working in the high-rise
sector tripped on a doorframe and fell, landing on his right
knee, tearing a meniscus (cartilage). An MRI also found
degenerative osteoarthritis which was unrelated to the injury.
After the 1st injury, which required surgery, the worker performed
modified duties when he suffered a 2nd right knee injury. From
February 2013 until the layoff in February 2015 the worker never
returned to pre-injury work and performed modified duties.
However, in denying Loss of Earnings benefits after the layoff, the
Board ruled that the worker fully recovered from the 2nd injury
and returned to regular duties up until the layoff. The accident
employer echoed the Board’s position that the worker was performing
regular duties at the time of layoff, even though this conflicted
with documentary information the employer submitted to WSIB.
The union argued the Board failed to adhere to the principles of
whole person adjudication by ignoring the fact the worker was still
impaired from the 1st knee injury. Throughout 2013 and 2014, the
union requested a Permanent Impairment for the worker and the
Board agreed in September 2014, confirming right knee restrictions
of: no prolonged sitting/ standing/walking, no heavy lifting, no
ladder or stair climbing, no bending/twisting, no kneeling, no low
level work or walking on uneven ground. These restrictions were in
place at the time of layoff. The Appeal Resolution officer ruled:
Board & Employer Relied on False Information
For reasons unexplained, the workers Loss of Earnings was
adjudicated under the 2nd claim, where the Case Manager ruled
the worker was performing his regular duties at the time of the
February 2015 layoff notice. The Case Manager contacted the
employer representative on February 26, 2015 and was in fact,
informed that the worker had returned to work at regular duties
since February 2014, but this is inconsistent with the case record
details, as outlined by the testimony of the worker and general
foreman. This may have been an oversight but the record is
clear that the worker never resumed his full regular duties.
It must be determined whether the worker, because of the
work related impairment and associated permanent physical
precautions, has a distinct disadvantage in finding similar, postaccident suitable work when compared to an uninjured co-worker.
Duties Performed at time of Layoff
The policy directs decision makers to examine the work the
worker was doing at the time of the work disruption:
•Consider whether the worker is unable to perform the
pre-accident job due to his or her work related
impairment/disability?
•Is the work related impairment permanent?
•How different is the work from the worker’s pre-injury job?
•How long has the worker been doing this work?
•Is the work available in the general labour market
and if so, are the wages comparable?
•Is the required productivity at the level the worker
was doing at the time of the work disruption?
•One must also consider whether the suitable work
involves some form of accommodation? and
•What is the likelihood that another employer
will provide the required accommodation?
Is Modified Job Available Through Union or General
Labour Market
In this case, clearly the work disruption is well beyond the
three month period as defined in Operational Policy #15-06-02.
The worker was/is unable to perform his pre-injury job. The
work related impairment has been accepted as permanent,
recognized by the 8% NEL award granted. The modified job
that the worker had been performing leading to the layoff was
completely different than the worker’s pre-injury job as a licensed
electrician, despite the specific duties he was assigned and
performing prior to the work related injury. He was hired as an
electrician and was fit to perform all aspects and requirements
of his job. I find it unlikely that the post injury modified job was/
is available in the general labour market nor is it likely that
another employer would provide the necessary accommodation.
Workers Employability Affected by Knee Injury
Therefore, I find the cause of the workers loss of earning was
related to his impairment and associated clinical restrictions. He
would not be expected to conduct a job search because he could
not apply for electrician jobs with his permanent precautions as
this was not a suitable occupation. The worker’s employability
was clearly affected by the work related permanent impairment
and permanent restrictions at the time of the layoff in February
2015. The worker is unable to obtain employment through the
union or the general labour market, due to his physical precautions.
Closing Comments
These two cases highlight the importance of documenting what duties
and job tasks you are performing while on modified duties. All too often
employers and WSIB Case Managers will argue that installing switches
and plugs are regular duties, but this ignores the full scope of work
that an electrician is expected to perform, and level of productivity. I’m
reminded of a recent appeal decision where an Appeal Officer ruled
“there is no such thing as a wall socket electrician” because in the
above appeal hearing (#2), I almost fell off my chair when the employer
witness testified they regularly accommodate new hires from the union
hiring hall who cannot sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods, no heavy
lifting, no ladder or stair climbing, no bending/twisting, no kneeling,
no low level work or walking on uneven ground. In almost 20 years,
I don’t ever recall such compassion for new hires who are disabled.
Gary Majesky
WSIB Consultant
Direct Line (416) 510-5251
gary_wsib@ibew353.org
IBEW LOCAL 353
15
Metric Electric working at Colonel Samuel
Smith Park, Power House Recreation Centre
By: Robert White & Lee Caprio
Left to right: Nenad Pokrajac, Stojan Milanovic, Kyle Ross (Steward), Adam Pizzi, Vojislav Popic,
Vojislav Colakovic, Alex Tromboukis, Iosef Ciceu (Foreman) and Yong Hua Gu.
Industrial Electrical Contractors Crew at
the TTC Wilson North Carhouse Expansion
By: Ted Szwec, Business Representative
The existing Carhouse expansion involves a new 600/347v-208/120v main distribution system, fire alarm, building services,
600v DC duct banks and feeders, track signalling duct banks, and 600v/6000A DC distribution Switchgear.
Left to Right: Edmond Lam, Jamie Smith, Colin Beech,
Al Valler, David Poole [Shop Steward], James Paton,
Robert Lacroix, Dennis Kupinsky, Shawn Lant,
Rob Peddle [Site Supervisor].
16
JUNE 2016
R.C.N. Electric working at the
Credit Valley Secondary School
By: Jeff Bond, Business Representative
Front Row: Steve Ferreira, Avtar Randhawa, Jacqueline Brouckxon, Nick Cecala, Robert Blaskovic, Louie Chiappetta (Foreman).
Back Row: Bassam Abousawan (Foreman), Adriano Beletic, Milo Kynkal, Daniel Coniglio, Garo Torossian, Janusz Lewandowski.
Pension Gifts
The following pensioners are invited to the South Unit Membership meeting at the Union Office,
1377 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. to receive their pension gifts:
Alexander Boodhoo, Wesley Brown, Ian Carson, Albert Cohen, Barry Colford, Rudy Ferth, Joao Freitas, Luigi Gialanella,
Donald Hardman, Konstanti Ikonomou, Marko Jandricic, Terrance MacIntyre, Frank McIntyre, Valentin Otrocol, Peter Pacione,
Pashalis Panteleris, Francesco Prete, Marian Turczyski and William Vandenhof.
IBEW 353 South Union Hall, 1377 Lawrence Ave East,
Toronto, 9:00 am to 11:30 am
September 24 & November 19, 2016
PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR:
For active members who are looking to
retire within the next six months and
require information on pension options,
benefit coverage changes and life
insurance entitlements.
October 22, 2016
RETIREE SEMINAR:
For only retired members or their
survivors to review their benefit
coverage with IBEW Local 353.
November 5, 2016
ACTIVE WORKING
MEMBER BENEFIT SEMINAR:
For active members to learn about their
benefit coverage under the IBEW Local
353 Group Benefit Plan.
RSVP by calling TEIBAS at 416-637-6789 or by email: members@teibas.com.
Refreshments will be provided and spouses are welcome to attend. Seating is limited.
IBEW LOCAL 353
17
By: Salvatore Maltese, Business Rep. Electrical Power Systems Construction Association (EPSCA) North & East, LCA LVLIII, MHFA
A
s your EPSCA Representative new
personnel and existing personnel
have many items that they need to
be aware of outside of the Agreement
Obligations for all workers
at a nuclear facility
•Obeying all radiological signs and notices;
•Informing OPG of your pregnancy; and
Your legal obligations can be met by
following procedures, obeying the safety
rules and always considering nuclear safety
as part of your work and behavior. In most
cases, showing due diligence is a defence,
even if an incident or a violation occurs.
Anyone who works in one of OPG’s nuclear
sites has responsibilities under the Nuclear
Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and Regulations
which is the primary legislation governing
If you have questions, please contact
the regulation of nuclear energy in Canada.
OPG’s Regulatory Affairs department.
The NSCA and Regulations places
an obligation on all workers
including but not limited to:
• Assisting CNSC Inspectors;
•Using equipment meant to protect
people, the environment or to monitor
radiation in a reasonable manner;
•Observing prohibitions on the
removal of nuclear material, the use
of prescribed equipment, and the
use of prescribed information;
•Reporting certain types of events such
as security events, radiological hazards
and acts of sabotage and theft;
WORKPLACE
HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
INFORMATION
SYSTEM
18
JUNE 2016
Regulatory Credibility
The Darlington station was recently
granted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety
Commission (CNSC) a renewed operating
licence for a 10-year term to 2025. The
renewed operating licence followed from
many CNSC submissions and a set of public
hearings. The most important factor in the
renewal process was maintaining regulatory
credibility and trust. The CNSC have an
important role to ensure nuclear power and
materials are being safely managed by OPG
and by all workers who enter our facilities.
Good regulatory credibility is maintained not
just by following regulations and procedures,
but by exceeding them. The Darlington station
has been rated by the CNSC as being Fully
Satisfactory for the past six years which means
that we are exceeding regulatory requirements.
But, we can’t rest on past performance alone,
we must be diligent and work hard to maintain
trust of the CNSC, by complying with the rules,
following procedures and by exercising due
diligence. If ever eroded or lost, it is extremely
difficult to regain regulatory credibility.
At the end of each unit’s refurbishment outage,
we must obtain CNSC approval to allow the
restart of the units. Similar to how the 10year operating licence would not have been
possible without good regulatory credibility,
obtaining approval for post-refurbishment
start up will be very difficult to obtain in
a timely manner without CNSC trust.
(Sal) Salvatore Maltese
Cell (705)-790-6947
salm@ibew353.org
Just a reminder for unemployed members, we
offer WHMIS every Tuesday at the Toronto
Training Centre and every Thursday at the
Mississauga Training Centre starting at 8:30 a.m.
50 (A) Year Pin Recipients
Back Row: Tony Rogazzo, Corimbo Di Nino, Robert Goldstone, Herbert Drasnin, Hans-Peter Becker, Brian Bates
Middle Row: Joseph Chianelli, Zdzislaw Czapla, Glenn Bruton, Vasil Cholakov, LeRoy Carr, Camillo Dimonte
Front Row: Domenic Divizio, Wayne Kerr, Constanti Giannadis, Erwin Forester, Ernesto Granzotto, Leonard Bevan
COME OUT AND JOIN US FOR OUR CHARITY RIDES THIS SUMMER!
$30.00 MINIMUM DONATION PER PERSON
LOCAL 353
June 18, 2016 – 9:30 AM
2 Saunders Rd.
Barrie, Ontario
LOCAL 105
Sept 10, 2016 – 9:30 AM
685 Nebo Rd. RR #2
Hannon, Ontario
Contacts:
Bill Acorn (416) 795-3895 or
email: billa@lu353.org
Greg Cullen (647) 269-1952 or
email: Doom.Gloom@outlook.com
Al Foster (905) 928-3225
Chris Walter (519) 573-7876 or
email: chriswalter@rogers.com
IBEW LOCAL 353
19
Cystic Fibrosis Walk 2016
By: Aaron Zboch-Alves and Kyle Ross
O
n May 29th the NextGen Committee
and partner volunteers attended the
“Make Cystic Fibrosis History” walk.
The walk was hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation and took place at the Toronto
Zoo. We were given this letter to present
to the membership from Melissa White:
Hello, my name is Melissa. I am
a 31 year old female fighting
back against Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most
common fatal genetic disease
affecting Canadian children and
young adults. There is no cure.
Cystic fibrosis causes various effects
on the body, but mainly affects the
digestive system and lungs. The degree
of cystic fibrosis involvement differs
from person to person. However, the
persistence and ongoing infection in
the lungs, with destruction of lungs
and loss of lung function, eventually
causes death in the majority of
people who have cystic fibrosis.
Despite this attribute, I met Brother
Kyle Ross on a vacation in Jamaica
two years ago, and we had an instant
connection. Being born and raised in a
very small town of Mannington, West
Virginia, I took a leap of faith and moved
to Toronto in November 2014. Brother
Kyle Ross and his fellow members on
the Next Gen committee decided to
fund raise for Cystic Fibrosis which I am
forever grateful for. The members of the
IBEW 353 have shown me such caring
love and support. It is a true fellowship
that I am proud to be a part of.
Melissa White
20
JUNE 2016
Christina Corriea, Andrew Pereira, Jim Belanger, Melissa White,
Kyle Ross, Matias Valdez and Christina Mekhaiel.
Thank you to Melissa and Kyle for allowing
us to stand with them in this ongoing
fight with such a debilitating disease.
between. A light lunch was also provided and
our team met other like-minded groups on
the march to “Make Cystic Fibrosis History.”
The walk was a great success! Our team
raised over $1600 from both online and cash
donations. Our committee was overwhelmed
by the outpouring of support at the three most
recent unit meetings in May. Due to the nature
of the disease, we walked at a leisurely pace
around the Toronto Zoo with our friends and
families. We got to visit the new baby pandas,
the new baby gorilla and all the animals in
We would like to extend our gratitude to the
NextGen Committee and the participants
for all their hard work and dedication
to the cause. We also can’t stress the
solidarity that Local 353 has shown.
From the NextGen Committee, Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation and Melissa White, THANK YOU.
Kyle Ross and Aaron Zboch-Alves
IBEW 353’s Annual Picnic
Saturday, July 16th, 2016
The Summer Picnic will be at Canada's Wonderland
on July 16th, 2016. The cost will be $25.00 per
person. This includes the entrance fee and the lunch
buffet. For members with a season pass the cost of
the lunch buffet will be $10.00 per person. These
prices are for members and their dependants only.
Guest passes will are available at a cost of $50.00
per person or $20.00 per person for the meal only.
Registration opens May 1st, 2016 and closes on July
6th, 2016. Age two and under are free. 3 years of age
and up require an entrance ticket. Parking is $25 per
car (paid by member). Please register before the July
6th deadline and make payment at one of the four
union halls. Receipts must be brought to the park to
pick up tickets on the day of the event by 12:00 noon
sharp. The IBEW kiosk will be located between the berms in front of the park entrance turn stiles.
Note that the kiosk will be open from 9 am to 12 pm only. Members arriving after the 12 pm deadline are on their own.
Web site: www.canadaswonderland.com
Please keep an eye on the events web page for the latest event updates.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada’s Wonderland on Saturday, July 16th, 2016
Registration opens May 1st, 2016 and closes on July 6th, 2016.
Please register before the July 6th deadline and make payment to any of our (4) halls.
Bring receipt to the park and pick tickets up on the day of the event by 12:00 noon sharp!
Absolutely No Refunds!
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Member’s Name:
Member’s Card# & Daytime Phone#
_____________________________________________________________________________ # of People in your Group
IBEW LOCAL 353
21
2016 Labour Day Parade
Monday, September 5th, 2016
The Labour Day Committee has selected our marching apparel for this year. The uniform includes a work shirt (see picture)
and a one size fits all Tilley Hat at a total cost of $20.00. Attendance will be taken of all members who have received a
uniform. If you do not march, we will ask for the full cost of the uniform.
Labour Day Uniform is free of cost to the marching out-of-work members. To qualify, you must have been on the out-ofwork list 6 of the last 12 months and also not have your name on the Not-At-Trade list in the last 12 months.
Buses available on Monday, September 5, 2016at 1377 Lawrence Ave. East
1st Bus leaves at 8:00 a.m. – 2nd Bus leaves at 8:30 a.m.
Uniform pick up will be at all three IBEW 353 Union Halls. Pick up is available by paid receipt only.
• Wednesday, August 31st Noon – 3:30 p.m. • Thursday, September 1st Noon – 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, September 2nd Noon – 3:30 p.m. at 1377 Lawrence Avenue East ONLY
• Saturday, September 3rd 8:00 a.m. – Noon at 1377 Lawrence Avenue East ONLY
Please circle one choice of pick up location:
 1377 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto
 3185 Orlando Drive, Mississauga
 2 Saunders Road, Barrie
 423 Bloor St. W., Unit 7, Upstairs, Oshawa
There will be a BBQ on Saturday, September 3rd from 11:00am till noon at the Union Hall at 1377 Lawrence Ave. East.
We will be having a draw for two bicycles for the kids that participate in the parade. Wristbands will be available to members wishing to enter the CNE
after the parade or join us for a BBQ at the Union Hall at 1377 Lawrence Ave. East.
UNIFORMS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP ON THE DAY OF THE PARADE!
Please complete the form below and return by email, in person, fax or mail.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Member’s Name:__________________________________________ Member’s Card#:___________________________________________
Telephone#:______________________________________________Email:___________________________________________________
Marching Member's – SM  MD  LG  XL  2XL  3XL  4XL  XL Tall  2XL Tall  3XL Tall  4XL Tall 

Yes, my spouse/partner will be marching and wants to order a Work Shirt + Tilley Hat – Cost $20.00
SM  MD  LG  XL  2XL  3XL 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Retiree Member’s Name:____________________________________ Member’s Card #:___________________________________________
Telephone#:______________________________________________Email:___________________________________________________
Retiree’s Work Shirt SM  MD  LG  XL  2XL  3XL 

Yes, my spouse/partner will be marching and wants to order a Work Shirt + Tilley Hat - Cost $20.00
SM  MD  LG  XL  2XL  3XL 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kid’s Complimentary T-shirt at the Parade ONLY
Age_____ Size_____ Age_____ Size_____ Age_____ Size_____ Age_____ Size_____ Age_____ Size_____ Age_____ Size_____
22
JUNE 2016
In Memorial
It is with deepest regret that we report the deaths of the following members:
ROBERT ARNOLD
PATRICK PURDY
Joined the union on December 19, 1969 and passed
Joined the union on November 29, 1989 and passed
away on April 9, 2016. He was 70 years of age.
away on May 8, 2016. He was 77 years of age.
The last reported company Brother Arnold
The last reported company Brother Purdy
worked for was Scheaffer Townsend.
worked for was Sutherland & Schultz.
ROBERT W. WHITE (Lindsay, Ontario)
LOUIS GALLANT
Joined the union on October 1, 1970 and passed
Joined the union on October 8, 1963 and passed
away on April 21, 2016. He was 67 years of age.
The last reported company Brother White
The last reported company Brother Gallant
worked for was State Group.
worked for was R & B Construction.
JERZY LUFNIAK
DOUGLAS FARRELL
Joined the union on September 14, 1989 and passed
Joined the union on February 19, 1989 and passed
The last reported company Brother Lufniak
The last reported company Brother Farrell
worked for was Plan Group Inc.
worked for was Black & McDonald.
HOWARD SPENDIFF
JERRY ACKROYD
Joined the union on March 1, 1950 and passed
Joined the union on November 13, 1959 and passed
away on June 1, 2016. He was 77 years of age.
The last reported company Brother Spendiff
The last reported company Brother Ackroyd
worked for was Maintenance.
worked for was State Group.
Our sincere condolences are extended to their families and friends.
IBEW LOCAL 353
23
IBEW 353 North, East & South Unit Meetings
North Unit Membership
meeting will be held on
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at
the Union Hall,
2 Saunders Road, Barrie.
East Unit Membership
Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Union Hall, 380 Lake Road, Unit 3,
Bowmanville.
South Unit Membership
Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Union Hall, 1377 Lawrence
Avenue East, Toronto.
Please note there will be a
date change for the SOUTH
UNIT MEMBERSHIP MEETING
which will be held on
Monday, July 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
instead of Thursday, July 14,
2016 at the Union Hall, 1377
Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Union Hall,
Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 43 Alfie's lounge
471 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa.
113 Years of Service
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Union Hall,
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 43 Alfie's lounge
471 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa.
South Unit Membership
Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Union Hall, 1377 Lawrence
Avenue East, Toronto.
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I.B.E.W. 353 TORONTO
2 Saunders Road, Barrie, ON L4N 9A8
3185 Orlando Drive, Mississauga, ON L4V 1C5
423 Bloor St. W. Unit 7, Upstairs, Oshawa
1377 Lawrence Ave. East, Toronto, ON M3A 3P8
T: (416) 510-3530 • TF: 1 (888) 510-3530
F: (416) 510-3531 • TF: 1 (855) 510-3531
JOBLINE: (416) 510-3532
TOLL FREE JOBLINE: 1 (800) 387-3533
www.ibew353.org
Email: inquiries@ibew353.org
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