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<strong>seven</strong>-o-<strong>seven</strong><br />

<strong>REPORTER</strong><br />

Official<br />

Publication of<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> <strong>CAW</strong>, Oakville, Ont.<br />

July - September 2011 Vol. 54, No. 3<br />

Fight For<br />

Pensions<br />

And Benefits<br />

see President’s article pages 2-4


Official publication of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> <strong>CAW</strong><br />

Published four times a year<br />

at Oakville, Ontario<br />

“Authorized as third class mail by<br />

the Post Office Department, Ottawa,<br />

and for payment of postage in cash.”<br />

Printed by Thistle Printing Limited<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> <strong>CAW</strong><br />

475 North Service Rd. East<br />

Oakville, Ontario L6H 1A5<br />

(905) 844-9451, (905) 844-6431<br />

or 1-800-313-8<strong>707</strong><br />

E-mail: local<strong>707</strong>@cawlocal<strong>707</strong>.ca<br />

Web Page: www.local<strong>707</strong>caw.ca<br />

ExEcutivE OfficErS<br />

Gary Beck — President<br />

Ron Balazs — Vice-President<br />

Dave Millar — Recording Secretary<br />

Nadia Anton-Collins — Financial Secretary<br />

Shawn White — Trustee<br />

Nadine Wildgen — Trustee<br />

Lil Heil — Trustee<br />

Larry Pratt — Sergeant-at-Arms<br />

Bert Tousignant — Guide<br />

Charlie Goode — Retirees’ Chairperson<br />

The <strong>707</strong> Reporter is a publication of the <strong>CAW</strong><br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>, distributed free to members. It is<br />

published four times a year.<br />

Members are encouraged to express their<br />

views on topics which have been addressed in<br />

the <strong>707</strong> Reporter, and to raise other issues for<br />

discussion. Any opinions or views published in<br />

the <strong>707</strong> Reporter are those of the contributor and<br />

are not necessarily the opinions or views of <strong>Local</strong><br />

<strong>707</strong>; the <strong>CAW</strong>, or the Editorial Board, and neither<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>; the <strong>CAW</strong>; nor the Editorial Board<br />

accepts responsibility for them.<br />

Copyright for articles published in the<br />

<strong>707</strong> Reporter remains with the authors of the<br />

individual articles and, as such, written requests<br />

for permission to reproduce any articles, in whole<br />

or in part, should be directed to the author.<br />

The Editorial Board reserves the right to<br />

publish or not. Letters to the Editor must be<br />

signed. Publication of any advertisement should<br />

not be deemed an endorsement of the products or<br />

services advertised.<br />

Editor: ron Balazs<br />

editor@local<strong>707</strong>caw.ca<br />

EditOrial BOard:<br />

Mark Sciberras Bert tousignant<br />

Kenny Hogarth tim Batke<br />

/em cope343<br />

Features<br />

President’s Report .....2-4<br />

Financial Report ...........7<br />

Retirees .................20-26<br />

We Asked ...................38<br />

Page 2 – July – September 2011<br />

President’s Report<br />

By Gary Beck<br />

UAW<br />

Bargaining<br />

The collective agreements in place between UAW members and<br />

their respective employers, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler<br />

expire on September 14, 2011. Bargaining began in July when<br />

UAW President, Bob King kicked off negotiations. Ford, GM<br />

and Chrysler claim they are at a disadvantage compared to the<br />

transplant companies with the lost wages, benefits, pensions,<br />

etc.. Yet they are still showing huge profits. One does not have<br />

to look far to see where these profits are spent with CEO, Alan<br />

Mulally receiving $56.5 million in stock awards.<br />

The companies must remember that were it not for the sacrifices made by the<br />

workers, where would they be today? The message must be sent quite clearly<br />

by UAW President Bob King that if you are going to pay bonuses to your management<br />

team, you had better get off your wallet and pay both the retirees and<br />

active members who work on the line to make your profits.<br />

In Canada, we can only sit back and watch as this drama unfolds before us.<br />

Whatever lies in store for Ford south of the border will have a severe impact<br />

on us in Canada.<br />

Ford Council<br />

In July, elections were held at Ford Council. I congratulate Bob Scott for<br />

being elected as Trustee and Gary Ensell as Member-at-Large. <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> will<br />

be well represented.<br />

Congratulations are due to all members of the Executive and they are represented<br />

as follows.<br />

Gary Beck <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Chairperson<br />

Chris Taylor <strong>Local</strong> 200 Vice Chair<br />

Kim Clout <strong>Local</strong> 584 Financial Secretary<br />

Bob Scott <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Trustee<br />

Tim Little <strong>Local</strong> 200 Trustee<br />

Gary Barash <strong>Local</strong> 200 Trustee<br />

Gary Ensell <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Member-at-Large<br />

St. Thomas Plant Closure<br />

It will be a sad day when the last vehicle rolls off the line in St. Thomas on<br />

President’s Report – Continued on Page 3


President’s Report<br />

...continued from Page 3<br />

September 16th. The Ford Motor<br />

Company has refused any<br />

investment in the plant. It states<br />

that it no longer needs the plant<br />

or the line of vehicles. In 2001,<br />

the Auto Pact was ruled illegal<br />

by the World Trade Organization.<br />

Where would St. Thomas<br />

be today if it was still in<br />

place? By the end of this year,<br />

Ford will drop to #5 with GM,<br />

Chrysler, Toyota and Honda<br />

producing more vehicles in<br />

Canada than Ford. <strong>Local</strong> 1520<br />

members deserve better with<br />

a long history of achieving all<br />

levels of quality and productivity.<br />

The Ford Motor Company<br />

has turned a blind eye. It is absolutely<br />

disgusting that it has<br />

turned its back on these members!<br />

President Dennis McGee<br />

and Scott Smith, Chairperson<br />

of <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> 1520 deserve<br />

recognition for the insurmountable<br />

hurdles they encountered in attaining the agreements in<br />

place.<br />

ThyssenKrupp/Budd Canada<br />

I want to thank all those who attended the picket line in<br />

front of ThyssenKrupp’s Oakville site demanding the company<br />

honour its commitments to retirees at the former Budd<br />

Canada (TK Budd).<br />

ThyssenKrupp is trying to renege on its commitment to<br />

some 1,500 retirees, cancelling their healthcare benefits. It<br />

is attempting to dissolve retiree benefits through the Bankruptcy<br />

and Insolvency Act. The <strong>CAW</strong> is currently in court<br />

fighting with ThyssenKrupp Canada in an effort to save these<br />

benefits of the former Budd Canada workers in Kitchener.<br />

The <strong>CAW</strong> demands that this multinational corporation employing<br />

177,000 people in 80 countries and with a net equity<br />

valued at more than $14 billion honour its commitment to<br />

our retirees, some of whom are in long term care homes or<br />

recipients of recent organ transplants on life sustaining antirejection<br />

medication. The plant closed in December 2008 and<br />

the workers were represented by <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> 1451.<br />

Bob Chernecki, Assistant to the President of our National<br />

Union communicated our concerns to Stacey Allerton, Vice<br />

President Human Resources of Ford Canada via an email<br />

indicating:<br />

I write to you concerning the above part supplier (Thyssen-<br />

Krupp) for OAC. This corporation has cut off retiree benefits.<br />

It has restructured the Canadian operations and we are attempting<br />

to deal with this critical matter on behalf of our<br />

members. This is absolutely unconscionable for a corporation<br />

this size to cut off benefits for retirees.<br />

There are over 1,500 retirees in the Budd Canada (Thyssen-<br />

Krupp) system. Following difficult discussions with this corporation,<br />

we were able to secure monies to cover the benefits<br />

until mid-September 2011.<br />

Our union has absolutely no intention of putting up with<br />

this type of arrogance. This action by this corporation violates<br />

the principles of the supplier conduct letter between<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> and Ford. We request that you make contact with this<br />

corporation and advise it that this type of action is unacceptable<br />

and will affect the Ford and ThyssenKrupp relationship<br />

on current and future supplier initiatives. Your Intervention<br />

in this matter is critical. Please contact me at your earliest<br />

convenience.<br />

United Way Benefit Co-ordinator<br />

I want to congratulate Rita Thompson on attaining the position<br />

of Labour Staff Rep with the United Way of Oakville.<br />

Rita has an impressive repertoire within the labour movement<br />

as a result of 33 years of working with the <strong>CAW</strong> and<br />

Ford Motor Company in Oakville. During this time, Rita’s<br />

abilities were never limited to any single specific area but<br />

instead she managed to involve herself by becoming the<br />

Women’s Advocate in the Workplace, as well as the Employment<br />

Equity Representative (positions she held for 13 years).<br />

During those years she worked vigorously by earning the<br />

respect and support of both her peers and the Ford Motor<br />

Company.<br />

Rita was appointed by the Ford Motor Company and the<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> National Office to the position of Workplace Training<br />

Coordinator. In this position, she managed the classrooms<br />

President’s Report – Continued on Page 4<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 3


President’s Report<br />

...continued from Page 3<br />

and organized all the classroom modules. Never<br />

one to sit back, Rita continually challenged herself<br />

by making sure she continued to upgrade her education.<br />

She has spearheaded numerous humanitarian<br />

endeavours within the community, always the one<br />

to lead these efforts. Rita has been honoured with<br />

the Spirit of Courage Award; Volunteer of the Year<br />

Award, Women’s Activist Award and was also nominated<br />

for the Halton Women of the Year Award.<br />

Dates To Remember<br />

SEPTEMBER<br />

Sept. 2rd to 5th Labour Day weekend<br />

Sept. 18th General Membership Meeting<br />

Sep. 21st Retirees’ Membership Meeting<br />

OCTOBER<br />

Oct. 10th Thanksgiving<br />

Oct. 16th General Membership Meeting<br />

Oct. 19th Retirees’ Membership Meeting<br />

Oct. 29th Retirees’ Honour Roll Dinner/Dance<br />

NOVEMBER<br />

Nov. 16th Retirees’ Membership Meeting<br />

Nov. 20th General Membership Meeting<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Gary Beck<br />

President<br />

Ford Council Chair<br />

Page 4 – July – September 2011<br />

TOLL FREE NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Office 1-800-313-8<strong>707</strong><br />

<strong>CAW</strong> National Office<br />

<strong>Local</strong> Calling Area: 905-844-9451<br />

Fax: 905-844-0027<br />

(from 905/519/613/705 calling areas) 1-800-268-5763<br />

<strong>Local</strong> Calling Area: 416-497-4110<br />

W.S.i.B. Hamilton Office: 1-800-263-8488 <strong>Local</strong> Calling Area: 905-523-1800<br />

Green Shield Enquiries 1-800-265-5615<br />

The Ford Benefit Centre 1-866-376-9501 Fax: 1-877-891-5369<br />

caW legal Service<br />

credit union<br />

1-800-465-9701 Fax: 905-842-1389<br />

<strong>Local</strong> Calling Area: 905-842-3101 Call Collect: 0-905-842-3101<br />

Oakville Office: 905-845-3441 / 1-877-894-6625<br />

Brampton Office: 905-790-0344 / 1-877-889-4662


The Union’s Power Comes<br />

From Members On The Floor<br />

Recently we meet with <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> 200’s<br />

bargaining committee to compile our<br />

amendments for our negotiations with<br />

Voith. Both locations are 100 per cent in<br />

support of moving forward to bring back the best collective<br />

agreement we can to the membership of Voith. On August 24,<br />

2011 we will begin our local discussions with Oakville’s management<br />

along with discussions on our outstanding list of grievances.<br />

The strike mandate vote will be held on September 18th<br />

after the regularly scheduled membership meeting.<br />

With Bargaining Units #1 CBA up almost a year from now this<br />

could be the toughest round of negotiations we have ever seen. With<br />

the UAW negotiations ramping up, and another possible downturn<br />

in the U.S. economy lurking around the corner, and our dollar being<br />

so high, it could be the sequel to the movie Perfect Storm.<br />

Going forward we will have to pull all our resources together<br />

from the active workers, to the retired workers, and all our<br />

members who will be on layoff from the plant closure in St.<br />

Thomas to take on the Ford Motor Company. Profits and bonuses<br />

are flowing among the corporate wealthy, and workers<br />

are asked to be happy with what they have received, or asked to<br />

give concessions to help out corporate America.<br />

If it isn’t enough that workers are fighting just to maintain<br />

what we currently have, we are under the threat of globalization<br />

of the world’s economy breathing down our neck. Companies<br />

are trying to push the wages of the workers down, to create<br />

Vice-President’s Report<br />

By ron Balazs<br />

more wealth for the companies they<br />

work for, with the threat of moving<br />

jobs to market’s that will pay less per<br />

hour and disregard the safety of its workers.<br />

In my first term of being a Union Steward, I had a superintendent<br />

in my area that wrote up everyone for everything, the<br />

majority of the time without any pre-investigation at all. His<br />

favorite saying was “discipline would prevail!” The members<br />

of chassis stood together and took this person of management<br />

on. It was a heck of a fight, and took some time, but in the end<br />

he was sent packing back to the good ol US of A. If we band<br />

together with one common goal and take on management we<br />

can do wonders. Make sure we complete our jobs, if we aren’t<br />

able to, then make sure we use the proper channels to challenge<br />

the company by using your union representation e.g. Committeeperson,<br />

Time Standards, Ergo. The Union’s power comes<br />

from members on the shop floor, we as representative’s can tell<br />

the company to go pound salt so many times, but without the<br />

backing of the membership we are doomed. The old saying the<br />

“U in the Union is you” couldn’t say it better.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

ron Balazs<br />

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Leisure Industries: 504 Iroquois Shore Road, Unit 1, Oakville, ON, L6H 3K4<br />

leisureindustries@bellnet.ca www.leisureindustries.ca 905-815-5252<br />

Bring this ad in to get your <strong>CAW</strong> membership discount<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 5


Isn’t There Any Shame?<br />

Recording Secretary’s<br />

Report<br />

By dave Millar<br />

Is there any shame? Our government has let the people who<br />

built this country down yet again. Recently, at a rally in East<br />

Oakville, retired and active members alike from our local<br />

joined with hundreds of <strong>CAW</strong> activists from southern Ontario<br />

gathered on Winston Park Drive in Oakville to demonstrate<br />

at the ThyssenKrupp facility there. ThyssenKrupp is<br />

a company that had more than $65 billion in sales last year.<br />

Yes, that’s billion and more than $14 billion in profit! Yet<br />

the laws in Canada do nothing to protect the workers in this<br />

country.<br />

I feel a sense of shame knowing that our country does<br />

nothing to protect workers’ rights. Our government lets<br />

down the retired <strong>CAW</strong> workers from the former BUDD<br />

Automotive Plant in Kitchener when they allow a company<br />

like ThyssenKrupp to claim bankruptcy for a specific plant<br />

like the BUDD Plant it had purchased a few years ago only<br />

to shut it down and put its workforce out in the street – the<br />

same workers who worked for parts plant<br />

that contributed to building parts for Ford,<br />

Chrysler and GM at different times.<br />

We are all expected to live up to our<br />

end when we sign collective agreements.<br />

Why are companies given a different set of<br />

rules? We bargain for pensions as a wage in<br />

lieu. Companies have an obligation to pay<br />

their workforce what they bargain for. Pensions<br />

are not something that the companies<br />

give to its members due to their generosity.<br />

Pensions are bargained! Shame on major<br />

corporations for filing for bankruptcy when they know<br />

damn well that the last ones receiving any monies during<br />

the bankruptcy proceedings are the workers and even worse<br />

is the fact that our government does nothing to protect the<br />

workers that put billions of dollars into the pockets of the<br />

corporations.<br />

My government should protect the rights of the people of<br />

the country. Too often we hear stories of how the government<br />

fought to bring jobs to an area by making a city, region,<br />

province, country an attractive place to put its money. Well<br />

by making rules that make it easy to bring a company to<br />

an area, it also has to make it easy to have that same company<br />

close and move away. For example: If company, XYZ<br />

was to bring a plant to Hamilton, Ontario and it also had<br />

a plant in Anaheim, California and had circumstances that<br />

made it difficult to keep two plants open, then the company<br />

would have an easier time closing shop in Hamilton because<br />

it could claim bankruptcy to its Canadian sector and walk<br />

away from all the jobs, pensions, benefits because our government<br />

made it easy for it to do so.<br />

All too often we only worry about ourselves. We take too<br />

much for granted. It is about time some of us got off the<br />

Page 6 – July – September 2011<br />

My government<br />

should protect<br />

the rights<br />

of the people<br />

of the country.<br />

couch and got out and supported<br />

our fellow brothers and sisters<br />

from all unions. This pension<br />

fight is for real. Personally this<br />

summer alone, I have been on<br />

far too many picket lines, rallies,<br />

meetings regarding workers who are losing wages, benefits<br />

and having their pensions attacked. Our members need to<br />

start to pay attention and go and support those that need our<br />

help.<br />

ThyssenKrupp, Air Canada, U.S. Steel, Canada Post,<br />

Bombardier and countless others across the province and<br />

across Canada have treated their workforce horribly this past<br />

year if not longer. The Steelworkers in Hamilton have been<br />

out now for more than 10 months – shame on U.S. Steel!<br />

Air Canada put <strong>CAW</strong> workers in a strike position this<br />

summer. Fortunately for the workers an agreement was<br />

reached before the government stepped in<br />

and via legislation, ordered them back to<br />

work – shame on the federal government!<br />

CUPW workers were on rotating strikes<br />

yet continued to work until the bosses at<br />

Canada Post locked the unionized workers<br />

out – shame on Canada Post and shame<br />

again on our federal government for legislating<br />

them back to work with a worse deal<br />

than what had been offered by Canada<br />

Post. It is not responsible governing that is<br />

taking place. It is a dictatorship! Remember<br />

it is not the Government of Canada anymore. It is Stephen<br />

Harper’s government. arrogance! It is sickening!<br />

Let’s start sticking together brothers and sisters. Unions<br />

are needed now more than ever before. Someone has to<br />

stand up and fight for what is right. Without unions, we are<br />

destined for a $14/hour job and the division between the rich<br />

and poor will continue to grow.<br />

Are you aware that in 1980 it was reported that CEOs<br />

made 42 times as much money as the workers did? In 1990,<br />

they made 85 times as much and in 2000, they made 531<br />

times as much money? Let’s keep in mind the facts that have<br />

been presented to us about how much of the cost of building<br />

a vehicle in a <strong>CAW</strong> plant is. The salary and benefits of<br />

autoworkers in this country are approximately <strong>seven</strong> per<br />

cent of the cost. Where does the other 93 per cent come from<br />

and why don’t the media focus on that huge amount rather<br />

than the pittance that we require as severance for making the<br />

companies rich?<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

dave Millar<br />

recordingsecretary@local<strong>707</strong>caw.ca


<strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Funds<br />

For The Month Ending<br />

May 2011<br />

Current Year<br />

Month To Date<br />

General Equity – Beginning 2,795,529.25<br />

Revenue for the period 220,075.93 1,236,219.60<br />

Expenses for the period (205,199.57) (1,137,451.41)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End 14,876.36 2,894,297.44<br />

Education Equity – Beginning 39,097.60<br />

Revenue for the period 285.70 1,439.90<br />

Expenses for the period (272.24) (272.24)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End 13.46 40,265.26<br />

Sports & Equity – Beginning 8,061.15<br />

Recreation Revenue for the period 57.14 14,287.98<br />

Expenses for the period (36.00) (7,650.01)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End 21.14 14,699.12<br />

Political Equity – Beginning 50,754.21<br />

Education Revenue for the period 285.70 1,439.90<br />

Expenses for the period 0.00 (940.26)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End 285.70 51,253.85<br />

Retirees Equity – Beginning 104,583.50<br />

Revenue for the period 428.57 22,829.09<br />

Expenses for the period (9,443.01) (29,714.10)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End (9,014.44) 97,698.49<br />

New Equity – Beginning 29,644.06<br />

Members Revenue for the period 20.00 105.00<br />

Expenses for the period 0.00 0.00<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End 20.00 29,749.06<br />

Picnic Equity – Beginning (39,030.09)<br />

Revenue for the period 3,028.45 12,839.15<br />

Expenses for the period (2,948.64) (6,914.55)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End 79.81 (33,105.49)<br />

Building & Equity – Beginning (1,856,238.22)<br />

Building Revenue for the period 17,458.25 65,690.49<br />

Corp Expenses for the period (46,455.87) (197,296.97)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End (28,997.62) (1,987,844.70)<br />

Watch Equity – Beginning (81,745.19)<br />

Revenue for the period 714.25 3,599.75<br />

Expenses for the period (858.56) (2,314.79)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End (144.31) (80,460.23)<br />

Strike Equity – Beginning 40,975.88<br />

Revenue for the period 285.70 1,439.90<br />

Expenses for the period (1,000.00) (2,250.00)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End (714.30) 40,165.78<br />

Human Equity – Beginning (4,565.62)<br />

Rights Revenue for the period 57.14 287.98<br />

Expenses for the period (274.36) (274.36)<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End (217.22) (4,552.00)<br />

Womens’ Equity – Beginning (1,292.80)<br />

Committee Revenue for the period 57.14 287.98<br />

Expenses for the period 0.00 0.00<br />

Equity (Deficit) – End 57.14 (1,004.82)<br />

Total Funds (23,734.28) 1,061,161.76<br />

Respectfully submitted<br />

Nadia anton-collins<br />

Financial Secretary<br />

Financial<br />

Secretary’s<br />

Report<br />

By<br />

Nadia anton-collins<br />

to all Members of local <strong>707</strong> caW:<br />

Welcome back from your summer holiday. Soon schools will be<br />

up and running and kids will be starting a new school year.<br />

So, now we have lived in the 21st century for more than a decade<br />

and yet it seems that working people are still fighting the same<br />

issues as those in the 1920s. Often we hear people speak of the<br />

“good old days.” Well were they really the good old days or simply<br />

a form of dealing with frustrations of the moment? Not much has<br />

changed. As a matter of fact, it has regressed to a past from which<br />

we should have learned. It would be logical to have learned from<br />

the past in order to avoid mistakes previously made. However, that<br />

only happens in fairy tales.<br />

In the global economy, the crashes of stock markets are the ultimate<br />

disaster. Each time I turn towards the electronic media I hear<br />

nothing but more bad news. On a day by day basis, the working<br />

class is the one held accountable for the world economy. In a loud<br />

and clear voice, I ask: “Where are our federal and Provincial<br />

governments and what do they plan to do to ensure some form<br />

of stability in people’s lives?” The stability should come in the<br />

form of job protection, improvements to our healthcare system, and<br />

amendments to our pensions and the right to access free education,<br />

etc..<br />

The way I see it the worse the economy gets, the more taxes (in<br />

all manner and forms) are taken from the working class. Wait – I am<br />

not yet finished. There is also no reasonable access to government<br />

services or assistance program provided. The real amazing thing is<br />

that we now have a majority federal government that does absolutely<br />

nothing for the working class. Is this the Canada we want to give<br />

to future generations or are we ready to demand a positive change?<br />

Provincial elections are scheduled to take place in the fall of<br />

2011. I do hope that people use the right to vote and use that vote<br />

wisely. l l l l l l l<br />

It has been brought to my attention again that many of our members<br />

are unaware of the WSIB requirements. The most fundamental<br />

one is that in order for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> <strong>CAW</strong> representatives to be able to<br />

address any of your concerns with respect to a work related injury;<br />

they need to have “Authorization of Representation.” This means<br />

that WSIB must be provided in writing identification of the representative.<br />

The letter is signed by the injured worker or on a Form<br />

6 that is completed by the injured worker indicating the choice of<br />

representative. When in doubt, please contact the Inplant Representatives<br />

for clarification.<br />

l l l l l l l<br />

As a reminder to those who are not yet aware, your <strong>Local</strong> Union<br />

Hall is also a banquet facility that may be rented for various functions.<br />

Should you require further information, feel free to contact the<br />

local union office for one of us to provide you with help.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Nadia Anton-Collins<br />

Financial Secretary<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 7


Greetings!<br />

Here is an update from the skilled<br />

trades’ arbitration hearing held June 28,<br />

2011. It deals with the preliminary objection<br />

raised by the company that <strong>Local</strong><br />

<strong>707</strong> abandoned the “catch-all” grievance<br />

in 2007. The union is attempting to keep<br />

this grievance alive. At the conclusion<br />

of evidence presented by the union, the<br />

company unexpectedly requested one of<br />

its witnesses be allowed to return to the<br />

stand. Surprisingly, the arbitrator agreed<br />

to this and consequently the company’s<br />

witness shall give additional evidence,<br />

resulting in yet another delay. Once<br />

this “final” witness is finished, we will<br />

present closing arguments and await the<br />

arbitrator’s ruling, which should occur<br />

fairly quickly. The next step will be the<br />

procurement of dates commencing with<br />

the “Hunter” grievance which is a more<br />

particularized one with respect to work<br />

carried out by contractors under the 2004<br />

Flexible Manufacturing Agreement.<br />

2008 Appendix ‘T’<br />

Relief Window<br />

On May 13th, the union was given 30<br />

days’ notification by the company to create<br />

a 2008 Appendix ‘T’ Relief Window<br />

for work in Final during the summer<br />

shutdown period. It was the company’s<br />

intention to utilize outside contractors<br />

in Final on the holiday weekend – not<br />

fully using our skilled trades, but instead<br />

Page 8 – July – September 2011<br />

Skilled Trades Chairperson’s Report<br />

By Gary Ensell<br />

Three Skilled Trades<br />

Arbitration Cases<br />

match them on a one to one basis. This<br />

prompted further discussions with Oakville’s<br />

management and VO people from<br />

Detroit and as a result of these meetings;<br />

we were able to persuade management<br />

to provide work opportunities for all<br />

skilled trades for time that included the<br />

long weekend. Additionally, Appendix<br />

‘T’ full utilization was provided to pipefitters<br />

and tinsmiths with other meetings<br />

leading to VO and management’s agreement<br />

to utilize Ford skilled trades during<br />

the Monday to Friday period of Jun 20th<br />

and 27th. This additional labour created<br />

work opportunities under Appendix ‘M’<br />

for skilled trades in various departments.<br />

The 2008 Appendix ‘T’ Relief Window<br />

language can be found on page 24<br />

of Exhibit B<br />

V229 Body Shop Demolition<br />

During the summer shutdown period,<br />

the heavy demolition equipment commenced<br />

work in the old V229 Body Shop.<br />

The demolition is expected to take up to<br />

three months. As previously reported,<br />

the old V229 Body Shop has been split<br />

into five zones and the demolition will<br />

move from zone to zone. Discussions are<br />

taking place with the company to identify<br />

work that can be performed by the<br />

skilled trades in the completed zones.<br />

Retirement Incentives<br />

During meetings with the company<br />

376 Iroquois Shore Road, Oakville, Ontario<br />

on skilled trades’ numbers for Oakville,<br />

the company stated there is currently<br />

an excess capacity of mechanical trade<br />

classifications by some 10–12 people. A<br />

canvass was requested and conducted to<br />

allow skilled trades in the 55 and 10 category<br />

and for those in regular retirement<br />

categories to identify their intent to retire.<br />

There have been and will continue to<br />

be meetings with union representatives<br />

of St. Thomas, members of the National<br />

Union, the COB staff, and myself on the<br />

St. Thomas global incentives reached in<br />

2009 during <strong>Local</strong> 1520’s negotiations.<br />

The next meeting is scheduled for August<br />

16th at COB.<br />

Ford Council<br />

At the recent Ford Council, there were<br />

interesting discussions about the state of<br />

the auto industry in North America and<br />

the possible negative impact the 2011<br />

UAW/Big Three bargaining may have<br />

on our 2012 <strong>CAW</strong>/Big Three bargaining.<br />

During this Ford Council meeting,<br />

I received an acclamation on the Ford<br />

Council Executive Board and was asked<br />

to chair the <strong>CAW</strong> Ford Skilled Trades<br />

Chairperson’s Master Bargaining Committee<br />

– a duty I accepted.<br />

Skilled Trades’ Start Times<br />

At the January 2011 <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> skilled<br />

trades’ meeting, discussions took place<br />

regarding start times that were changed<br />

quite some time ago with a previous<br />

skilled trades’ chair. I gave my commitment<br />

to the skilled trades at the meeting<br />

to discuss the issues with management<br />

and attempt to revert to the original 7:00<br />

a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. start times.<br />

The company was opposed to this and<br />

claimed that the previous agreement<br />

with the union must continue. Long story<br />

short: Skilled trades have reverted to the<br />

original 7:00 – 3:00 – 11:00 start times.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Gary Ensell<br />

Skilled Trades Chair<br />

(905) 845-2511 ext 3352<br />

gensell@ford.com


Serving the GTA for 27 Years • 5495 Dixie Road, Just Below The 401<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 9


Page 10 – July – September 2011<br />

Vacation Shutdown<br />

Brothers and Sisters:<br />

I hope that everyone had a safe and welldeserved<br />

vacation! Although it lasted only one week, it seemed<br />

that the weatherman this year was extremely kind to us during<br />

the shutdown. Ensure you have scheduled the rest of your<br />

vacation so that you will be able to rest your bodies from the<br />

strenuous work you do each and every day. We deserve to spend<br />

relaxing quality time with our families.<br />

Scheduling Of Work Hours<br />

We have received several complaints from our members concerning<br />

the scheduled hours regarding the inconsistency of start<br />

times on the #3 shift. On June 21, 2011, I met with Brent Merritt,<br />

Lean Manufacturing Manager and the ‘A’ shift committee<br />

to discuss our members’ concerns regarding the fluctuation of<br />

the starting times. We suggested to Brent that in the future, the<br />

company should look towards scheduling a consistent start<br />

time, e.g. if the #3 shift start time is to be 5:30 p.m. then it<br />

should be that for both weeks of the cycle so that our members<br />

can better acclimate themselves to the two week period. Brent<br />

agreed that this would not be a problem.<br />

Laid Off Workers<br />

On May 30, 2011, the company recalled 30 of our members<br />

from indefinite layoff and the remaining 36 were called back<br />

on June 20, 2011.<br />

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Plant Chairperson’s<br />

Report<br />

By Bob Scott<br />

Students<br />

On June 20, 2011, the company<br />

hired 80 students and another 80 one<br />

week later. Two hundred students<br />

were brought in to be given a medical<br />

and 40 remain in a pool to be brought in as needed. Several<br />

of our members expressed concerns that they were not happy<br />

with the process that the company is using to hire students.<br />

It is their belief that the company should hire sons/daughters<br />

of active workers first and then if necessary, go on to nieces,<br />

nephews, friends and neighbours. Labour Relations Supervisor,<br />

David Nangini informed me that the names of the students, who<br />

applied for work, were put into a box and selected by Steve<br />

Joyce in lottery fashion.<br />

Grievances<br />

On June 3, 2011, our Inplant Committee met at the Union<br />

Hall to discuss all outstanding grievances. Regular weekly<br />

agenda meetings are taking place with the company and several<br />

Plant Chairperson’s Report – Continued on Page 11


Plant Chairperson’s Report<br />

...continued from Page 10<br />

grievances have been settled. Our Inplant Committee has set up<br />

regularly scheduled meetings with David Nangini to discuss all<br />

grievances in their respective areas to try and reach a settlement<br />

prior to moving the grievance to agenda. This will also assist in<br />

speeding up the length of time a grievance is in the system. Currently<br />

there are more than 20 termination grievances that need<br />

to be discussed with the company to see whether an agreement<br />

can be reached.<br />

Ongoing Battles<br />

It is imperative that our members inform us if they see vendors<br />

doing work they believe belongs to us. Ben Kuypers, Rob<br />

Aquino and I have had several meetings with the company pertaining<br />

to vendors doing work in the plant that we believe to<br />

be ours. On May 30, 3011, Ben and I met with David Nangini,<br />

Mark Moran, and Joanne Bennett to discuss complaints from<br />

our members about vendors doing our work and not following<br />

the agreement in place pertaining to vendors in the plant. During<br />

this meeting we told the company and notified them that<br />

grievances would be lodged against vendors who did not have<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> support. After this meeting, Ben and I visited the west lot<br />

and found two vendors with a van full of parts and tools preparing<br />

to replace parts on vehicles. After stopping them from repairing<br />

these vehicles, we went back to meet with Mark Moran<br />

again with pictures of the van filled with parts and tools. Ben<br />

notified Mark that grievances would follow. As union leadership<br />

for <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>, we are arguing that our members are<br />

capable of doing any and all work performed in this plant.<br />

Injuries<br />

It is extremely important that our members understand that if<br />

you are injured at work, you must report it immediately. Do not<br />

wait for two or three days to see whether your injury gets better.<br />

In many cases by reporting the injury you may find that there<br />

is a resolve for the reason the injury happened in the first place.<br />

15.26C<br />

Many of our members are still being sent 15.26C notices for<br />

being off work without coverage for more than five days. It is<br />

imperative that we ensure we provide notice to the company if<br />

we are not going to be at work and that our documentation will<br />

follow.<br />

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IMP<br />

On May 19, 2001, Gary Beck, Gary Ensell and I met with<br />

David Nangini, and Gillian Briscoe to discuss the company’s<br />

misuse of the Income Maintenance Program by improper payment<br />

of short workweek funds. We notified the company that<br />

this practice must cease immediately and that a grievance would<br />

be filed to make the IMP whole.<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> – OPCOM<br />

On June 28, 2011, our union’s leadership met with the Plant<br />

Operating Committee to resume a regularly scheduled OPCOM<br />

alternating between the ‘A’ and ‘B’ shifts’ leadership to discuss<br />

issues arising in our plant on a daily basis. The intention of these<br />

meetings is for union leadership and upper plant management<br />

to openly discuss and find resolutions for ongoing problems<br />

that create barriers in the daily operation of the plant. These<br />

meetings will help resolve issues in a more efficient manner.<br />

Ford Council<br />

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Gary Beck for being<br />

re-elected to his position of Ford Bargaining Council Chairperson<br />

and Gary Ensell for being elected as Member-at-Large<br />

for the Council. I, myself was fortunate enough to have been<br />

elected as a Trustee.<br />

Poison Environment<br />

Many members have expressed concern to my office that<br />

they have had enough of rumours, poison, lies and wrong information<br />

spread on the plant floor by certain individuals having<br />

nothing better to do than gossip and slander others for their own<br />

personal agenda. If you believe that people are poisoning your<br />

environment, then tell them to stop or you will file a complaint<br />

against them.<br />

If you have concerns that information being given to you by<br />

an individual or individuals is misleading or inaccurate, you<br />

need to ask your Committeeperson to provide you with the<br />

proper information or call my office at (905) 845-2511 ext.<br />

3350.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Bob Scott<br />

OAC Plant Chair<br />

905-845 2511 ext. 3350 / 905-483-1475 cell<br />

Telephone: 905-849-7560<br />

www.haltonhearing.com<br />

Offers <strong>CAW</strong> LOCAL <strong>707</strong> Union Members Hearing Services<br />

Conveniently Located in Downtown Oakville<br />

c Complete Hearing Tests at no cost to you with a referral<br />

from a Physician. Visit our website to print a referral form<br />

from home!<br />

c Registered Greenshield Provider with Direct Billing<br />

Provided<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 11


I hope everybody had a fantastic summer – clear skies, little<br />

rain, and plenty of sunshine.<br />

Life at Voith has not been without some surprises. For example,<br />

it does not seem to be able to keep its supervisors. Voith<br />

has gone through three supervisors in the month of July alone.<br />

What does this say about management? Something is very, very<br />

wrong. It behoves one to think we are entering into contract<br />

negotiations with this sort<br />

of uncertainty. Where is the<br />

stability that is very much<br />

required to get a fair and just<br />

agreement? Your guess is as<br />

good as mine!<br />

We, the union committee,<br />

are having a terrible time<br />

with Voith management in<br />

Cincinnati. It is becoming<br />

more and more involved in<br />

the day to day operations in<br />

Canada. The only problem is it does not understand Canadian<br />

laws. What may be legal in the U.S. does not automatically<br />

translate as law in Canada. Nice try Voith Cincinnati! It does<br />

not agree with our COLA calculations, so they have been held<br />

up since the start of July. It is the feeling of the committee that<br />

this is a ploy being played out by Voith to set the tone of negotiations.<br />

We are still in a ridiculous discussion regarding our<br />

accrued vacation pay due this year. It does not want to pay it<br />

out in full because it may lose money. How can that be the case<br />

when both sides have known what is due for the year? How is<br />

it possible to pay more? Another ploy of Voith Cincinnati is to<br />

upset the membership. It should be noted that management in<br />

Canada agreed to pay the full vacation suggesting that it is not<br />

really running the show.<br />

Our Bargaining Committee in Oakville has met with our<br />

Windsor Bargaining Committee along with the National Representatives<br />

to iron out master proposals and side issues for each<br />

location. Both Windsor and Oakville are on the same page regarding<br />

the issues with good solid ideas from both sides. We<br />

will have another meeting in September to clean up any “surprise”<br />

issues.<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> – Unit 2 (Voith) membership will hold a strike<br />

vote on September 18th after the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> general membership<br />

meeting. At this meeting we will elect a committeeperson<br />

to replace Gabe who is ill in the hospital and not expected back<br />

Page 12 – July – September 2011<br />

Voith Plant Chairperson’s Report<br />

By Edward Gopsill<br />

Negotiations<br />

Your input is critical as you<br />

cannot go running around complaining<br />

after negotiations have been concluded<br />

that the Bargaining Committee<br />

did not do its job.<br />

at work any time soon. We wish it<br />

could be otherwise, but the prognosis<br />

for him does not look good right<br />

now. We send him our prayers for a<br />

speedy and complete recover. A strike date vote will also be<br />

held and we will discuss the proposals we intend to offer Voith.<br />

The attendance of all Voith members is imperative. Your input<br />

is critical as you cannot go<br />

running around complaining<br />

after negotiations have been<br />

concluded that the Bargaining<br />

Committee did not<br />

do its job. Consensus by the<br />

membership is very much<br />

necessitated as we must<br />

stand together to get the desired<br />

agreement that is fair<br />

to the membership.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Edward Gopsill<br />

Plant Chair/ Unit 2 – Voith Industrial Services Inc.<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>


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July – September 2011 – Page 13


Zone 5 A-Shift Committeeperson’s Report<br />

By Marc Brennan<br />

Brothers and Sisters:<br />

Since being elected to Ford Council, I have had the opportunity<br />

to attend two of its meetings wherein we discussed many<br />

topics pertaining to all Ford facilities and to the members working<br />

there. We will pay close attention to the contract talks between<br />

the Big Three and the UAW as their negotiations will<br />

definitely impact what we in the <strong>CAW</strong> are trying to accomplish<br />

come September 2012.<br />

At the July Ford Council meeting, <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> ensured a prominent<br />

position having three of our members acclaimed as follows.<br />

Gary Beck is the Ford Council Chair. Bob Scott is Trustee. Gary<br />

Ensell is a Member-at-Large.<br />

I offer my congratulations to<br />

all three and look forward to<br />

working with them over the<br />

next three years.<br />

Reductions<br />

With the launch of our new<br />

models comes the company’s<br />

continued desire to reduce<br />

jobs. I know that once again<br />

I sound like a broken record,<br />

but jobs in Final are already overloaded. The best way to avoid the<br />

company from attempting to add work to your job is by following<br />

your OIS sheet. If there are any differences between the work you<br />

are doing and your OIS ensure that your supervisor is made aware<br />

of it so that you are not doing more or less than you should. If the<br />

company is attempting to add work to your job, it must notify you<br />

24 hours in advance and update your OIS sheet. It should also be<br />

noted that the day shift is the lead shift for any job changes.<br />

Pay Discrepancies<br />

The Inplant Committee met with all the managers to discuss<br />

the many ongoing issues currently abounding in the plant. One<br />

of the top issues is that many of our members are not being paid<br />

for the hours worked and that their pay problems were not being<br />

fixed in a timely manner. We have been assured from the plant<br />

manager on down that every effort will be made by his office to<br />

guarantee that the salaried workforce responsible for inputting<br />

our pay, does it right the first time. If there is an issue with it,<br />

then it will be remedied immediately. So if you have a pay issue,<br />

be sure you inform your supervisor once you are aware of it.<br />

Students<br />

More than 160 students were hired this past summer. It definitely<br />

enabled many of our members in Chassis go on vacation. With<br />

only a single week of shutdown, it was necessary to have summer<br />

help. It took some work, but most of the vacation requests have<br />

been authorized. As a reminder for next year, make sure you submit<br />

your request form for vacation by the determined date. This<br />

will give you a better opportunity to get the time you requested.<br />

Facilities In Chassis<br />

A couple of the canteens in Chassis are without chairs and<br />

tables. I had discussions with the company and with the help<br />

of Darrin Caerels, Skilled Trades’ Committeeperson; the company<br />

agreed to move some of the tables from the old paint<br />

facility into the required areas. This took longer than was first<br />

Page 14 – July – September 2011<br />

anticipated due to the power supply<br />

being cut off in the paint department<br />

and then the elevator necessary for<br />

the transportation of the tables was<br />

not working. It is hoped that by the<br />

time this article is being read, the<br />

tables will be in place.<br />

If the company is attempting to add work<br />

to your job, it must notify you 24 hours<br />

in advance and update your OIS sheet. It<br />

should also be noted that the day shift is<br />

the lead shift for any job changes.<br />

Grievances<br />

The Inplant Committee continues to work to resolve all the<br />

outstanding grievances. Over the past few months, we have<br />

been able to clean up many<br />

of them and for those that<br />

are not yet resolved, we continue<br />

to have dialogue with<br />

the company. Your committeeperson<br />

will inform you<br />

if there is a change in the<br />

status of any grievance you<br />

have in the system. In an<br />

effort to try to resolve the<br />

grievances, the Inplant has<br />

met weekly rather than biweekly<br />

hoping to speed up the process.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Marc Brennan<br />

Committee Council Chair


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July – September 2011 – Page 15


Record Temperatures<br />

It’s been a turbulent few months since our last edition of the <strong>707</strong><br />

Reporter. We started out with a very wet spring and early summer;<br />

then really turned up the heat in July to the point of record<br />

temperatures. We welcomed a large number of students that<br />

began working for the summer. The plant only shut down for a<br />

week as opposed to much longer past shutdowns. There were<br />

MOL visits and critical injuries, fires and accidents, chemical<br />

spills and near misses and plenty of more heat related, demolition<br />

related and other issues that kept the union safety office on<br />

its toes to say the least. Let’s take a snapshot of what has happened<br />

since early May.<br />

Injuries And Near Misses<br />

There were unfortunately a number of critical injuries since<br />

the last edition of the <strong>707</strong> Reporter, including a worker who<br />

received a broken limb from impact by a damaged rack door<br />

while trying to open the gate to retrieve parts in the body shop.<br />

Another worker lost consciousness as a result of the heat.<br />

Serious injuries also occurred including a plant visitor who<br />

broke an ankle coming into Gate 12 and a worker, who broke<br />

a finger as a result of a damaged part rack, again in the body<br />

department. Another worker received a serious burn when his<br />

ring made contact with a battery terminal. There were also<br />

reported incidents of workers coming too close to PMHVs.<br />

Cuts, abrasions, bruises, and ergonomic concerns helped keep<br />

the medical department hopping. There is, as we can see always<br />

room for improvement in this injury sphere; but believe<br />

it or not, statistically, we have improved year over year in this<br />

area.<br />

PMHV And Pedestrian Safety<br />

There were a number of notable safety-related incidents<br />

with respect to forklifts and tugs in the plant that could have<br />

had serious implications had the circumstances been slightly<br />

different. It seems that the last few months have highlighted<br />

deficiencies in parts packaging in the body department. Incidents<br />

of unlocked parts bins and parts spilling resulted in work<br />

refusals and near misses. Many concerns have been raised<br />

about stock storage practices in the body shop. Stock has been<br />

left on corners double stacked creating blind spots. We remind<br />

everyone to be on the lookout for potential pedestrian safety<br />

hazards.<br />

There have been major discussions with management about<br />

the preventative maintenance program related to the entire<br />

PMHV fleet. There are many challenges that are arising in this<br />

area, especially related to the age of the fleet, the shrinking<br />

number of mechanics and the scheduling issues. These are be-<br />

Page 16 – July – September 2011<br />

Health And Safety Report<br />

By<br />

Emil<br />

and<br />

Mike<br />

Mesic Gibson<br />

#2 Shift #3 Shift<br />

ing discussed at the highest level of the department, plant and<br />

corporate safety. If your vehicle is not operating safely, please<br />

report the malfunction to your supervisor and do not drive<br />

vehicles that cannot be operated safely. Similar issues are also<br />

arising in other Ford plants.<br />

On a pedestrian safety note, please remember that the basic<br />

plant rules are to walk in designated walkways, wear vests in<br />

red zones, make eye contact with PMHV operators, stay at<br />

least two feet away from PMHVs and do not talk or text on<br />

the phone or listen to electronic devices via headphones while<br />

walking through the plant. As a courtesy, we need to look after<br />

one another on this issue as it takes very little to be seriously<br />

injured (or worse) when walking and working around PMHVs.<br />

Students especially need reminders as they are vulnerable and<br />

Health And Safety Report – Continued on Page 17<br />

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Health And Safety Report<br />

...continued from Page 16<br />

not fully appreciative of all the risks involved with walking or<br />

working around PMHVs.<br />

WHMIS Audit<br />

In the last issue of the <strong>707</strong> Reporter, we discussed the need<br />

to clear out cabinets and shelves of old and unused chemicals,<br />

many of which were no longer compliant to WHMIS legislation.<br />

Thus far, the reaction has been less than stellar. If you have<br />

old chemicals, have them removed. Every chemical that you<br />

work with should be accompanied by a Material Safety Data<br />

Sheet (MSDS) and if it is dispensed, it needs to be labeled with<br />

a workplace label. A WHMIS safety talk was given in June,<br />

which everyone should have read and understood. We will audit<br />

employee WHMIS knowledge in the next couple of months to<br />

gauge understanding and the need for additional training.<br />

Ministry of Labour<br />

And Other Government Agency Visits<br />

The MOL was in the plant as a result of phoned in complaints<br />

regarding ventilation concerns in the finalizing area. During the<br />

visit, a number of orders were also issued related to physical<br />

concerns found on the roof of the plant. There have been additional<br />

calls put into the MOL from our office in relation to the<br />

same ventilation issue as well as concerns with the plant’s heat<br />

stress program and critical injuries already mentioned above.<br />

We expect their visits to occur by the end of August.<br />

The plant was also visited by the Halton Health Department,<br />

which issued orders related to hot water usage in the cafeterias<br />

as well as the TSSA, which issued orders related to the elevators<br />

in the plant.<br />

Heat Stress And Water Testing<br />

In our last report, we briefly discussed the need to look to<br />

negotiations in 2012 to try and improve the heat stress program.<br />

July was a real pressure cooker and illustrated many gaps in the<br />

company’s heat stress program. There were numerous issues<br />

related to delays in bottled water distribution, where sometimes<br />

it took hours for water to be delivered, especially in trim. Disagreements<br />

about when to implement job specific controls (including<br />

additional relief time) were argued before the extreme<br />

heat arrived and resulted in calls to the MOL which have still<br />

(at the time of writing) not been resolved. The heat stress cards,<br />

which were handed out as part of the monthly safety talk in<br />

May provided good information used by many in order to get<br />

some help when suffering physical effects from the stifling heat<br />

and humidity. There were numerous first aid visits as a result<br />

for the heat resulting in one loss of consciousness, as reported<br />

above. There have also been gaps in ice delivery, air conditioning<br />

in canteens not working, water fountains not functioning,<br />

exhaust ventilation not working and personal fans not working.<br />

On the issue of water fountains, the company has again delayed<br />

the testing of the water fountains at a corporate level as<br />

corporate hygiene seeks to revise its global water quality standards.<br />

The fountains have not been tested since 2008. (Cross<br />

connection surveys and back flow prevention testing as mandated<br />

by local authorities has been done.)<br />

Shutdown 2011<br />

The shutdown period was only one week long and its short<br />

duration hampered the plant’s ability to do very many large<br />

improvements. A number of critical items were done, including<br />

the replacement of the roof over the doorline in final and some<br />

workstation reallocation changes and preparatory work for the<br />

launching of the 2012 and 2013 models. A systematic reliance<br />

on pre-task analysis and good communication resulted in no<br />

injuries reported. Adherence to the protag buyoff process also<br />

helped with new tooling implementation. Projects that were not<br />

reviewed by the JH&SC did not launch quite so well.<br />

Ongoing Concerns<br />

There are many open issues that we are constantly pressuring<br />

the company to resolve. One item gets fixed and five more pop<br />

up and everyone knows how difficult it can be to get movement<br />

on certain issues. We do believe that on many frontiers<br />

however, reaction time is improving. It is only thorough our<br />

combined efforts that pressure can continuously be applied to<br />

resolve issues. Open items include Bigfoot collar replacements,<br />

gasoline leaks at Gate 12, demolition hygiene concerns, flooding<br />

and roof leaks, ergonomic issues, reductions and training.<br />

There is never a shortage of work.<br />

We hope that you enjoy the rest of the summer and stay safe<br />

whether at work, rest or play.<br />

Fraternally,<br />

Emil Mesic, Mike Gibson and todd caird and John Mullin<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 17


Sickness And Accident<br />

Benefits<br />

Benefit Representative’s Report<br />

By Mark Sciberras<br />

Our year over year Group Wage Loss Insurance utilization<br />

costs continue to increase. The company continues to<br />

ask why. While the company has not personally asked, it<br />

seems to be concerned about the health of the workforce in<br />

Oakville – just the costs; for if it was concerned about our<br />

health, it might take into consideration the average age of the<br />

worker in Oakville. Very few of us are under 30 years old as<br />

we have not had a new hire since 2003. It may reconsider its<br />

decision to reduce break times and vacation, stop increasing<br />

workloads and attempt to create a more positive working environment<br />

that would decrease Group Wage Loss Insurance<br />

claims; but to do this would require more manpower and<br />

that would increase the company’s costs. Unfortunately, at<br />

present, it seems it can’t get past the immediate costs for if<br />

the company was a little more concerned about the<br />

long term overall health of its workforce, it might<br />

find that it could decrease the amount of group<br />

wage loss claims, which is something we should<br />

want.<br />

If the company was serious about our health, it<br />

would have continued to fund a wellness program<br />

that was slow to start but had great potential. It<br />

would attempt to create better gradual return to work programs<br />

for those with personal injuries or illnesses, e.g. accommodate<br />

alternative work schedules. Currently it seems<br />

the company’s only solution to decrease costs is to have<br />

Great West Life Assurance Company scrutinize more claims<br />

than ever, especially those related to mental health.<br />

While I have stated this previously it is worth repeating.<br />

To ensure you are eligible for S&A benefits while unable to<br />

work due to illness or injury and your claim does not end up<br />

a statistic in one of its cost cutting measures, ensure your<br />

S&A application is completed properly. On your application,<br />

make sure you sign in the two necessary spots and include<br />

direct deposit information or a void cheque. This is the only<br />

way payment can be made as the Ford Motor Company and<br />

Great West Life Assurance do not share your banking information.<br />

Make sure your fully completed S&A application is<br />

passed on to the First Aid Department in a timely manner at<br />

least a month from the commencement of your disability.<br />

While off on Group Wage Loss Insurance, speak to your<br />

doctor about a treatment plan. To qualify for benefits, not<br />

only do you have to be unable to perform your job and have<br />

a clear diagnosis, but you are required to have a treatment<br />

program that is followed, e.g. an individual with a diagnosis<br />

of clinical depression might have a treatment program of<br />

medication and weekly counselling. If you are not engaged<br />

in some type of physician-prescribed regular treatment program,<br />

our Group Wage Loss Benefits could be denied. Also<br />

ensure the doctor completes the form correctly. It should have<br />

Page 18 – July – September 2011<br />

at the very minimum, a medical<br />

diagnosis, the date the symptoms<br />

first appeared, the first medical<br />

attention you sought within five<br />

days of the commencement of your<br />

disability, a regular treatment plan,<br />

the date you were first unable to do<br />

your job due to illness or injury and<br />

the approximate or return to work date. A completed application<br />

done right the first time is the best way to ensure your<br />

claim for benefits is not delayed and withstands the scrutiny<br />

of insurance adjudicators at Great West Life Assurance and<br />

allow you to focus on what is most important – your treatment,<br />

recovery and hopefully a quick return to work.<br />

If the company was serious<br />

about our health, it would have<br />

continued to fund a wellness program.<br />

Sickness and accident Benefits are commonly not paid<br />

for:<br />

c Workplace Conflict – If you are in a conflict with your<br />

supervisor or co-worker, insurance companies traditionally<br />

do not view this as a disability.<br />

c Stress – Insurance companies view it as an everyday part<br />

of life; not a clear medical diagnosis or a disability. To be<br />

eligible for benefits, you must instead have an illness with<br />

a clear medical diagnosis, treatment plan with restrictions<br />

and limitations that prevent you from performing your job.<br />

c Death or a serious illness of a family member – This is<br />

not viewed as an illness to you. Instead it is viewed as a<br />

“life event” by insurance companies unless you are unable<br />

to work because of your own illness with a clear medical<br />

diagnosis, treatment plan with restrictions and limitations<br />

that prevent you from performing your job.<br />

Benefit Information<br />

For updated negotiated benefit information, visit our<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> website at www.local<strong>707</strong>caw.ca. Once on<br />

our home page, click “Representatives” and then click on<br />

“Benefits”. Visit Green Shield’s website at www.greenshield.ca<br />

to sign up for “Online Plan Member Services”.<br />

This provides you with instant access to important benefit<br />

plan information.<br />

Fraternally,<br />

Mark Sciberras<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> <strong>CAW</strong> Benefit Representative


We must stress the importance of reporting<br />

a workplace injury in a timely<br />

manner to all parties to ensure your claim<br />

is established. If you sustain an injury,<br />

you must report it to your supervisor or<br />

the medical department immediately.<br />

The medical department will document<br />

your information but this does not automatically<br />

generate a claim. You should<br />

see your family physician with regards<br />

to your injury and have him/her submit a<br />

Form 8 (Physician’s Report of Injury) to<br />

WSIB. Report to the medical department<br />

that you were treated by a physician. This<br />

will then generate a Form 7 (Employer’s<br />

Report of Injury). Failure to report to<br />

your employer that you have seen a physician<br />

could result in delay of your claim.<br />

When the Board has received Forms<br />

7 and 8, a claim will be established and<br />

a Form 6 (Worker’s Report of Injury)<br />

will be mailed to you. It is imperative<br />

that you fully complete this form with<br />

as much detail as you can provide. The<br />

Reporting<br />

Your Injury<br />

WSIB Report<br />

By<br />

“A” Shift “B” Shift<br />

ian Parry chris Mcdougall<br />

details of how you were injured are very<br />

important in assisting the person adjudicating<br />

your claim to have a full understanding<br />

of your job and how you were<br />

injured doing it.<br />

Once the adjudicator has all the pertinent<br />

information, he/she will make a<br />

decision in regards to your claim and<br />

entitlement. Entitlement means many<br />

different things. It could mean that the<br />

Board will pay loss of earnings while<br />

you recover from your injury. It could<br />

mean healthcare benefits, which include<br />

but are not limited to medication expenses,<br />

payment for therapy, e.g. physiotherapy,<br />

chiropractic care, massage therapy,<br />

braces and assistive devices.<br />

Offer Of Modified Work<br />

If you receive a phone call or letter offering<br />

you modified work, do not ignore<br />

it and simply stay off work. The offer of<br />

modified work should correctly reflect<br />

the restriction profile that your treating<br />

physician has provided you with. The<br />

company has an obligation under law<br />

to offer you work that is within your<br />

physical limitations and abilities. You<br />

have an obligation under law to cooperate<br />

with your employer with the early<br />

and safe return to work. Failure to comply<br />

can result in you being found noncompliant<br />

by the Board and could jeopardize<br />

entitlement to your claim.<br />

Medical Appointments<br />

Ford has elected to cover some of the<br />

cost associated with lost time concerning<br />

injured workers’ medical and/or treatment<br />

appointments. Please ensure that if<br />

you have an appointment, you need to inform<br />

the respective disability coordinator<br />

for your shift as early as possible prior<br />

to the appointment. You must provide<br />

documentation for these appointments,<br />

e.g. doctors’ notes, appointment cards.<br />

Do not fall into the 3.9 trap. By this<br />

we mean if you have an appointment in<br />

the afternoon and your supervisor tells<br />

you to leave at 3.9 hours on a day shift<br />

and your appointment is not until later<br />

in the day, the company may not pay the<br />

lost hours. Do not assume that because<br />

your supervisor lets you go at 3.9 hours<br />

that you will be reimbursed for the balance<br />

of that shift.<br />

If you have questions or problems,<br />

please feel free to call our office and we<br />

will be happy to assist you.<br />

Now that summer is coming to a<br />

close, we hope each and every one of<br />

you had the opportunity to utilize your<br />

negotiated vacation time and was able to<br />

enjoy some time away from the day to<br />

day issues of the plant. Time away from<br />

the plant to spend your time with friends<br />

and family can go a long way to recharge<br />

your batteries.<br />

Yours in Solidarity,<br />

ian Parry/Paul Seguro &<br />

chris Mcdougall/debra lefebre<br />

WSIB Reps/Alternates<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 19


Page 20 – July – September 2011<br />

<strong>707</strong> Retirees’ Chapter Report<br />

By charlie Goode,<br />

chairperson<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong><br />

RETIREES’ HONOUR ROLL<br />

DINNER & DANCE<br />

RETIREES, ACTIVE WORKERS,<br />

FRIENDS ARE WELCOME<br />

Saturday, October 29, 2011<br />

Place: <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> <strong>CAW</strong> Union Hall<br />

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. l Dinner: 6:30 p.m.<br />

Dancing: 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. l Music: D.J.<br />

<strong>707</strong> Retiree & guest $15 each; all others $25 each<br />

Tickets are available at <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Union Hall<br />

at 475 North Service Road East in Oakville<br />

FORD EMPLOYEES WELCOME!<br />

Do Not Pay Over Your Insurance Coverage<br />

On Any Non-Designer Frame And Lens Package!<br />

We’ll Bill Your Insurance Company Right From Vision Clinic!<br />

Bring In This Coupon And Get<br />

$ 100 OFF<br />

A Complete Pair<br />

If Choosing A Designer Frame Or Upgrading To Specialty Lenses!<br />

AO Safety Ford Safety Glasses, Eye Glasses, Contact Lenses<br />

And Sunglasses Available – All Fitted By Licensed Opticians!<br />

Eye Exams Available On Site By Doctor Of Optometry!<br />

CALL NOW TO BOOK AN EYE EXAM!<br />

VISION CLINIC VISION CLINIC VISION CLINIC<br />

BURLINGTON HAMILTON GRIMSBY<br />

3450 Dundas St. 640 Queenston Rd. 65 Main St. East<br />

(Walkers Line and Dundas ) (Queenston and Nash) (across from Pioneer)<br />

Longo’s Plaza Zeller’s Plaza (905) 945-3344<br />

(905) 319-7559 (905) 561-9911<br />

The Chapter has experienced a<br />

very slow summer during the two<br />

down months, but the fall brings<br />

with it a full schedule. There will<br />

be four conferences. Two delegates<br />

will attend USCO and 14<br />

will attend the Retiree Conference. Two more delegates will<br />

be elected at our September 21st meeting to attend the National<br />

Pensioners and Senior Citizens’ Convention. The major<br />

topic of discussion at these four conferences will probably<br />

be pensions. The delegates are all interested in maintaining<br />

what we currently have and expanding on it if possible.<br />

Dates To Remember<br />

September 2rd to 5th Labour Day weekend<br />

September 21st Retirees’ Membership Meeting<br />

October 10th Thanksgiving<br />

October 19th Retirees’ Membership Meeting<br />

October 29th Retirees’ Honour Roll Dinner/Dance<br />

November 16th Retirees’ Membership Meeting<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

charlie Goode<br />

Retiree Chair<br />

WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITOR’S PRICE FOR THE SAME PRODUCT!


Retirees’<br />

Tai Chi Classes<br />

By Ed Solecki<br />

Please come and join your retired brothers and sisters<br />

(spouses are invited as well) to our morning tai<br />

chi classes. These classes are great fun, good exercise,<br />

and free of charge. They run each Thursday at<br />

10:00 a.m..<br />

I also would like to remind everyone to purchase<br />

a ticket to this year’s Honour Roll dinner/dance.<br />

Tickets are available from Elke at the Union Hall<br />

and cost $15 per person for a <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> retiree and<br />

his/her partner and $25 each for everyone else. The<br />

function will be held Saturday, October 29, 2011.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Ed Solecki<br />

Retirees’ Recreation<br />

Report<br />

By val Bodiroga<br />

Our next dinner/dance will coincide with the Retirees’<br />

Honour Roll and will take place Saturday,<br />

October 29, 2011. The cost of tickets once again is<br />

$15 each for Retired <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> members and $25<br />

each for all others.<br />

Please make arrangements to purchase these<br />

tickets early as they will not be sold at the door.<br />

tickets are now available for purchase from<br />

Elke at the union Hall.<br />

This year’s picnic was very successful and well<br />

attended. However, our greatest achievement thus<br />

far is that our golf league is running for its <strong>seven</strong>th<br />

consecutive year. It began in 2005 and Brother<br />

Dean Lindsay of the National Office informed me<br />

that he was very proud of the fact that <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong><br />

has been so successful with its golf league. Many<br />

other <strong>CAW</strong> locals had attempted to run such a<br />

league but had all folded after their first or second<br />

year. Yet here we are going strong <strong>seven</strong> years<br />

later and though we are very proud of our National<br />

Union, we are even more thankful to the members<br />

of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> and its Retirees’ Chapter for all their<br />

support.<br />

Please note that the golf league welcomes all<br />

newcomers to this fabulous sport.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

val Bodiroga<br />

Retirees’ Recreation Chair<br />

● FOOT DISORDERS<br />

● CUSTOM FOOTWEAR<br />

● CUSTOM ORTHOTICS<br />

● SPORTS INJURIES<br />

● ARTHRITIC/DIABETIC<br />

● PROBLEMS<br />

● HEEL & ARCH PAIN<br />

● CORNS, CALLUSES,<br />

● NAIL TREATMENT<br />

Services for custom-made Orthotics<br />

(arch supports) can be billed direct<br />

to Green Shield.<br />

No physician’s referral is necessary.<br />

Green Shield Preferred Provider<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 21


<strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Retirees<br />

Name Master Years date Name Master Years date<br />

William Wilcox K25410 27.9 June 2011<br />

Jose Pacheco K29766 16.8 June 2011<br />

Kathy Ivancak K28821 25.0 June 2011<br />

John Bridge K27429 23.0 June 2011<br />

John O’Quinn K25348 28.0 June 2011<br />

Greg Norris K27937 20.0 June 2011<br />

Dave Wells K23861 30.4 June 2011<br />

Joso Balenovic K27367 22.8 June 2011<br />

Greg Norris K27937 20.0 June 2011<br />

Joe Ferreira K20868 36.0 June 2011<br />

Tony Sucic K19437 37.0 June 2011<br />

Riaz Ahmad K26922 24.0 June 2011<br />

Paul Gebel K21302 35.3 June 2011<br />

Ejaz Hussain K27237 23.0 June 2011<br />

Michael Gyergyai K21450 35.0 June 2011<br />

William MacFarlane K23199 34.0 June 2011<br />

Joe Mugridge K29047 19.7 June 2011<br />

Leister Myers K20357 35.8 June 2011<br />

Stanley Socha K28874 22.2 June 2011<br />

Douglas Stinson K23088 34.0 June 2011<br />

Ronald Toth K29274 17.5 June 2011<br />

Riaz Ahmad (center) is being congratulated on his retirement<br />

from Jim Davis (left) and Alternate Committeeperson Joe Oliveira.<br />

Marian Dominik is congratulated on his retirement<br />

by his friends from Chassis.<br />

Page 22 – July – September 2011<br />

Marian Dominik K26921 24.0 June 2011<br />

James D. Tsougios K24729 29.0 July 2011<br />

Darryl Brick K22085 32.9 July 2011<br />

John Starkey K26771 24.0 July 2011<br />

Rupert Feurtado K23413 34.0 July 2011<br />

Alex MacDonald K14009 45.7 July 2011<br />

Donovan Russell K22807 34.0 July 2011<br />

Ruben Espinola K19812 37.0 July 2011<br />

Paul Daniel K18694 38.5 July 2011<br />

Achille Felice K26709 25.0 July 2011<br />

John Taylor K29098 18.0 August 2011<br />

Jozef Pruc K26723 25.0 August 2011<br />

Richard Lapierre K26649 25.0 August 2011<br />

Richard Jones K26229 26.0 August 2011<br />

Harley Callan K26841 24.0 August 2011<br />

Randy Armstrong K25880 26.0 August 2011<br />

David Prine K25363 28.0 September 2011<br />

Nancy Liu K29178 17.6 October 2011<br />

Gruia Velich K21476 35.5 October 2011<br />

Dale Goulet K28776 30.0 October 2011<br />

SAVE 15% ON LUNCH or DINNER<br />

SWISS CHALET UPPER MIDDLE RD. E<br />

(905) 844-8751<br />

Present this coupon at Swiss Chalet<br />

(1011 Upper Middle Rd. E. Only)<br />

and receive 15% off your lunch or dinner and non-alcoholic beverage order.<br />

Valid<br />

Monday to Saturday 11:30am – 10pm<br />

Sunday 11am – 9:30pm<br />

Dining Room and Take Out Only<br />

Expires: December 31, 2011


Alex Macdonald is congratulated on his retirement by<br />

Committeeperson Joe Benfeitinho.<br />

A well-deserved retirement for Brothers Bill MacFarlane and John O’Quinn – seen here being<br />

congratulated by their many friends from ‘B’ Shift Material Handling. Bill functioned as a steward<br />

for many years and always represented us well and John always had a smile on his face to brighten<br />

our days in the plant. The countdown is over brothers. Enjoy your retirement!<br />

Jimmy Tsougios is congratulated on his retirement by<br />

Committeeperson Joe Benfeitinho.<br />

Congratulations to Ejaz Hussain on his retirement.<br />

He is pictured here with his friends.<br />

Leister Myers is seen here at his retirement party with his friends.<br />

Seen here are Darryl Brick (right), and his wife<br />

and Committeeperson Joe Benfeitinho.<br />

Happy retirement!<br />

Joe Ferreira says, “I will miss you all.” Happy retirement, Joe!<br />

✓ We will bill Green Shield directly<br />

✓ We offer complete packages<br />

covered by Insurance Plan<br />

✓ Special discounts for Ford<br />

employees on extras<br />

✓ Serving Ford community<br />

for over 25 years<br />

✓ Call us for details<br />

905-842-2821<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 23


Stan Socha with 22 years of service is seen here with fellow<br />

brothers and sisters and body Committeeperson Brian Haskett.<br />

Greg Norris retires with 21 years of service is seen here with fellow brothers<br />

and sisters and Committeeperson Brian Haskett. All the best Greg!<br />

Page 24 – July – September 2011<br />

We Shall Remember<br />

Name Master Status date Name Master Status date<br />

Joseph Khouri K02269 Retired March 03, 2011<br />

Eliasz Januczkowski K06934 Retired April 07, 2011<br />

Assuntino Marrone K12275 Retired April 18, 2011<br />

Don Pickard K19619 Retired May 04, 2011<br />

Lawrence Hill K29801 Retired May 14, 2011<br />

Alfred Kennedy K28543T Retired May 16, 2011<br />

Joe Da Ponte K22785 Retired May 17, 2011<br />

Steve Baricevic K13067 Retired May 31, 2011<br />

Terence Ford K00918 Retired May 31, 2011<br />

Douglas Thomson K09335 Retired June 04, 2011<br />

John Lindsay K20879T Retired June 05, 2011<br />

Janko Popovic K13845 Retired June 06, 2011<br />

Dennis Fitzer K07966 Retired June 09, 2010<br />

Roland Phair K02287 Retired June 10, 2011<br />

We wish Brother Dale Goulet a happy retirement as he is seen here with his coworkers<br />

in Zone C Chassis, ‘B’ shift and his Alternate Committeeperson, Steve Gebel.<br />

Fred Newport K03944 Retired June 21, 2011<br />

Lorenzo Rossi K20486 Retired June 22, 2011<br />

Leonas Baziliauskas K12244 Retired July 08, 2011<br />

Charles Kolodziej K02874 Retired July 12, 2011<br />

Luben Bisson K05962 Retired July 13, 2011<br />

O. Parno K01139 Retired July 13, 2011<br />

Paul Rouleau K04827 Retired July 20, 2011<br />

Alois Zupanic K13850 Retired July 22, 2011<br />

Alex Dobosi K02865 Retired July 24, 2011<br />

Derek Cranmer K25338 Retired July 24, 2011<br />

Joe Petrone K26352 Active July 27, 2011<br />

Wasyl Kulybanycz K08182 Retired July 27, 2011<br />

Joe Kozelj K13570 Retired July 28, 2011<br />

Dave McCalmont started at the Niagara Glass Plant in 1987. He<br />

came to OAC in 1991 and retires with 24 years of service in total.<br />

Joe Mugridge with 18 years of service is seen here with fellow brothers and sisters<br />

and Committeeperson Brian Haskett wishing Joe a long and healthy retirement.<br />

Dave Wells and friends celebrate his retirement. Happy retirement!


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Compression Stockings<br />

Physical Rehabilitation<br />

Ford Employees<br />

Chiropractic Care<br />

Orthopaedic Braces<br />

Acupuncture<br />

Massage erapy<br />

Hamilton Wellness Center is registered with Green Shield<br />

Insurance Company for Direct Billing. erefore all Ford<br />

employees and their families are billed directly so there is<br />

NO out of pocket expense.<br />

440 Main Street East Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1K2<br />

info@hamiltonwellness.com 905 777-Well(9355) Fax 905 777-1500<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 25


I hope that everyone had a great summer and an opportunity to<br />

enjoy the good things life has to offer with your families.<br />

Pensions<br />

Following are some facts we should all be aware of with respect<br />

to pensions in Canada.<br />

c Three out of five Canadian workers don’t have a pension<br />

plan in the workplace<br />

c Less than one in three Canadians can afford RRSPs<br />

c One third of Canadians between the ages of 24 and 64 have<br />

no retirement savings<br />

c 1.6 million Canadian senior citizens live in poverty today<br />

with incomes less than $16,000<br />

c CPP is administered by the federal government and requires<br />

the support of at least two-thirds of the provinces representative<br />

of at least two-thirds of the population in order to effect<br />

changes to Canada Pension<br />

A solution put forth by Harper’s Conservatives is the creation<br />

of Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPP). PRPPs are a form<br />

of privatization resulting in higher costs, lower savings with no<br />

guarantees and large profits for financial services.<br />

Canadians are calling for change. Canadian Labour Congress<br />

(CLC) and the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC)<br />

call for a graduated doubling of Canada and Quebec Pension<br />

Plan benefits as the best way to provide retirement security<br />

for everyone. A modest increase in contributions over a period<br />

of several years will produce thousands of dollars annually in<br />

extra benefits for workers once they retire. Doubling the CPP<br />

would cost the government nothing as premiums are paid for<br />

by both the workers and employers. Both the CLC and CURC<br />

campaigns for retirement security have the support of 84 per<br />

cent of Canadians and the majority of the provinces.<br />

Most finance ministers agreed at the June 2010 meeting that<br />

the best way forward is to increase the CPP. Alberta was not in<br />

agreement. Through MP Wayne Marsden, the NDP has crafted<br />

a private member’s bill that would double the CPP.<br />

It is shameful that our government has once again taken the<br />

side of big business on this issue and submitted its plans at the<br />

expense of current and future retirees in this wealthy country<br />

of ours.<br />

The members of Stelco – USW 1005 have been and remain<br />

locked out. Yet they remain solid. Their battle over pension<br />

issues is an ongoing one for years now.<br />

ThyssenKrupp<br />

A demonstration took place August 5th for all former Budd<br />

Canada plant members. The <strong>CAW</strong> is in court battling to save<br />

their post-retirement benefits. ThyssenKrupp in an attempt to<br />

shirk its responsibilities to its retirees is seeking to dissolve<br />

these benefits via the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act in spite of<br />

the millions of dollars the parent company is worth. Thyssen-<br />

Krupp is a German multinational company with business ventures<br />

in 80 countries generating CDN $63 billion in sales for<br />

the fiscal year 2009-10. Some of those affected are in long term<br />

care homes, some are organ transplant recipients and on life<br />

sustaining anti-rejection medications. Shame on ThyssenKrupp<br />

Page 26 – July – September 2011<br />

Retirees’ Vice Chairperson’s Report<br />

By arnie de vaan<br />

Pensions<br />

for stooping to this level!<br />

Brothers and sisters we will soon<br />

enter negotiations and as you may<br />

note by what I have written solidarity<br />

amongst us is very important. It<br />

is my hope that when we debate issues confronting us, that we<br />

conduct them in-house and that once the membership has made<br />

its decision, we abide by it and remain united, acting as one.<br />

This is the only road to success.<br />

The next retirees’ membership meeting will take place September<br />

21st at 10:00 a.m.. Elections will take place at that meeting<br />

for two delegates to attend the National Pensioners and Senior<br />

Citizens’ Convention.<br />

Rocking Horse Draw – Fundraiser<br />

In support of Sister Pat Leaver’s medical mission to Africa,<br />

we are initiating a fundraiser. Brother Hardy Jaap, a retiree of<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> and skilled carpenter, has crafted a wooden rocking<br />

horse. He has graciously donated his time, labour and the horse<br />

itself as the prize to be drawn at the Retirees’ membership meeting<br />

at 10:00 a.m. on December 21, 2011.<br />

The rocking horse, which can be ridden, would be a welcome<br />

addition to anyone’s home and available just in time for<br />

Christmas as either a gift for your child or grandchild or even<br />

as an antiquity for your home as it also has a removable rack<br />

on its back which can be used to hold magazines or books. It is<br />

pictured at right and may be viewed at the Union Hall.<br />

The proceeds will be used by Pat Leaver to purchase the<br />

much needed supplies for her next mission to Africa, something<br />

she has been doing for the past ten years. This mission will be<br />

her sixth wherein she comforts children at the burn relief hospital,<br />

takes health and medical supplies along with financial support<br />

for schools. All her time and a great deal of her expenses<br />

have been given freely. I am proud of Sister Leaver’s works and<br />

hope you will support her mission and purchase a ticket.<br />

cost of tickets for the rocking Horse draw is $5 each.<br />

Sister leaver will sell these tickets at both General membership<br />

meetings and retirees’ membership meetings. it is<br />

also hoped that Oac will allow Pat to sell them at least once<br />

each month at the plant gates and answer any questions you<br />

may have about her mission. they may also be purchased<br />

from Elke Moorhead at the union Hall at any time.<br />

Thanks go to Brother Hardy Jaap and Sister Pat Leaver for<br />

their selfless contributions and bringing our local into a global<br />

community.<br />

Special thanks also go to Glen Crocker at J.H. French &<br />

Company Limited (800) 732-0354) for their generous contribution<br />

of the tickets. This printing company located at 293 Mary<br />

Street in Hamilton has gone above and beyond when it comes<br />

to considering the good deeds sacrificed on behalf of our <strong>Local</strong>.<br />

For this good deed alone, J. H. French has saved $100s that<br />

could be better spent on the mission itself and we thank this<br />

company from the bottom of our hearts.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

arnie de vaan<br />

Retirees’ Vice Chair, <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>


Rocking Horse crafted by Hardy Jaap for a lucky recipient of the draw<br />

funding Pat Leaver’s mission to Africa.<br />

Thank You<br />

re: Meeting august 9th, 2011 – discussion for fund<br />

raising of medical mission in africa<br />

Hardy Jaap, I want to thank you so very much for all<br />

your hard work and efforts in making the rocking horse.<br />

You said you’d do it and you did! I am so grateful for<br />

your kindness, but more importantly I hope you realize<br />

how much the proceeds will help the children and the<br />

people on my next medical mission. I know I’ve been<br />

there before and I have experienced the generosity of<br />

people like members of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> who have supported<br />

me from my very first volunteer project in 2000.<br />

Thank you, arnie de vaan for being one of my<br />

strongest supporters! It’s amazing what team effort can<br />

accomplish and thank you Elke Moorhead for your time<br />

and your valuable input and administrative skills.<br />

There are not enough words to tell you what this means<br />

to me. In the “big picture” of things, we are doing this to<br />

help others less fortunate because we have the means to<br />

do it. On a personal note, I have never received such enthusiastic<br />

support and I thank you for that.<br />

Please pass this message and my thanks to Gary Beck.<br />

I know none of this could happen without his support as<br />

President of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong><br />

With much appreciation,<br />

Pat leaver<br />

● on site specialists; including oral surgeon and periodontist<br />

● effective programs for the prevention of dental disease<br />

● up to date restorative options, including dental implants<br />

● removal of teeth under sedation<br />

● the ability to improve the appearance of any smile<br />

● one hour tooth whitening<br />

Located on Lakeshore Road, just south of the QEW, our office<br />

is just minutes from anywhere in the Burlington-Oakville area<br />

and free parking is plentiful.<br />

To work with your busy<br />

schedule, we are happy to offer<br />

extended appointment hours,<br />

including Saturdays.<br />

We will assist you with<br />

processing your insurance claim.<br />

2441 Lakeshore Rd. W., Ste. 27<br />

Oakville, Ontario L6L 5V5<br />

905-825-1102<br />

www.brontedental.com<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 27


Retirees’ Editorial Committee Report<br />

By Ken robertson<br />

You are driving on the QEW to another<br />

tough grind on the assembly line<br />

and on the news you hear the gloom<br />

and doom of the economy. Countries,<br />

provinces, states, and cities are all in<br />

the red. You hear the familiar cry for<br />

restraints and cutbacks from governments<br />

and businesses. While sitting<br />

in traffic you hear talk show hosts and<br />

their guests say that workers are getting<br />

too much. Autoworkers, teachers,<br />

postal workers, garbage collectors or<br />

anyone making a decent wage with a<br />

pension is a villain. By the time you<br />

walk through the gate to help Ford<br />

make a few more million you are depressed<br />

about causing the collapse of<br />

the world’s economy.<br />

Page 28 – July – September 2011<br />

Blame Game<br />

Shame on The RCMP for<br />

holding a 66 year old grandmother<br />

for 12 days at the border because<br />

they thought used motor oil in the<br />

trunk of her car was heroin. Maybe the<br />

RCMP should have used its “sniffer”<br />

dogs. They are better trained to tell<br />

the difference between motor oil and<br />

heroin.<br />

Shame on<br />

Doug Ford for saying<br />

he wouldn’t recognize<br />

Margaret Atwood if<br />

she walked by him. Mr.<br />

Ford, it is one thing to<br />

be arrogant and quite<br />

another to be ignorant.<br />

Before you head to the doctor and<br />

get some anti-depressants, consider<br />

this. the collapse is not your fault!<br />

As a matter of fact, quite the opposite<br />

is true. Financial markets and<br />

governments need more good paying<br />

autoworkers like yourself to stimulate<br />

the economy with your high tax dollar,<br />

your spending power and your ability<br />

to create other jobs with your buying<br />

power.<br />

China is a world power today because<br />

it makes everything we used to.<br />

After the second world war, the plants<br />

that made war machines were transformed<br />

to make everything from cars<br />

to chocolate bars and like China today,<br />

the economy and middle class society<br />

WALL OF SHAME<br />

By Ken robertson<br />

grew. The only recipe for success is<br />

hard work.<br />

The blame lies squarely at the feet<br />

of politicians in Ottawa and Washington<br />

who find it easier to blame the<br />

worker driving down the highway at<br />

6:00 a.m. than their corporate friends<br />

demanding Free Trade deals that allow<br />

the transfer of jobs and wealth abroad.<br />

Thus creating the economic collapse<br />

of our society.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Ken robertson<br />

Shame on The CRTC (Canadian Radio,<br />

television & Telecommunications Commission)<br />

for following a federal government directive to<br />

switch from analog to digital on September 01,<br />

2011. This move will leave more than 2 million<br />

Canadians receiving television signals from<br />

antennas without a TV signal – another gift from<br />

the Tories to big cable companies and satellite<br />

providers.<br />

Shame on<br />

The United Nations<br />

and all world powers for<br />

standing by and doing<br />

next to nothing while<br />

millions (mostly children)<br />

starve in Somalia.<br />

Shame on<br />

Integrated Quality Technologies<br />

for abruptly laying off 1,200<br />

workers without notice, wages<br />

or severance while governments<br />

in Ottawa, Ontario and Quebec<br />

did nothing but give lip service.


57th Picnic At Marineland<br />

Picnic Report<br />

By rita thompson<br />

Well that was a close one! Although it didn’t rain, it sure<br />

looked like it was going to. Unfortunately, it rained enough<br />

the days prior to the picnic necessitating that we cancel the<br />

races and the Tug-of-War event, which is a shame. However,<br />

that didn’t stop the 1,250 people from showing up and judging<br />

by the pictures, “a Good time Was Had By all.”<br />

It’s unfortunate that we had to cancel most of the events<br />

due to poor field conditions. However, we are always able to<br />

do the Egg Toss and this year’s winners were:<br />

1st Place – Larry Brodie and Evan Keranico<br />

2nd Place – Gary Beck and Steve Gardiner<br />

The winner of the Jim MacDonald over 40 Race was Joanne<br />

Dankowich. Although Joanne did not run in the race<br />

(because it was cancelled), she was still presented with the<br />

award in memory of Jim and it was Jim’s wife, Pat MacDonald,<br />

who presented Joanne with the plaque!<br />

On a personal note, I would like to thank my committee<br />

for doing such a great job. Thanks go to Chris Campbell,<br />

Wayne Dort, Bert Tousignant, and Paul Taggart. A special<br />

Pat MacDonald presents the Jim Macdonald over 40<br />

Race award to Joanne Dankowich. They are pictured<br />

with Picnic Chair Rita Thompson on the right.<br />

Bert Tousignant catches egg in<br />

the Egg Toss at the picnic.<br />

thank you goes to all the committees<br />

and chairs of those committees.<br />

We would not be able to do<br />

such a great job without the help<br />

of our volunteers. They are the<br />

backbone of this picnic and they<br />

gladly give up family time to help<br />

out and for that I am truly grateful!<br />

This November ends the term of the Standing Committees,<br />

so I advise anyone wishing to become involved to submit<br />

his/her name at that time and to run for the many positions<br />

out there.<br />

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the summer and maybe<br />

next year, the sun will shine at local <strong>707</strong>’s 58th annual<br />

Picnic!<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

rita thompson<br />

Picnic Chair<br />

The winners of the Tug-of-War draw at <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>’s picnic<br />

are seen here.<br />

THE FORD/<strong>CAW</strong> EMPLOYEE & FAMILY ASSISTANCE/<br />

SUBSTANCE ABUSE RECOVERY PROGRAM<br />

For help or information (confidential)<br />

Contact:<br />

In the Plant: 845-2511 Ext. 3277 Union Office: 844-9451<br />

trevor Mason, Mark Babineau,<br />

caW representative Alternate Representative<br />

Cell: 905-467-3008<br />

IT’S<br />

YOUR<br />

CHOICE<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 29


First, I would like to thank all my co-workers for their support<br />

and encouragement shown me when I decided that I would<br />

once again fully utilize my E.I. benefits as well as our SUB plan<br />

to stay home after the birth of our second child. I am pleased to<br />

say that my decision to do so is one I shall never regret.<br />

Provincial Elections – October 6th<br />

A special strategy session has been called by the <strong>CAW</strong> National<br />

Union for August 27th at the Sheridan in Toronto. At this meeting,<br />

I will push for a priority riding list for the upcoming provincial<br />

election for our workforce in Oakville. The reason I support the<br />

distributions of these lists is twofold. First of all, our current First<br />

Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system resulting in millions of wasted<br />

votes is antiquated; and secondly, the fact that the highest voter<br />

turnout in Oakville for the NDP was during the last federal election<br />

drawing a record of 17 per cent of the vote was hardly impressive.<br />

In the case of our FPTP electoral system, the reason for the<br />

numerous wasted votes is resultant of the inability of constituents<br />

to vote for their preferred party along with their choice<br />

of representative in their respective ridings. This is essentially<br />

what would occur in a proportional representational electoral<br />

system which ensures that the overall party vote would be proportionally<br />

represented within the House of Commons or the<br />

Provincial Legislature, thus ensuring that every vote counts.<br />

Unfortunately, a referendum on this change was turned down<br />

by 57 per cent of the Ontario electorate in 2007 and has not<br />

been adopted as a policy by <strong>CAW</strong> Council or the NDP.<br />

So where does this leave us on October 6th? Many hope for<br />

the orange wave to sweep into Ontario. I however am sceptical<br />

of this unfounded optimism since the vast majority of the new<br />

federal NDP seats were won in Quebec, a region now representing<br />

60 per cent of the federal NDP caucus. The final match<br />

to the NDP surge may be the fact that it’s newly elected interim<br />

leader is a federal politician that had dual memberships with<br />

both the federal NDP as well as the Bloc Québécois, a party<br />

unfairly stigmatized by its policy of separating from Canadian<br />

federalism (the latter, a possible catalyst in the systemic shift of<br />

Quebec voters from the Bloc to the NDP in the last federal election).<br />

Still, regardless of the social policy synergies between the<br />

NDP and the Bloc, one ought to contemplate the Ontario electorates’<br />

perception of hoping for Official Opposition Leader Jack<br />

Layton’s speedy recovery from his battle with cancer to play a<br />

prominent role for the NDP in the upcoming provincial election.<br />

As a rank and file member, I always heard debates of the effectiveness<br />

of the ABC policy and the possibility that people would<br />

simply vote Liberal. Upon undertaking this position, it was the<br />

first question I asked Ken Lewenza when he visited our Hall prior<br />

to the 2007 provincial election. I was assured that a Liberal push<br />

was not at all what was intended by the ABC strategy and that a<br />

list would be provided in the future. In my opinion, if we as the<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> do not stick by our policies in practical ways, we should<br />

Page 30 – July – September 2011<br />

Union In Politics Committee Report<br />

By iain fleming<br />

Anything But Hudak<br />

Some political analysts have looked at historical electoral trends in Ontario<br />

politics and determined that the electorate in this region prefers differing<br />

federal and provincial parties. Once again, I am sceptical!<br />

come up with new policies to replace them prior to dropping<br />

them. Unfortunately, our options at this time are severely limited.<br />

As the elected political representative of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>, it is<br />

my responsibility to make decisions that will benefit our local<br />

membership as well as our retirees and I cannot in good conscience<br />

support an NDP candidate in the riding that represents<br />

our workforce. With the historically dismal results for the NDP<br />

in Oakville due to the affluence in the downtown core, we as<br />

a membership need a representative that will listen to our concerns<br />

and support us in our struggles.<br />

Let’s look at how our priority riding’s federal list panned out<br />

in proportion to the votes cast.<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> Federal Election 2011<br />

Priority Ridings List Vote Results<br />

(please note that the top candidate was our candidate of choice)<br />

NDP Priority Ridings<br />

Parkdale-High Park<br />

X Peggy Nash, NDP 17,015<br />

Gerard Kennedy, LIB 11,328<br />

Taylor Train, CON 5,523<br />

Hamilton Center<br />

X David Chistopherson, NDP 21,114<br />

Jim Byron, CON 9,845<br />

Anne Tennier, LIB 5,062<br />

Hamilton East-Stoney Creek<br />

X Wayne Marston, NDP 18,179<br />

Brad Clark, CON 14,326<br />

Michelle Stockwell, LIB 5,315<br />

Hamilton Mountain<br />

X Chris Charlton, NDP 21,553<br />

Terry Anderson, CON 14,326<br />

Marie Bountrogianni, LIB 7,343<br />

Liberal Priority Ridings<br />

Oakville<br />

Max Khan, LIB 10,320<br />

X Terrence Young, CON 18,265<br />

James Ede, NDP 5,069<br />

Halton<br />

Laurie Connie-Bowie, LIB 8,960<br />

X Lisa Raitt, CON 20,539<br />

Pat Heroux, NDP 6,352<br />

Burlington<br />

Alyssa Brierley, LIB 9,523<br />

X Mike Wallace, CON 23,317<br />

David Laird, NDP 8,511<br />

Mississauga-Erindale<br />

Omar Alghabra, LIB 6,812<br />

X Robert Dechert, CON 10,572<br />

Michelle Bilek, NDP 4,471<br />

Mississauga South<br />

Paul Szabo, LIB 13,970<br />

X Stella Ambler, CON 18,164<br />

Farah Kalbouneh, NDP 5,453<br />

Brampton-Sprindale<br />

Ruby Dhalla, LIB 7,193<br />

X Parm Gill, CON 11,726<br />

Manjit Grewal, NDP 4,634<br />

As a result, I offer the following recommendation:<br />

M/S that the membership of local <strong>707</strong> adopt the aBc<br />

strategy for the upcoming provincial election.<br />

Have your say at the September 18th membership meeting.<br />

All criticism is welcome!<br />

Labour Day Parade<br />

Don’t forget the Labour Day Parade in Hamilton on September<br />

5th. This year, the Hamilton and District Labour Council<br />

will concentrate on activities for kids ranging from face painting,<br />

lion dancing, clowns and even a “reptile” man. USW <strong>Local</strong><br />

1005 will lead the march and food and drinks will be provided.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

iain fleming, UPC Chair


Wal-Mart<br />

As workers we often feel the economic pressures from corporation<br />

and failed government policies in the form of job loss, poverty,<br />

homelessness and other at risk situations and circumstances<br />

that further marginalize us as working class people. In many<br />

sectors of the economy, we have time and time again seen the<br />

suppression of workers’ rights, wages and benefits along with<br />

a continuous decay of confi-<br />

dence in the current system<br />

of capitalism by working<br />

class people.<br />

I write about this to bring<br />

attention to Wal-Mart Canada<br />

and its bid to build a new<br />

80,000 sq. ft. store in downtown<br />

Hamilton at the site<br />

of the former Centre Mall. I<br />

have had many conversations<br />

with working class people<br />

who are so excited about<br />

the jobs, the localization of<br />

cheap goods (most often from China), and the pure joy that they<br />

will have access to a new super store. While I understand that<br />

many families will be able to spread their money further with<br />

some of these cheap goods, I often find myself frustrated that<br />

not enough of these same people are able to make the connection<br />

back to the downward slope we face as these multi-national<br />

companies reduce the standard of living for workers.<br />

Jobs that will be created by Wal-Mart will be lost by smaller<br />

businesses and a shift in shopping habits from other large retailers.<br />

The downtown core of Hamilton has been in a steady<br />

yet slow process to establish itself after many years of decay<br />

as shoppers and residents moved to the suburbs. The very essence<br />

of downtown will be set back with a monster Wal-Mart.<br />

If people want to go to Wal-Mart, it is already accessible in any<br />

direction within a 15-minute transit or car ride from downtown<br />

Hamilton.<br />

This does nothing to address the sexist management behaviours<br />

of Wal-Mart, its anti-union agenda and its disrespect for<br />

suppliers that once depended on Wal-Mart’s distribution network<br />

only to find themselves ordered to cut costs or lose shelf<br />

space. Wal-Mart places so much pressure that it forces these<br />

suppliers to attack working class people in factories with cuts<br />

to pay, reduced benefits and relocation to cheaper labour markets<br />

all to ensure top profit for the world’s largest multi-national<br />

corporation and its shareholders.<br />

Holding such prestige and dominance in the retail market has<br />

forced other fair pay companies to attack their workers in the<br />

race to be competitive with Wal-Mart’s buying power. If Wal-<br />

Mart is to hold such an important influence over the market, we<br />

must demand it respects its workforce, stops union intimidation<br />

tactics, e.g. closing stores to prevent union access, pay fair<br />

wages and benefit packages. This company has been very successful<br />

in the currently capitalistic system; but as we know, this<br />

current system of capitalism always places the working class at<br />

the bottom fighting for crumbs while the owners and managers<br />

reap the rewards.<br />

Human Rights Report<br />

By William O’Neill<br />

We in the auto sector have asked<br />

time and again for workers to support us<br />

by purchasing vehicles or products that<br />

are proudly union-made. If we are to ever<br />

make substantial gains as workers in an<br />

unfair and unjust economic system,<br />

we must unite and support each other.<br />

I encourage you to more closely<br />

examine your own buying habits<br />

and ask the often uncomfortable<br />

questions regarding the source and<br />

the standard of living of the workers<br />

making the products you use monthly in your home. We in<br />

the auto sector have asked<br />

time and again for workers<br />

to support us by purchasing<br />

vehicles or products that are<br />

proudly union-made. If we<br />

are to ever make substantial<br />

gains as workers in an unfair<br />

and unjust economic system,<br />

we must unite and support<br />

each other. This is something<br />

I will try to improve upon<br />

and I encourage each of you<br />

to look closer at the products<br />

and services you use and ask<br />

yourselves if you are helping to support a higher standard of living<br />

rather than helping to reduce the standards of workers.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Billy O’Neill<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

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<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 31


It was so hard to think of a subject to write about because usually<br />

my job deals with negative issues and concerns that are less<br />

than pleasant to say the least. However, I did not want to write<br />

of depressing topics. I wanted to write about happy and uplifting<br />

stuff. This summer has been such a great one, that I’ll try to<br />

keep things light. So I am going to put a different twist to an old<br />

job and think of something new.<br />

Why not discuss the idea of doing some good out there? Do<br />

you know what I mean? Let that person get in front of you instead<br />

of pretending you don’t see him/her; or perhaps hold open<br />

the door for the person who doesn’t say thanks and give him/<br />

her a polite “you’re welcome” and perhaps the next time, he/<br />

she will pay it forward – or how about switching places with<br />

someone from St. Thomas on September 16th, when that plant<br />

closes its doors and you will be out of a job? Oh, oh, I just spoke<br />

negatively. I’ll stop.<br />

However, we do feel lucky don’t we? Who can complain of<br />

the weather? You really don’t want to do that because we will<br />

be in the snow and cold soon enough. It has been one perpetually<br />

nice day after another. Following is a nice story... A woman<br />

I know has a friend who won a huge lottery. My friend tells me<br />

she asked the winner about donations and charities and how<br />

she determines who and how much to donate where. Well, her<br />

friend replied that she meets people everywhere she goes. When<br />

her son was in the hospital, she met a young woman who was<br />

really ill and unable to afford the necessary treatments. Guess<br />

who is paying for her treatments; and the young woman never<br />

even knew who her benefactor was.<br />

We may not have won a lottery but we can feel like a winner<br />

each day by doing something as simple as smiling at someone<br />

or saying “hello” to the elderly person who may not be moving<br />

fast enough for us. Try it. I have and the rewards made me smile<br />

the rest of the day.<br />

I know some of you are thinking, “Oh Lina! Blah, blah,<br />

blah...” So, if it makes you sick, stop reading this article. You<br />

are obviously one of those too far gone for any type of goodwill<br />

or cheer. However, the rest of us do have a common goal to try<br />

to make our space in this big world a little bit brighter. If that is<br />

you, then cheers, my friend. You are not alone. The good outnumber<br />

the bad. This I know.<br />

I have another good story. A woman, whose husband and son<br />

were at McDonald’s one day waiting to be served when she<br />

noticed that everyone had begun to move away, including her<br />

husband. She did not move an inch, but she turned and smelled<br />

this horrid “dirty body” odour and found two poor men standing<br />

behind her. As she looked down at the shorter gentleman<br />

closer to her, she saw he was smiling. He had beautiful sky blue<br />

eyes. “Good day!” he said as he counted his coins. The second<br />

Page 32 – July – September 2011<br />

Employment Equity Report<br />

lina<br />

By<br />

and<br />

Sue<br />

rondeau<br />

Employment<br />

Equity<br />

Rep<br />

teepell<br />

Alternate<br />

Employment<br />

Equity Rep<br />

Negativity<br />

man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. She<br />

could tell that he was mentally challenged and that his friend<br />

was his guardian. The girl at the counter asked them what was<br />

wanted and he replied, “Coffee is all, miss” as this was all they<br />

could afford and they wanted to get inside the warm restaurant.<br />

That was when the woman felt compelled to hug the little man<br />

with the blue eyes and she noted that everyone in the restaurant<br />

was looking at her. She smiled and asked the young woman for<br />

two more breakfasts on a separate tray. She then walked to the<br />

table the men had chosen and placed the tray on the table, putting<br />

her hands on the cold hand of the blue eyed gentleman. He<br />

gazed at her with tears in his eyes and said, “Thank you.”<br />

Some of you have received this story via email. I keep the<br />

good ones and it just had to be repeated. I think one of the best<br />

lessons to ever learn is that of unconditional acceptance. I<br />

don’t think that needs clarification; nor am I going to attempt to<br />

give it. It’s pretty self-explanatory. With so much that is negative<br />

in today’s world, it is sometimes difficult to maintain a<br />

cheerful disposition each day; but, like a friend of mine keeps<br />

telling, his sick daughter puts everything into perspective for<br />

him and his family, regardless of what anyone may throw his<br />

way. Things can always be worse.<br />

Take care everyone and be safe!<br />

Be the change that you want to see in the world... Mohandas<br />

‘Mahatma’ Ghandi<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

lina rondeau, Employment Equity Rep<br />

Sue teepell, Alternate Employment Equity Rep


Following is a letter sent to all <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> Union Presidents,<br />

Recording Secretaries, and Human Rights’ Committees by<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> President Ken Lewenza and National Representative Ken Stuart.<br />

It was dated April 26th of this year and it shows that the <strong>CAW</strong> is<br />

supportive of the LGBT communities everywhere and<br />

informative as well.<br />

Greetings,<br />

Annual Pride Parades<br />

The annual pride parades are a massive<br />

illustration of collective power. It<br />

is one day of the year where LGBT activists<br />

can walk together without fear of<br />

violence, harassment, or abuse – a day<br />

where we fight back against bigoted<br />

employers, hostile co-workers, bullying<br />

in the workplaces and schools, AIDS/<br />

HIV discrimination, tremendously high<br />

suicide rates and smear campaigns. It is<br />

a day when the poverty experienced by<br />

many in our community who are denied<br />

jobs, or fired, or harassed into quitting<br />

must be recognized. Unlike any other<br />

day, we are not isolated but come together<br />

as a community.<br />

Our fight back is creative, it is fun,<br />

and it’s loud. It is unlike any other demonstration.<br />

Perhaps that’s partly why a<br />

million people attend the Toronto Pride<br />

every year and other cities across the<br />

country are increasing in their numbers<br />

as well. Wouldn’t it be great if Labour<br />

Day parades drew these crowds?<br />

Why <strong>CAW</strong> Allies & LGBT members<br />

should attend pride events<br />

As a union we have a long history<br />

of fighting to advance the issues of our<br />

LGBT members. Major gains have been<br />

achieved at the bargaining table, in our<br />

communities and in law. We have proven<br />

that fighting back does make a difference<br />

and pride season is when we continue to<br />

fight back on issues of importance that<br />

affect us here at home but also to take a<br />

stand with and for our brothers and sisters<br />

around the world.<br />

This is an opportunity for you to join<br />

the LGBT community and be part of the<br />

struggle for equality. The pride parade is<br />

a fantastic way for LGBT union members<br />

to get to know each other and to experience<br />

union pride.<br />

We ask our allies and leadership to<br />

come out and show their support. Come<br />

on out and join us. What better way to<br />

tell non-unionized workers that our<br />

union supports LGBT workers, and what<br />

a great way to support your LGBT brothers<br />

and sisters in the workplace. There<br />

<strong>707</strong> Pride Committee Report<br />

are various Pride organizations in communities<br />

across the country. I urge all<br />

local unions to contribute to these organizations<br />

to continue helping to make the<br />

Pride event in your community possible.<br />

You will have the time of your life.<br />

Bring a <strong>CAW</strong> flag or wear a <strong>CAW</strong> tshirt.<br />

It will be an experience you won’t<br />

forget.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Ken Stuart Ken Lewenza<br />

National National<br />

Representative President<br />

l l l<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

the Pride committee<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 33


Brothers and Sisters:<br />

As summer ends and fall is upon us, we at<br />

OAC are starting to kick off our yearly<br />

campaign in support of the United<br />

Way. As you are aware, the United<br />

Way assists one of every three<br />

people in all our communities<br />

and has even helped many<br />

us within the Ford family<br />

as well. The United<br />

Way funds hundreds<br />

of agencies within our<br />

communities, which in<br />

turn assist thousands<br />

of our neighbours and<br />

friends.<br />

Throughout the years,<br />

OAC has continuously<br />

answered the call and together, we<br />

Page 34 – July – September 2011<br />

United Way Report<br />

By Sue teepell<br />

Family and<br />

Cosmetic dentistry<br />

Creating Award Winning Smiles Since 1984.<br />

BEFORE AFTER<br />

BEFORE AFTER<br />

BEFORE AFTER<br />

have raised millions of dollars. Your thoughtful<br />

donations can be sent back into the community<br />

or agency of your choice as designated by<br />

you on your signed pledge form.<br />

Your United Way canvassers will<br />

personally visit you throughout<br />

the campaign and once again<br />

ask you to support this fine<br />

institution.<br />

Again, we thank you for<br />

your kindness and support<br />

by offering assistance to<br />

all our friends, neighbours<br />

and communities.<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Sue teepell and<br />

Steven Gardiner<br />

OAC United Way Campaign<br />

Coordinators<br />

Since 1984, Dr. Vineet Bhandari<br />

has been providing top quality<br />

dental care in a friendly, caring<br />

environment with his team of<br />

dental professionals. Dr. Bhandari<br />

provides cosmetic and preventive<br />

dental treatments and helps his<br />

patients to achieve optimum<br />

dental health.<br />

Dr. Vineet Bhandari<br />

BSc, DIH, DDS<br />

Cosmetic Dentistry<br />

Monday-Friday, 9-5pm<br />

Tuesday, 9-8pm<br />

105 Main St. East, Ste. 1106<br />

905-525-0405<br />

★ New Location ★<br />

45 Stanley St., Ste. 208<br />

Ayr, ON<br />

1-877-564-0405<br />

www.bhandaridental.com<br />

We deal directly with the insurance company.<br />

We have a periodontist on site,<br />

all cleanings 100% covered


2011 Trap Shooting<br />

Tournament<br />

The shoot was held at Galt Sportsmen’s Club on May 07, 2011. <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> was well-represented<br />

and did very well. The weather finally cooperated and it showed, with more than 130 shooters from<br />

varying <strong>CAW</strong> locals.<br />

We would again like to thank <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> for its continued support. Special thanks goes to Dominic<br />

Rosati for always putting in so much of his time. Thanks Dom! It was a good time had by all and<br />

we’ll see you next year!<br />

“High Gun” for the<br />

tournament went to<br />

Ralph Zadro who shot a<br />

“96” to lead all shooters<br />

– not bad for a retired<br />

guy!<br />

Team: K-14 – ‘B’ Division 4th place from left to right: Cory Foster, Rob Clark,<br />

Dave Arnold, Lisa Kaposy, and Emilio Attard. Watch out for this team. They<br />

are slowly creeping up.<br />

Team: Subparrs – ‘A’ Division 2nd place from left to right: Rob Clark, Walter<br />

Nikolic, Dave Arnold, Ralph Zador and Bill Cameron. This was a team put<br />

together at the last minute. Well done, boys!<br />

Team: Firing Pins – ‘B’ Division 7th place: Brandon Quinn, Scott Low, Dave<br />

Molnar, Denis Tousignant and Pierre Authier – another team looking for<br />

respect. Well done!<br />

Team: MKX – ‘A’ Division 6th place from left to right: Dario Muglia, Henry<br />

Spekking, Gord Goodale, Don Clark and Denis Tousignant. Finally, we have<br />

another team into ‘A’ division. Good shooting, boys!<br />

Team: Blind Rats – ‘A’ Division champions from left to right: Bruce Smith,<br />

Bill Cameron, Ralph Zadro, Scott Crozier and Joe Schwieg. They finally got it<br />

together. Great shooting, champs!<br />

Missing From Pictures – Team: Blind Boys 3rd in ‘B’ Division: Carl Hendershot, Terry Turner, Jiri Mildner<br />

and Mike Skaljac. They must have all been meditating in the motorhome. Very good shooting!<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 35


Ride To Conquer Cancer –<br />

Thank You<br />

This was the fourth year of doing the ride and as in previous<br />

years, leaving Toronto with 4,610 other riders was<br />

quite invigorating and very emotional after listening to the<br />

speakers prior to our departure.<br />

I couldn’t help but think of the many people that had<br />

succumbed to cancer that I personally knew. Although it is<br />

frustrating that we are still doing research for a cure, in reality,<br />

they have made great strides and hopefully someday<br />

we can see an end to this dreadful disease.<br />

The ride itself was great. The weather was perfect –<br />

not too warm and more importantly, no rain! The only<br />

hard part was sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag.<br />

I must be getting soft in my old age! I used to camp on<br />

a regular basis and thought nothing of sleeping on the<br />

ground.<br />

The organizers take great care of the riders and you get<br />

to meet many different people from all over the province<br />

and even some from the states. It truly is a heart-warming<br />

experience and I am blessed that I can take part in this<br />

event.<br />

Even though it is a little more difficult to get to Toronto<br />

to do the ride, I have already signed up for next year.<br />

Collectively you and many others raised more than<br />

$17.5 million this year. Please know that you are a big part<br />

of this ride and I would like to thank you personally for<br />

your continued support of my fundraising efforts.<br />

Thank you and I hope you have a great summer!<br />

With warm regards,<br />

Ken robertson<br />

Thank You For Award<br />

to the Membership of caW local <strong>707</strong>:<br />

Hello. My name is Sophie Kurucz and I am a recent<br />

graduate from Thomas A. Blakelock High School. I was<br />

delighted to learn at the reception that I had been selected<br />

as the recipient of the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> <strong>CAW</strong> Walter and May<br />

Reuther Memorial Social Justice Award. I am very grateful<br />

to have received such a wonderful gift and I am very<br />

thankful for your donation.<br />

Next year, I will be studying geography and geology<br />

at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Learning outside<br />

and being right on the Canadian Shield will be ideal although<br />

the black flies and mosquitoes are awful – but I<br />

suppose that comes with the territory. I aspire to become<br />

a geologist and one day work for National Geographic or<br />

the BBC.<br />

I feel very lucky for the opportunities that I have been<br />

given and I want to thank you again for helping me achieve<br />

my goals.<br />

Cheers,<br />

Sophie Kurucz<br />

Page 36 – July – September 2011<br />

WE GET LETTERS!<br />

Thank You For Bible<br />

to: the Executive Board and Membership of<br />

caW local <strong>707</strong>:<br />

My family and I want to thank you all for the beautiful<br />

bible you sent. It was much appreciated and it was really<br />

thoughtful. It’s nice to know someone cares.<br />

All the best to all of you.<br />

d. Gabrjolek<br />

Thank You For Bible<br />

to the Executive Board and membership of<br />

caW local <strong>707</strong>:<br />

Thank you so very much for the condolences, the Remembrance<br />

Edition Bible with the personal inscription<br />

and the finished engraved cedar box in memory of my<br />

husband, Glyn Stevenson, who passed away March 27th,<br />

2011. The beautiful verse enclosed in the bible was so<br />

moving and truly fitted Glyn’s situation as he had such<br />

a battle in the hospital for close to a year. The gifts will<br />

be a reminder of the good times and memories Glyn had<br />

belonging to the UAW/<strong>CAW</strong> for over 40 years with <strong>Local</strong><br />

<strong>707</strong>.<br />

Sincerely,<br />

Wendy Stevenson & family<br />

Thank You For Supporting<br />

PFLAG Canada<br />

caW local <strong>707</strong>:<br />

PFLAG Canada is truly grateful for the support of <strong>CAW</strong><br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>. We wish to extend our sincere thanks for your<br />

recent donation of $500.<br />

Your gift will be included with monies raised through<br />

our Communities Encourage Campaign, a program that<br />

funds support, outreach and educational initiatives coordinated<br />

through our national office and communitybased<br />

network. Specifically, the campaign provides for<br />

our toll-free support lines, online resources, leadership development<br />

program and educational materials for schools<br />

and community organizations.<br />

Throughout our organization, we are mindful of our<br />

community partners who make our work possible. Thank<br />

you again for supporting PFLAG Canada and encouraging<br />

a more open and accepting society for gay, lesbian, bisexual<br />

and trans-identified persons and their families and<br />

friends.<br />

In Gratitude,<br />

cherie Macleod<br />

Executive Director<br />

PFLAG Canada


Thank You<br />

to the canadian autoworkers<br />

local <strong>707</strong>:<br />

Thank you for the beautiful<br />

case and white bible dedicated<br />

in memory of Frank Needham.<br />

Frank was in his 94th year and<br />

loved the Lord with all his heart.<br />

We have had sixty-two precious<br />

years of married life and have<br />

been truly blessed. Our daughter,<br />

Brenda Watson and her husband,<br />

Bill join me in thanking you for<br />

this gift we will always treasure.<br />

Margaret Needham<br />

Thank You<br />

to the Executive Board<br />

and Membership of<br />

caW local <strong>707</strong>:<br />

I would like to say thank you<br />

very much for the holy bible you<br />

sent to me in memory of my husband,<br />

Bill Ions. It meant a lot to me.<br />

Thanks Again,<br />

Joan ions<br />

Thank You<br />

caW local <strong>707</strong> Executive<br />

Board and Membership:<br />

The flower arrangement was<br />

beautiful. Thank you for the kind<br />

thoughts at Easter.<br />

Kim clout, clare & family<br />

Thank You<br />

dear local <strong>707</strong> Executives and<br />

Members:<br />

Thank you so much for the<br />

lovely bible sent to us in memory<br />

of Frank Savoie. Our family will<br />

cherish it always.<br />

Kind Regards,<br />

Edmee Savoie and family<br />

LETTERS... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32<br />

Thank You<br />

I would just like to say thanks on<br />

behalf of our family for the lovely<br />

bible from <strong>CAW</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> given<br />

too my mother on the passing<br />

of my father, Terence Ford and<br />

for the many emails, cards and<br />

flowers from our friends here.<br />

Thanks,<br />

chris ford<br />

Thank You<br />

the Executive Board and<br />

Membership of caW local <strong>707</strong>:<br />

Thank you all for the beautiful<br />

bible which I received in loving<br />

memory of my husband Harry. It<br />

is greatly appreciated.<br />

Sincerely,<br />

Mervis Worotynec<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> – It Has Been An Honour<br />

Brothers and Sisters:<br />

I want to thank each and every<br />

one of you for giving me the opportunity<br />

to represent you when I<br />

was elected as a union representative<br />

in the body build department.<br />

For the past 32 years, it was a great<br />

pleasure and I want to thank all<br />

my predecessors and fellow union<br />

reps I have worked with and gained<br />

much experience from and respect<br />

for. It was my passion to spend 30<br />

years as an elected rep on the ‘B’<br />

shift in body build, being elected<br />

to the Ford Bargaining Committee<br />

and <strong>CAW</strong> Council, covering for<br />

the plant chairperson during his absence<br />

and representing you to the<br />

best of my ability while fighting for<br />

your rights – the rights of the working<br />

people and all the members of<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong>.<br />

I want to thank all the union<br />

reps, both past and present for their<br />

confidence in me, especially my<br />

colleagues on the ‘B’ shift, whom<br />

I have worked with in the past as<br />

well as more recently. You all know<br />

who you are. I have and will always<br />

have great respect for you all for always<br />

putting your best foot forward<br />

for the membership you represent.<br />

Keep up the good work!<br />

I want to wish the entire membership<br />

of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>707</strong> longevity with<br />

the Ford Motor Company and may<br />

you and your families have a safe,<br />

long and healthy life together! Remember<br />

that the “U” in Union is<br />

You. So support the union’s leadership<br />

and the brothers and sisters<br />

you work with. We all have work<br />

and continue to work for one reason<br />

– to earn a pay cheque from<br />

Ford – “A fair day’s work for a fair<br />

day’s pay.”<br />

Good luck to you all!<br />

In Solidarity,<br />

Paul Gebel<br />

FYI: A few months ago a toll<br />

free number with Ford was negotiated<br />

by Scotty McColeman and<br />

I that the entire membership can<br />

use to call the Oakville Assembly<br />

complex. The number is 1-866-<br />

367-3210.<br />

July – September 2011 – Page 37


WE ASKED YOU:<br />

Page 38 – July – September 2011<br />

Bill Skinner<br />

“I hated it. It went from three<br />

weeks to two weeks to two split<br />

weeks to one week. It’s too short.”<br />

Walter Janicki<br />

“I liked it better before. My dad<br />

worked here and he always had a<br />

three-week shutdown”<br />

Marty Hanc<br />

“I personally liked it. I can take my<br />

vacation time when I want.”<br />

PAUL A. LAFLEUR, B.A., LL.B.<br />

Barrister Solicitor Avocat<br />

General Practice for over 20 years<br />

Real Estate Land & Tenant Law<br />

Civil Litigation Personal Injury Criminal Law<br />

Former 16 year Ford Worker – <strong>Local</strong> 200<br />

<strong>CAW</strong> Legal Services Planholders Welcome<br />

411 Guelph Line ..........................Burlington (905) 632-3842<br />

Fax ............................................................................(905) 632-1930<br />

What did you think about the<br />

one week shutdown?<br />

Brad Childs<br />

“It wasn’t long enough. One week<br />

isn’t enough family time and not<br />

enough for a good holiday.”<br />

Bob Psarakif<br />

“It sucked! With all the weeks we<br />

have lost, it is unfortunate. One<br />

week is not enough time to be<br />

with your family.”<br />

FORMER FORD EMPLOYEE:<br />

Dr. Stan Dubickas<br />

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry<br />

Great<br />

Knowledge<br />

Of Your<br />

Dental<br />

Plan<br />

Direct Billing For Ford/<strong>CAW</strong> <strong>707</strong> Members<br />

c Providing Reliable and Comfortable<br />

Dentistry For Over 27 Years<br />

c New Patients And Emergencies<br />

Always Welcome<br />

c Extended Hours –<br />

Open Saturdays<br />

c Free Private Parking<br />

(905) 333-5553<br />

398 Guelph Line<br />

just south of New Street,<br />

North of Lakeshore


July – September 2011 – Page 39


DEADLINE<br />

FOR THE OCTOBER-DECEMBER<br />

2011 <strong>707</strong> <strong>REPORTER</strong><br />

NOVEMBER 7, 2011<br />

MONDAY,<br />

SEPTEMBER 5th, 2011<br />

HAMILTON<br />

(Assembles west of Locke Street on York, facing east)<br />

Lineup: 10:00 a.m.<br />

Departure: 10:30 a.m.<br />

Picnic after parade at Dundurn Park<br />

FOOD, REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED<br />

Canada Post Corporation<br />

Agreement Number 40065086<br />

2011-2013 <strong>CAW</strong> UNION OR RETIREE MEMBERSHIP CARD MUST BE SHOWN<br />

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS<br />

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 – 10:00 A.M.<br />

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011 – 10:00 A.M.<br />

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2011 – 10:00 A.M.<br />

DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UPON MEMBERSHIP ACTION.

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