IBEW353_newsletter_October2014

By: Steven Martin, Business Manager / Financial Secretary

BUSINESS MANAGER/

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Steven Martin

PRESIDENT

Robert White Ext.5240

VICE-PRESIDENT

Jeff Irons Ext.5272

RECORDING SECRETARY

Bill Acorn Ext.5260

TREASURER

Jan de Jong

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Stephen Belanger Ext.5232

Les Carbonaro Ext.5283

Jodi Hill

Martin Kearney

Howard McFadden Ext.5238

Vince Moore

Ron White

EXAMINING BOARD

Karen Pullen Ext.5221

Tony Santia

John Smith Ext.5215

News & ViewsN E W S L E T T E R • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

T his month I would like to begin my report by informing the members of a change in our executive with the retirement of Brother

George Smith. The Executive Board has appointed Brother Bill Acorn as our new Recording Secretary. Bill was formally our Treasurer. With Bill vacating that position the Executive Board appointed Brother Jan de Jong as our new Treasurer. Jan was formally a member on the Executive Board. The Executive Board filled the vacancy with Brother Martin Kearney. I wish Bill, Jan and Martin all the best in their new roles within our executive and I know they will work tirelessly serving the members of our local.

I would like to explain the grievance procedure, as there seems to be some amount of misunderstanding when it comes to the labour relations side of our Principle Collective Agreement. Our other agreements follow a similar framework but do have variances from what is below. Below, the italicized paragraphs are directly from the collective agreement (ICI Blue Pages).

1300 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Any grievance arising concerning the interpretation, application, administration or alleged violation of the Agreement shall be dealt with in accordance with the following:

Step 1: The aggrieved Employee shall, with his Local Union Steward, present his grievance verbally to his Foreman or Supervisor within five (5) working days of the time he became aware, or reasonably should have been aware, of the incident giving rise to the grievance. The Foreman or Supervisor shall reply

verbally to the grievance within one (1) working day. In the event the grievance is not satisfactorily settled at this step, the grievance shall proceed to Step 2.

E.g. You receive your pay on Thursday and there is a mistake, you only have until the following Thursday to bring it up to your immediate supervisor. Far too often members will only mention something after they have been laid off. The provisions of the collective agreement do not allow for going back in time unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Step 2: The Local Union shall submit the grievance in writing to the designated Contractor’s Representative. Within two (2) working days of receipt of the grievance at Step 2, the designated Contractor Representative shall meet with the Local Union Representatives in an effort to resolve the grievance. If the grievance is not satisfactorily settled at this step, the grievance shall be submitted to the Local Joint Conference Board for settlement.

Should the grievance not be resolved we formalize it by putting it in writing to the contractor. They have 2 days to meet and attempt to resolve the grievance.

Step 3: The Local Joint Conference Board shall meet with the Local Union and the Contractor Representative within three (3) working days of receipt of the grievance and shall render a decision at the earliest possible date, but in no case later than three (3) working days from the date of hearing.

Peter Bahniuk Ext. 5268 Jeff Bond Ext. 5220 Dave Cake Ext. 5213

Greg Cullen Ext. 5208 Nino DiGiandomenico Ext. 5226 Mark Lawlor Ext. 5227

Craig McLeod Ext. 5231 Ken Nicholl Ext. 5578 Mike Oram Ext. 5225

Chris Paul Ext. 5338John Smith Ext. 5215 Ted Szwec Ext. 5233

Brian Wilkie Ext. 5337

Tony Chiappetta Ext. 5234 William Finnerty Ext. 5263

Rudy Lucchesi Ext. 5229 Jason Mitchell Ext. 5244

Gord Nye Ext. 5255Derrick Smith Ext. 5256

Gary Majesky Ext. 5251

BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES

ORGANIZERS WSIB CONSULTANT

2 OCTOBER 2014

If still not resolved, a Local Joint Conference Board is to be held within 3 days.

Step 4: Failing settlement of the grievance by the Local Joint Conference Board it shall, by mutual consent, be referred to the Electrical Trade Joint Board which shall meet and render a final and binding decision or if the grievance concerns the interpretation or application of a Provincial Clause it shall be referred to the Electrical Trade Joint Board which shall meet and render a final and binding decision.

Both the Local and the Contractor must agree to take the grievance to the Electrical Trade Joint Board (ETJB), the duties of which are listed under Section 1303 below. If both do not sign off on going to the ETJB then the grievance will be referred to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) for resolution.

1301 POLICY MATTERS Where a policy matter which is not a grievance concerning the interpretation, administration or alleged violation of this Agreement arises, the matter can be referred to the Electrical Trade Joint Board by either Party if the matter is a provincial matter and to the Electrical Trade Joint Board by mutual consent if it concerns a local matter.

As we are part of a collective bargaining group of 11 locals, provincial matters must go to the ETJB. However, local policy matters (white pages) may by mutual consent go to the ETJB. Both the local and the Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association (GTECA) must agree to go to the ETJB and abide by their decision. If one or the other do not wish to go to the ETJB the policy grievance can be referred to the OLRB.

1302 EITHER PARTY If either Party to this Agreement alleges there has been a misinterpretation, violation or non-application of this Agreement such Party may within five (5) working days of the time they became aware, or reasonably should have been aware of the incident giving rise to the

grievance, submit such grievance in writing to the designated Representative of the other Party. If the grievance is not settled within two (2) working days at this stage, it may be submitted to the Local Joint Conference Board. Failing settlement at this stage, either Party may refer the grievance to the Electrical Trade Joint Board as in Clause 1300, Step 4.

1303 THE ELECTRICAL TRADE JOINT BOARD There is hereby established a Board, which shall be called the Electrical Trade Joint Board. In all its procedures the Electrical Trade Joint Board shall act in accordance with the Memorandum of Settlement concerning the Electrical Trade Joint Board Procedures dated February 14, 1992.

The Board shall consist of four (4) Representatives each from the IBEW Construction Council and the Electrical Trade Bargaining Agency together with a neutral Chair who shall not be a Representative of either side. Each side may also designate an alternative Representative to the ETJB. Where a particular matter before the Board would involve a conflict of interest, a Representative to the Board may be re-placed by the alternative Representative.

The IBEW Construction Council and the Electrical Trade Bargaining Agency shall each designate one (1) of its Representatives on the Board as Secretary to the Board for its side.

The duties of the Secretary for the IBEW Construction Council and the Electrical Trade Bargaining Agency shall be as follows:

The Secretary shall receive all grievances originating from that side and communicate them to the other side.

The Secretary, or his designate, shall make inquiries into the grievance including attempts to resolve the matter at a pre-hearing conference.

The Secretary shall prepare the matter for consideration by the Board.

The Secretary, or his designate, shall present the matter at the Board.

It shall be the duty of the Board to consider each and every matter that comes before it and to make a final and binding decision on any grievance referred to it. In the performance of its duties the Electrical Trade Joint Board may constitute itself an arbitration board within the meaning of Section 48 of the OLRA. Notwithstanding this provision the ETJB may refer a matter to arbitration, either under Section 48 or Section 133 of the OLRA.

The Chair will reduce the reasons for any decision to writing and the decision will thereafter be recorded as a decision of the Board.

An application for a grievance to be heard at the Joint Board must be made to the ETJB within forty-five (45) days from the date of the grievance. The ETJB will hear the grievance within ninety (90) days from the date of the application.

1304 NOTICEPrior notice of all grievances whether referred to a Local Joint Board or referred to arbitration under Section 133 of the OLRA shall be given to the respective Secretaries of the ETJB.

This section is simply to give advance notice that the grievance has not been resolved and it is proceeding to the OLRB.

1305 STRIKE/LOCKOUT During the terms of this Agreement there shall be no strike by the Union and there shall be no lockout by the Contractor.

While we are under a contract we are not allowed to have work stoppage or strikes. Conversely our contractors cannot refuse us work. There is a simple adage that simplifies this clause, “work now - grieve later” meaning we still work while the grievance is working through its process.

1306 NO LEGAL COUNSEL Prior to arbitration no legal counsel shall take part in any of the proceedings of the grievance procedure.

Lawyers are not allowed until such time as we head to arbitration.

IBEW LOCAL 353 3IBEW LOCAL 353 3

PENDING PROJECTS (As of September 30, 2014) PROJECT HOURS/UNITS START DATE COMPLETION DATE

I.C.I. Casey House Hospice 18,925 hrs 10/1/14 10/31/16

I.C.I. - North F & P Plant 1 & 2, Expansion 4,700 hrs 9/1/14 12/31/15

I.C.I. - East Shoppers Drug Mart, Whitby 1,200 hrs 6/16/14 8/22/14

Lowrise The Rossi Group PH11 2,800 hrs 7/1/14 12/31/14

Communication Royal York Hotel 2,500 hrs 6/1/14 12/31/14

Hi-Rise Generator Upgrade, 75 Graydon Hall 1,050 hrs 9/1/14 10/31/14

Linework Suncor Energy 40,000 hrs 10/1/14 8/31/15

COMPLETED PROJECTS PROJECT HOURS/UNITS START DATE COMPLETION DATE

I.C.I. Chabad Lubavitch Daycare Reno 1,200 hrs 11/10/13 9/3/14

Lowrise Acorn Homes 270 units 2/1/12 9/3/14

Communication As of September 30, 2014 no completed projects - 1/0/00 1/0/00

Hi-Rise Markham Uptown, Block 6 40,230 hrs 12/1/11 9/3/14

Linework As of September 30, 2014 no completed projects -

SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS PROJECT HOURS/UNITS START DATE COMPLETION DATE

I.C.I. Various Control Panels, 12,000 hrs 5/1/14 4/30/15

Lowrise Beaverhill Homes, Milton 70 Units 6/1/14 10/31/14

Communication As of September 30, 2014 no successful projects -

Hi-Rise Beverly Hill, Yonge & 16th 92,100 hrs 4/1/14 3/31/18

Linework City of London, Maintenance 14,000 hrs 6/1/14 6/30/18

1307 ARBITRATION Differences between the Parties not dealt with by the foregoing provision may be referred to arbitration pursuant to Section 48 of the OLRA.

The expense of nominees to an Arbitration Board shall be borne by the Party represented and the expenses of the Chairman shall be borne equally by both Parties.

The Board of Arbitration shall not have any power to alter or change any of the provisions of this Agreement or to substitute any new provisions for any existing provision or to give any decision inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

1308 SAVING CLAUSE If any court shall hold any part of this Agreement invalid, such decision shall not invalidate any other part of this Agreement.

1309 TIME LIMITS Any time limits provided in the Grievance Procedure may be extended by mutual agreement of the Parties. With respect to

Union and Association Fund remittances and delinquencies, grievances may be filed up to ninety (90) days from the remittance due date.

Hopefully this will help members understand that the process for grievances is sometimes a very slow journey. The carriage of the grievance is with the local and not an individual member. While a member may believe a grievance should be filed very rarely is it the first time that particular infraction has happened. The success or failure of a grievance has a history of past decisions, which will be argued by counsel at the OLRB. The local and our contractors ask our counsel for opinions on the merits and probability of success before arbitration which help us decide whether we move forward, attempt to seek more information or abandon a grievance.

Below, please find this month’s Stab/ Market Recovery report:

Fraternally,

Steven MartinBusiness Manager/Financial Secretary

APPRENTICESKyle Gaudet, Daniel Kasiram, Brennan Lachance, Bryan O'Malley and Brian Wong.

GROUNDMANMykolas Jagminas

JOURNEYMENChristopher Abraham, Aleksander Dimovski, Darren Farrugia, Chris Ferri, Marco Moltisanti and Mauricio Nunez.

JOURNEYPERSONS UPGRADENicola Appugliese, Marco Barbera, Shayne Biffin, Shane Donnelly, Richard Dube, Chris Hickey, Matthew Kirkwood and Rafal Polonski.

New Members

4 OCTOBER 2014

I t is with a heavy heart that I report that our Recording Secretary, Brother George Smith, has chosen to retiree this year.

George has dedicated a great deal of his family time and a large portion of his life to try to help create a better IBEW Local 353 than he found when he joined 39 years ago. His father, three of his brothers and his son are all IBEW members. His Brother John is our appointed Communications Representative and a past IBEW 353 Vice President. He will leave a very large hole in our organization as he stepped up to help out wherever he thought help was required, whether it be in our communities or any and every level of the IBEW.

George was instrumental in ensuring our Social Committee was able to run our large social events successfully for more years than I’m able to remember. He has been the Joint Apprenticeship Council (JAC) Local 353 liaison since 2002, counselling Apprentices, who may have had problems, through the system to ensure they were able to become Journeypersons. George has helped countless members when they required assistance with problems they were unable to cope with on their own by ensuring that support and the required assistance was received to allow the members to get back to a more productive life.

Brother Smith has been a large part of all of our recent decisions to move our Local

forward and has always been a strong voice at our Executive Board and expressed what he felt was in our members’ best interests. Brother George was first elected to our Executive board 24 years ago, in 1990 until 1999. He was then elected as our Recording Secretary in 1999, and has served continuously, and he was acclaimed in the 2014 election. George has done a wonderful job over the last 15 years, keeping our Local Union minutes and all records in an orderly, straight and concise manner. We will surely miss him and his unselfish dedication to our organization. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and serve with him. Many of us wish him all the best and a happy, well-earned retirement with his lovely wife Nancy, children and grandkids.

Brother Smith’s departure did leave a vacancy of his Recording Secretary position, which had to be filled immediately by the Executive Board to ensure the continued smooth running of our Local. Our many newer members may be unaware of how Office vacancies are filled, and by filling the one position it then cascaded in requiring more positions to be filled. Our Bylaws and the IBEW Constitution set out how vacant offices shall be replaced.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Constitution Article 16, (sec.16) states:

ARTICLE XVI OFFICERS OF LOCAL UNIONS

Section 16 Vacancies occurring in any L.U. office, and the Examining Board, shall be filled by the L.U. Executive Board until the next regular election, except when filled by the I.P. The eligibility requirements for election to the office shall apply. Vacancies in the position of press secretary, registrar, door foreman, or inspector shall be filled by the L.U. president.

Changes in our IBEW Local 353 Officers

By: Robert White, President & Chairman

Saturday November 22, 2014

10:00 am 1377 Lawrence Ave E

L.U. 353 and the Human Rights Committee invite Members, Families and Friends to a free screening of some short labour films.

These films are made by the workers, about the workers, with

examples of what others have done in Canada and around the world.

Free refreshments will be available.

www.labourfilms.ca

Please R.S.V.P to Les Carbonaro at 416-347-3959

Or by email at [email protected]


ScholarshipsThe deadline for scholarships applications is December 31, 2014.

The scholarships will be awarded in February 2015.

Any questions should be directed to Les Carbonaro cell # 416-347-3959.

On behalf of the late

Sean Heffernan, our

family wishes to express

our sincere gratitude

and appreciation to the

IBEW family for your

support and friendship

during this difficult time.

Thank you,

Geraldine & Family

The Executive Board held a special-called meeting on Monday September 22nd to discuss and replace Brother George Smith who retired the previous Friday. Brother Bill Acorn, who is a past elected (2008) Executive Board member had expressed interest in moving on from the Treasurer position, which he has held since being appointed in 2010 and acclaimed in the 2011 and 2014 elections. Nominations were asked for and a vote was held and passed unanimously to have Brother Bill Acorn assume the Recording Secretaries position.

This then left the Treasurer position open. Executive Board member Brother Jan de Jong, who was appointed in 2010 and elected in 2011 and 2014, after careful consideration resigned his office and put his name forward to fill the now vacant Treasurer position. Brother Jan left the meeting and nominations

were called for and a vote was held and passed unanimously to have Brother Jan de Jong assume the position of Treasurer.

This now left open Brother de Jong’s Executive Board position and nominations were called for and two nominations came forward for two Brothers who had ran and qualified for the open Executive Board position. The vote was held and Brother Martin Kearney was chosen to be our newest member of the IBEW Local 353 Executive Board.

Congratulations to all Brothers in their new positions.

We are always Stronger Together!

Robert White(416) 985-7215 [email protected]

Pension and Benefits Information

THINKING OF RETIRING IN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS?

Please join us on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 for a pre-retirement seminar at the South Union Hall (1377 Lawrence Ave. East) for a presentation from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Limited seating available.

Please register by calling TEIBAS at 416-637-6789 or by email: [email protected]

Seminars by

6 OCTOBER 2014

Finally it’s October, the month we all have been waiting for, and the Municipal Elections will finally occur! What a year it has been so far. We have suffered a year-long campaign for mayor that saw some candidates dropping out and some changing what positions they were running for especially here in Toronto, the Province’s capital city. We also worked our way through a whirl-wind of a provincial election that saw the Liberals, led by Premier Kathleen Wynne, form a majority government for the next four years. Once again thank you to all the 353 volunteers who stepped up and assisted by campaigning for this local and all of you who voted wisely by supporting our friends at Queen’s Park.

On that note I wish to point out how, as a political machine, Organized Labour is truly a force that should be appreciated and listened to. Trust me that our friends know it as do our enemies. Look to the Harper Conservatives in Ottawa and how much anti worker/big business friendly legislation they have rammed through the last few years. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the various Free Trade agreements they have signed that do not help Canadian workers in any meaningful way that I can tell. Ask Tim Hudak (who?) how he fared when he faced the ire of not just the Union Nation but also unrepresented workers in this province when he campaigned on a Right Wing American Republican-style austerity agenda.

That is the point of my article this month. We all must vote and vote wisely. On Facebook, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has a post that I shared on my page;

Sisters and Brothers, last month I challenged you all to get informed and get out and vote. I would prefer and highly recommend you visit the advance polls in your ward or whatever it’s called where you live. In Toronto they are Tuesday, October 14th to Sunday, October 19th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each ward will have their own advance polling station or you can go to Toronto City Hall and regardless of what ward you reside in you may cast your ballot early (Toronto residents only). Don’t leave it up to fate on Monday October 27th and allow life’s little problems to flare up.

We control our future by who we elect.Party politics do not officially exist in municipal elections, but we all have a reasonable idea of the political stripe of our municipal friends and enemies. I urge you not to vote for candidates because your mum and dad did, or that you believe their lies of cutting taxes will be beneficial for you. Progressives (labour friendly) candidates will never promise to cut taxes. The price of cutting taxes is the privatizing (selling off) of public services/utilities and user fees. Those fees are hard on our neighbours struggling to get by on two minimum wage jobs, and any taxes possibly saved will be eaten up in those user fees and increased charges which will surely come from privatized services and utilities.

In Toronto we have two millionaire mayoral candidates (Ford and Tory), with no clear plans for this city or how to deal with traffic congestion that affects the whole Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) highway system, to say nothing about the core. Beware of “Tories telling stories” regarding the use of future increased property taxes from developments along the new subway corridors to fund that badly needed infrastructure work. This style of funding has been attempted in just about every major U.S. city and has resulted in nothing more than a huge debt for the taxpayers in those cities. The other millionaire is relying on the province and the

federal government to step up and fund the work. Problem with that is he forgets that all across the country, infrastructure work is long overdue and as long as business friendly politicians keep giving their big business friends tax breaks. It means it will fall to us working people to pay more.

There is only one candidate in my opinion that has the experience and the practical platform for moving this city forward today and that is Olivia Chow. I honestly believe she gets the short end of the stick in the media because she is a woman and speaks with an accent. Don’t believe the polls; they are for dogs anyway. Olivia has a great chance to get elected; she has been recruiting workers and solidifying her support since last winter. Please don’t fall down the rabbit hole of thinking you should only vote for perceived winners. For more information on the Chow campaign and her platform please visit www.oliviachow.ca. Compare her platform to the others who bicker, claiming they are more like the workers of this city; get informed and please get out and vote.

The centrefold of the newsletter has the current list of Toronto and York Region endorsements that we support. For a complete, and up to date list of the Labour Council’s endorsements and what’s at stake in this election please visit www.ourcitymatters.ca.

I am the first to admit that I do not know many of the players in our jurisdiction outside the GTHA, but I do know that when we were developing our Barrie office, there were two elected officials that were very helpful to this local and they were Mayor Jeff Lehman and Ward 8 Councillor Arif Khan. Two hard working officials that I feel should be re-elected to represent the citizens of Barrie. The fight continues…

In Solidarity,

Jeff Irons(416) [email protected]

Committee on Political Education

By: Jeff Irons, Chair, COPE Committee


NORMAL OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Dec. 22, 2014 7:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 23, 2014 7:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 24, 2014 CLOSED



Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayDec. 29, 2014

7:30 – 4:30 p.m.Dec. 30, 2014

7:30 – 4:30 p.m.Dec. 31, 2014

7:30 – 11:30 a.m.Jan. 1, 2015

CLOSEDJan. 2, 2015

7:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Principal Agreement recognized holidays for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are: Thursday, December 25, 2014, Friday, December 26, 2014 and Thursday, January 1, 2015.

T he Vaughan Mills Mall site is a new addition to the existing mall of approximately 250,000 square feet. There are two new electrical rooms with 1600 amp services and one new

room with 800 amp service. There will be a new Event Court with custom computer generated LED lighting and 52 new retail units.

Further to that, we are half way through completing the renovation of the existing mall, including the food court. This is a job that started back in September 2013 and is scheduled to open October 23, 2014.

Net Electric Day & Night Crew:Jason Peters (Site Foreman), Bradley Ferguson (Foreman), Doug McMahon (Foreman), Benny Damiano (Steward) Bahram Moghtader Moghaddam, Brent Bedeau, Mike Lunardo, Sean

Engel (Apprentices), Bryan Johnston, George Ferguson, Hung Chi Li, Jake Liu, Joe Vidic, Jose Valente, Kevin Binks, Mauro Sacco, Milo Kynkal, Richard Gehres, Ross Bradley, Viktor Chernoloz.

Not shown in the picture is; Trevor Esford (Foreman), Randy Maschke, Bill Austin, Steve Burke, Micheal King, Mike Pronyshyn, Ken Jacobson, Keith Nattress, Giancarlo Ianni.

In Solidarity,

Ted SzwecBusiness [email protected](416) 802-7156

Net Electric

By: Ted Szwec, Business Representative

8 OCTOBER 2014

T he September unit meetings experienced some new defining moments for our membership. The

North unit meeting was chaired by Brother Jodi Hill with Co-Chair Brother Brian Wilkie. Our Recorder, Brother Derrick Smith, was at an organizing conference so Brother George Smith took the minutes. The East unit meeting was chaired by Brother Vince Moore with Co-Chair Brother Jason Mitchell and Brother John Mightis as our Recorder. The South unit meeting was chaired by our President, Brother Robert White with Brother Jeff Irons as our Vice Chair and Brother George Smith as Recording Secretary. Our Treasurer, Brother Bill Acorn and our Business Manager, Brother Steven Martin were present for all three meetings.

The members had a lot to say at all three (3) unit meetings as the challenges on the solar farms continues and work seems to be picking up everywhere. The minutes were approved along with our monthly bills.

Business Manager / Financial Secretary’s ReportBrother Steven Martin put forward five (5) pension applications that the members approved. Brother Martin gave a full report on our finances including the General and STAB/Market Recovery along with our monthly project reports.

Brother Martin reported that he met with the Provincial Minister of Labour, Kevin Flynn, and was able to discuss a few items concerning our membership. He was able to point out to the Minister how important the failed legislation on prompt payment will affect our employers as we are usually the sub-trades working for the general contractors. Brother Martin was also able to discuss the new mandatory health and safety training and explained how it didn’t apply to construction. The Minister agreed to review both these

important issues and also agreed to keep the lines of communication open for all concerns.

Brother Martin explained to the members how important the municipal elections are and how some of the Conservatives who lost in the Provincial elections are now running. We need to help and support labour-friendly candidates. These candidates are the people who will look after and address our interests.

Brother Martin further reported that we are still in dispute with the Operating Engineers and now the Labourers regarding who should be moving the equipment on solar farms. The first hearing will be in November. Brother Martin explained that this will be a long and drawn out process. We will be standing strong on what is written in our Principal Agreement. Brother Martin pointed out that our members should not be disputing amongst each other and targeting our foreman as they are reacting to what is directed to them by upper management. Again this month, Brother Martin thanked the members for standing strong.

Brother Martin informed the membership that he has been in contact with the West, and in particular Edmonton where we have members working. Local 424 expects the work and calls to dry up by Christmas with a lot of the travelling members being laid off. These calls will pick up in the spring. British Columbia expects to get very busy very soon and will hopefully take a lot of these travellers.

Brother Martin explained to the membership how the calls at home are busy as well and cautioned the members to watch as we are starting to issue passes for journeymen and apprentices.

Brother Martin requested that the members at the South unit meeting, held on September 11, stand for a moment of silence to acknowledge our Brothers and Sisters who were tragically killed thirteen years ago.

Brother Martin closed his report by congratulating Brother George Smith on his retirement and thanked him for his many years of service.

COMMITTEE REPORTSTORONTO & YORK REGION LABOUR COUNCIL/COPE COMMIITTEE – Brother Jeff Irons reported on both COPE and Labour Council. Brother Irons stressed how very important it is to be involved with our municipal elections. He encouraged our members to educate themselves on who our labour-friendly candidates are. Brother Irons pointed out that Local 353 is supporting Olivia Chow for Mayor and will campaign for her. There are other labour-friendly candidates throughout our jurisdiction that need our help. Brother Irons explained that Brother Lee Caprio is coordinating volunteers and if members need to know who their candidates are where they live, they can contact Brother Caprio.

HEALTH & SAFETY – Brother Howard McFadden reported that fatalities have tragically increased while we have had fewer accidents. Brother McFadden reminded our members to stay aware of what they are working around. Safety is everyone’s concern.

EDUCATION – Brother Brad Watt reported registration for the fall courses has begun and there are still spaces available. He encouraged the members to go on-line and find a course that interests them.

J.A.C. – Brother George Smith reported there will be interviews for new start apprentices on October 2nd and 3rd and encouraged the members to get involved to support our J.A.C. We will be interviewing over 260 candidates who will be interviewed jointly by representatives from both the union and employer.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE – Brother Tony Santia reported that the tickets for the Toronto Blue game on September 27th

Unit Meetings Highlights

By: George Smith, Recording Secretary


were going fast; by the time the members read this the tickets will be gone. Brother Santia explained to the members that the Children’s Christmas party planning is moving along and that there is already a registration form in the newsletter.

LABOUR DAY/SPORTS COMMITTEE – Brother Bill Acorn reported we had a great Labour Day parade. Brother Acorn explained that we had our new trailer complete with logos and projection screens to inform the public who we are. Brother Acorn noted that next year, we will have the kids cars back and there will be no cost for the uniform. Next year, we will be distributing the uniforms at the parade site. Brother Acorn went on to report the motorcycle ride held in Hamilton had 27 participants and was lots of fun for all.

Brother Acorn introduced Brother Sean Smith, coordinator of the Local 353 baseball team. Brother Smith reported that in the Long Island Tournament Local 353 won their division and the tournament.

WSIB – Brother Gary Majesky reported that this month we had five (5) additional mesothelioma cases. Brother Majesky cautioned the members how important it was to monitor their injuries and get proper treatment. He also advised the members to be careful on their re-employment rights.

RETIREES CLUB – Brother Robert Rynyk reported the Club meets the first Tuesday of every month for lunch at 1377 Lawrence Avenue East. He pointed out that the end of the year is coming and the Club will be attending two major events. The first will be Local 804’s Oktoberfest and the second will be the Local 353 Christmas luncheon. Brother Rynyk thanked the members for their support on the Scarborough Kidney Walk and explained to the members how Local 353 is the major sponsor and is very well recognized by their involvement. This year we have even made children’s t-shirts that have coined the slogan “Little Step for Kidney.”

CENTRAL ONTARIO BUILDING TRADES– Brother Peter Reed reported we had a record number of participants for this year’s Labour Day parade and Local 353 received an Honourable Mention for our uniform.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE – Sister Karen Pullen reported what a good turnout the sisters had at the Labour Day parade. Sister Pullen also reported on the Women’s Election Canvas for Toronto Labour Council and the York Region 2014 Women of Labour Awards evening.

ILL & INJURED/ DECEASED MEMBERSEach unit Chair encouraged the members to visit the ill and injured and the names are posted at our meetings every month. The Chairs read off the names of the three members who passed away and asked the members to stand for a moment of silence.

NEW MEMBERSThis month we had fourteen (14) members take their Oath of Obligation, two (2) members were congratulated on their successful completion of their apprenticeship and there were seven (7) members present to receive their $600 Pension Honourarium upon their retirement.

The 50/50 draws this month were $56 in the north, $62 in the east and $139 in the south.

UNFINISHED BUSINESSThe Promotion, Sports Entertainment Retirees and Political requests were all moved, seconded and approved by all three units.

Included in our requests this month was a special donation of $5,000.00 to the Princess Margaret Hospital in support of the Mesothelioma Clinic. As Brother Gary Majesky pointed out in his report, this disease seems to affect more electrical workers than anyone else.

NEW BUSINESSThere was also a special request put forth and passed at all three (3) unit meetings for $500 to the Ajax Legion. This was of interest to the members as the Ajax Co-Gen project, built by Local 353 has been given use of their property for parking. A charity barbeque was held to support the veterans and Local 353 was there.

GOOD OF THE UNIONAll three (3) unit meetings discussed the solar projects and the challenges that we have. The members were able to express

their frustrations in identifying all the different challenges and having to wait for solutions. Brother Martin did a great job in explaining to the members how he was equally frustrated and that we have a new way of resolving these issues that we are bound to. The members had some very imaginative ways of dealing with job issues and some were able to explain how these challenges were dealt with in the old days.

One of the Brothers brought forth a good point on apprentice hours and how employers sometimes delay remitting their hours to the J.A.C. upon layoff. The members were informed that this is part of the Principal Agreement and that the apprentice must be given his hours worked when laid off.

One of our Sisters spoke about the criteria for donations and the transparency versus conflict of interest. This Sister was able to spark the interest of the members and started a conversation on creating an acceptable standard.

Another good discussion involved members collecting pension and continuing to work. The suggestion was the member should get permission from the Executive Board. It was pointed out that this may interfere with member rights.

As I will now be retiring as of October 1st, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the membership for your support. It has been a pleasure to serve you, the members, for so many years. My career started as a young apprentice with lots of energy and has ended as a seasoned journeyman. This is a Brotherhood and together we will continue to be the best Union in the trade union movement. Local 353 has great leadership and I feel confident as I move on, that we have the talented individuals to continue moving this Local forward.

Thanks again to all the Sisterhood and Brotherhood of the IBEW 353. Nancy and I are looking forward to many of the upcoming Retiree's luncheons and events!

Your Recording Secretary,

George Smith

10 OCTOBER 2014

Education, apprEnticEship & Labour studiEs

The Lessons ContinueThere is little else more important in the life of the men and women of our organization than the rights of workers and the right to have a safe working environment. I wrote about the summer of tragedy in this province for the last 2 months and somehow we are now faced with more tragedy from those that fail to recognize the need for things to change.

In retrospect, construction workers are inherently exposed to danger. The battlefields we call jobsites are nothing short of an organized chaos which need constant alertness by workers at all times. There is no forgiveness for tragedy. Once the event happens there is little that can be said to a young mother or father who must find a way to cope with the loss of the other parent. Families struggle daily to make ends meet and we are all part of a system where those ends are tighter than ever.

With Labour Day behind us, it is vital to understand that there is a history that is important here. The history of Unions and the fight for workers’ rights everywhere. Seeing the parade of workers filing down to the CNE grounds was truly inspirational. The message of hope, respect and tolerance are key to the future for those who will follow in our footsteps. The legacy of Labour is that we all benefit from the struggles of the past workers who had less, made less, and worked more and died more.

Have we learned anything? Interestingly we can all still learn a great deal by our history. I invite you to the following link to read the history of Labour Day. It gives a great overview of what it all meant at the beginning. If we forget history, we are doomed

to repeat it. If we remember how we got here, we are likely going to avoid going back.

http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/09/01/the_start_of_the_march.html

If you sincerely are in to history and the events in the life of Labour in Canada, I would then include what is arguably the largest strike to occur in Canadian history. Workers in Winnipeg marched as a collective during the “Winnipeg General Strike.”

Winnipeg General StrikeThis was a time in Canadian history that we ought to remember and use as a teaching tool for our children on the importance of Unions in our country.

The Winnipeg General Strike happened almost 100 years ago, yet the struggles seem the same today. They fought for things like fair wages, 9 hour work days, vacation and a 6 day work week. Sound familiar? What has changed today? Ask yourself how your life would be without those who marched, suffered and died to have what simple things we have today?

Post World War I was a very unstable and tense period for Canada. We Canadians are known for our temperance and ability to be peacemakers and certainly we are known as “nice people” to all that visit our great country. Yet the years following the Great War were not a time of peace. Social and economic stress was the theme of the day. Soldiers, who had lived years away fighting in the war, returned to find high unemployment and immigrants who had taken over their former jobs. These soldiers had given nearly a decade to fight in Europe and watched their brothers and sisters die in the fields for the liberation of people

they did not know. Yet on their return they felt abandoned by their own people and more importantly, abandoned by their government.

It was also a time of extremely high inflation. People who needed heat would burn endless amounts of paper money, as it was worthless then. The cost of living was further compounded when railway workers were docked pay for blanket rentals, staying overnight and transportation to the jobsites. They lived in the mountains, and many were hurt from rockslides and misuse of explosives. They lived in squalor and had to sleep in tents and unsanitary conditions.

After three months of unproductive negotiations workers frustration grew. The city councils new proposal to the workers was unsatisfactory, electrical workers took action and a strike was established. Strikers were labeled as Bolsheviks who were attempting to undermine Canada. The city council viewed this as unacceptable, and thus dismissed the striking workers. This did not discourage the latter; instead other civic unions joined the strike out of sympathy and the total of striking workers grew to 6,800.

May 15, 1919 at 11:00am virtually the entire working population of Winnipeg had gone on strike. Approximately 30,000 workers in the public and private sectors walked off their jobs and joined one of the largest strikes ever.

Bloody SaturdayOn June 10, 1919 the federal government ordered the arrest of eight strike leaders who would all serve between 6 months to 2 years or be deported. On June 21, 1919 about 25,000 strikers assembled for a demonstration. The demonstration grew more and more tense as

Unions Matter

By: Lee Caprio, Director of Education


the day wore on. The then Mayor of Winnipeg Charles Frederick Gray read the Riot Act to the growing crowd. Fearing violence and the massive tension in the crowd, the mayor called in the RCMP, who drove through the crowds on their horses. The RCMP officers beat the crowd with their clubs and fired on the crowd with their guns. The aftermath of the violence left Winnipeg under martial law and was treated as being under military occupation.

So it is vital that we don’t forget why we are here today asking for simple things like a “living wage.” We cannot expect families to make ends meet if we do not fight for the rights of workers to live beyond the poverty line.

It is not okay for workers earning minimum wage to be below the poverty line. It is just not acceptable when corporations are making millions of dollars in profits to expect a family of four with two working parents to be living without the bare necessities or a future of living in retirement with dignity and comfort.

Please teach our history so that we may not repeat it ever again.

Fraternally,

Lee Caprio

Come and join us for a great evening and cheer on the Toronto Arrrgos!

On Friday, November 7th, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

LOCAL 353 is offering two free tickets to our members.

Limited tickets will be available for pick up after October 14th at our Union Halls on a first come first serve basis ONLY!

The Hammer Heads program is a skill and employment based training program within the construction industry

offering apprenticeship career opportunities to the youth of disadvantaged neighbourhoods in our communities.

VS

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2014Tuesday November 11th IBEW Local 353 invites all to gather in remembrance and thanks to those brothers and sisters who served and sacrificed in honour of our Country.

The service starts at 10:30am at the 1377 Lawrence Ave. E. location.

Following the service, please join us for lunch.

12 OCTOBER 2014

I hope this newsletter finds you before the day that we get to vote for the future leaders of our cities.

Recently, our organization had a mandate of ensuring that all its members be part of the fight to maintain a government that would respect our rights and one that was willing to work with labour to achieve the needs of our communities and our members.

We are now faced with electing members of City Council and Mayors. This is not in any way a meaningless election. As you may know, these city councillors are elected to lead and to be leaders in our community. They have the responsibility to bring services and create policies that are feasible and within the budgets they have to work with.

As we all know there are several key topics that will drive us towards Election Day (October 27, 2014). These topics are hot in the minds of all those who live in need.

TransitTransit is one of the hottest topics around. It may be the one topic that we understand least. Why – because, this topic is a massive undertaking. It deals with infrastructure and construction that will last decades; it deals with budgets that are astronomical; it deals with communities who will be serviced for the future; and yet others who will be ignored by the plan. This is a very complex challenge – do we go with subways, do we go with light rapid transit, buses, streetcars, mixed mode or simply just do nothing and wait to see who will pay for it all.

We recently had the opportunity to have an intimate discussion with Olivia Chow and

I was impressed that her views are based on realistic plans for this City. Her funding model was very precise and inclusive of taxation, government funding and investment. More appropriately, her description of what the other contenders are suggesting for funding was very enlightening.

For instance, John Tory’s funding model is one that has been tried by virtually every large city in the United States. Tory has adopted a model called Tax-Increment Financing (TIF). This is a model that has been used in New York City for the Hudson Yard’s improvement project, which similarly includes subway lines. I suppose John Tory’s theme song ought to be Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride” further proving that the funding model will indeed involve some psychedelic drugs to make it all so believable.

TIF is based on the fact that the City will “borrow” $3-billion dollars and “promise” to pay it all off with “future tax revenue” generated by property development attracted to the new stations that will be built. Tory relies on a study by Metrolinx, the provincial transit authority, to explain how the “fairy dust/voodoo math” is supposed to solve all the issues. Unfortunately he neglects the important conclusion of that report: that TIF is the riskiest, least desirable of all potential transit financing mechanisms, given one star out of five in the study’s final rating.

If my memory serves me correct, our current income tax system was implemented after wartime expenses forced the Tories to re-consider their options of only charging tariffs and surcharges to impose a "temporary" income tax to cover expenses. Despite the new tax, the Canadian government

ran up considerable debts during the war and were unable to forego income tax revenue after the war ended.

The facts about the New York Hudson Yard improvement plan are well documented. In a 2013 report, the New York Independent Budget Office confirmed that tax revenues generated by the project have not materialized and will never meet original expectations, forcing taxpayers to pay an ever-increasing interest on the original debt. The people of New York were told that the investment would cost them nary a red cent to fund. So far the taxpayers have already paid out interest and bailouts in excess of $300-million dollars. The budget analysts for New York City are expecting interest support payments to continue rising well into the future. The debt currently sits at $3-billion dollars.

Let’s be honest, Tory forgoes the truth of reporting the whole story. So we will wake up one day facing the inevitable truth; that the debt is here to stay and our tax obligation will continue to grow and our children will pay handsomely for that decision. At this point only a Ford could swindle this into a viable plan that will see them blaming others when it doesn’t work. Crack is as good as psychedelic LSD when it comes to selling delusional ideas.

Some people will say anything for a vote.

City Wide CutsOther themes of the day for the future are cuts, cuts and then gouging and more cuts.

Cuts to city services. Closing libraries, recreational programs and services for our seniors. There is no easier way to save money than to eliminate all the things that

Elections Matter – October 27th Matters

By: Lee Caprio, Director of Education


make our society great. No more jobs where city employees teach our kids to swim. No more liability, no more safety. No need for worker rights or worker equality. No more rights for women or workers of colour.

No more living wages, no more fair wages. Yesterday I had lunch in a bar where the wait staff has to share their tips with the owner. After all, he gives them a job, and he deserves, ironically called, his cut.

Privatization Or SellNo more jobs for city cleaners and garbage works. No more clean water. No more City property. Now when you call the city number and complain about your garbage you will be forwarded to a company help line that is contracted to take your garbage. The lowest bidder, the lowest paid bidder, the one that has no time to take your complaint. Lost will

be all accountability and transparency. We won’t have a voice in what happens, where our money goes, what kind of benefits or wages get paid, and whether or not our garbage is handled properly or just dumped in the lake.

Sell off the City buildings and land. Great, we get immediate cash flow. What about the future? Will it eliminate the debt, the shortfall or the interest being paid?

Vote with an informed mind. Visit www.ourcitymatters.ca for more information. Be counted on OCTOBER 27th.

Fraternally,

Lee Caprio

LABOUR ENDORSED CANDIDATES 2014*

Olivia Chow - Mayor oliviachow.ca

Ward 1 (Etobicoke North)Idil Burale

idilburale.com

Ward 2 (Etobicoke North)Andray Domise andraydomise.ca

Ward 6 (Etobicoke Lakeshore) Russ Ford russford.ca

Ward 7 (York West) Keegan Henry-Mathieu

keeganhm.com

Ward 8 (York West) Anthony Perruzza

voteanthonyperruzza.com

Ward 9 (York West) Maria Augimeri VoteAugimeri.ca

Ward 12 (York South Weston) Lekan Olawoye

lekan.ca

Ward 13 (Parkdale High Park) Sarah Doucette

sarahdoucette.com

Ward 14 (Parkdale High Park) Gord Perks

GordPerks14.ca

Ward 17 (Davenport) Alejandra Bravo bravotoronto.ca

Ward 18 (Davenport)Ana Bailão

anaforward18.ca

Ward 19 (Trinity Spadina) Mike Layton mikelayton.ca

Ward 20 (Trinity Spadina) Joe Cressy joecressy.ca

Ward 21 (St. Paul’s) Joe Mihevc

joemihevc.ca

Ward 24 (Willowdale) Dan Fox

danfox.ca

Ward 26 (Don Valley West) David Sparrow davidsparrow.ca

Ward 27 (Toronto Centre Rosedale) Kristyn Wong-Tam kristynwongtam.ca

Ward 28 (Toronto Centre Rosedale) Pam McConnell

PamLovesToronto.ca

Ward 29 (Toronto Daforth)Mary Fragedakismaryfragedakis.ca

City

Cou

ncil

Ward 30 (Toronto Danforth)Paula Fletcher

paulafletcher.com

Ward 31 (Beaches East York)Janet Davis

janetdaviscampaign.ca

Ward 33 (Don Valley East)Shelley Carroll

shelleycarroll2014.ca

Ward 35 (Scarborough Southwest)Paul Bocking

paulbocking.com

Ward 36 (Scarborough Southwest)Bob Spencer

electspencer.ca

Ward 38 (Scarborough Centre)Glenn De Baeremaeker

voteglenn.ca

Ward 42 (Scarborough Rouge River) Neethan Shanneethanshan.ca

Ward 44 (Scarborough East)Amarjeet Chhabra

electchhabra.ca

Ward 5 – York CentreHoward Kaplanhowardkaplan.ca

Ward 7 – Parkdale High Park Robin Pilkey

robinpilkey.com

Ward 8 – Eglinton Lawrence Jennifer Arpjenniferarp.ca

Ward 10 Trinity SpadinaAusma Malik

ausmamalik.ca

Ward 14 Toronto Centre Rosedale Chris Moise

chrismoise.ca

Ward 17 Don Valley EastRobert Cerjanec

voterob.ca

Ward 18 Scarborough Southwest Parthi Kandavel

parthi2014.ca

Ward 20 Scarborough Agincourt Manna Wong

mannawong.com

Ward 21 Scarborough Rouge River Shaun Chen

shaunchen.ca

Ward 4 North YorkMarina Laccona facebook.com/

marinalacconaforschooltrustee

Ward 5 North YorkMaria Rizzo

Ward 12 ScarboroughPaulina Corpuz

paulinacorpuz.com

Town of Georgina Ward 3Dave Neeson

daveneeson.com

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labourcouncil.ca

*as of September 5

REMINDERJust a reminder for

unemployed members, we offer WHMIS and FALL PROTECTION

every Tuesday at the Toronto Training Centre,

and every Thursday at the Mississauga

Training Centre, starting at 8:30am.

14 OCTOBER 2014

Fall 2014 SemesterThe Fall 2014 semester has kicked into full gear. Unfortunately, this semester has seen the cancellation of five courses thus far. This is not something new to us in the education and training department but is nevertheless concerning to us. There is actually a very loose science of running training programs such as ours, especially when we look at the cancellation of courses.

When a course is cancelled it not only leaves a void for that specific subject matter but it starts a negative cycle. If a course was cancelled in semester ‘a’ and was offered in semester ‘b’ and there were enough registrants to run the course, no problem, it runs and the cycle is broken. But, if a course was cancelled in semester ‘a’ and was offered in semester ‘b’ and there were not enough registrants to run the course, then the course is cancelled for the second time. Now we have a problem.

The problem arises after the second cancellation. Now when semester ‘c’ comes around, if the course is offered again most people that have previously registered in semester ‘a’ and/or in semester ‘b’ are much more likely not to register for the course as it has a history of being cancelled. The outcome is that there is a high chance of having the course cancelled for the third time. Again, we have accepted the fact that not all courses will run all the time, but we need to be aware of this cycle when we plan our courses. To try and control this we will sometimes remove the course from the offering for a semester and see if we can reset the cycle.

As one can see there is real concern when we start to cancel courses. I hope that this will help our members understand why sometimes there are courses that seem to disappear for a semester and then return.

For the most part we have a very strong presence of members taking our courses throughout the years and we are grateful for

our membership engagement, thank you!

GPRO Training At the beginning of 2013, an exploratory committee was formed to review Green Professional Building Skills Training (GPRO Training) to see if it had a place in Canadian construction. The group that met came back with the decision that yes, it does. With that, the wheel of getting everything organized was put in motion.

With a strategic plan in hand and many meetings later, we fast forward to today and all the planning steps have been accomplished. On September 12 and 13, 2014 IBEW Local 353 hosted the Electrical Instructor Training at our Mississauga Training Centre. We had some instructors go through the training program and write their exams. At the time of writing this article the results were not known. The intent is to be in a position to offer GPRO Electrical Training to the membership for the Spring 2015 semester.

The intent of the GPRO Training is to offer trade-specific courses to help fill the gap that exist between sustainable and conventional construction. All participants must take the GPRO Fundamentals course as a prerequisite. We will be rolling the Fundamentals and Electrical Training into one course for our members.

Currently we are putting the finishing touches on the course, as it will be modified from its current full-day profile to meet with our requirements in a continuing education profile.

More information on GPRO and the course will be coming in future articles as the education and training department work towards bringing the membership this new course.

Changes… Here it is October and we are reminded of the diversity of change as our seasons have made the transition from summer to fall. With that

we watch the surrounding landscape transition and change as it readies itself for the impending winter. This cycle happens annually and I am still awestruck as to the profound affect it has on everyone. Even as I’m writing this article members walking through the hall were discussing these changes and how fast the summer has gone by. Through these changes in nature I am reminded that the one constant in life is change.

I would like to take a moment to address another change, the retirement of Brother George Smith. George has spent a great many years serving the Union while wearing a great many hats. My eyes were opened to this fact over the past decade as I worked with him. I had the pleasure of watching George assist many many of our members with whatever was going on in their lives, to supporting and pushing for various committees, to encouraging staff to be as good as they could be.

My interactions with George have been tied mostly to the world of education. In recent times he sat as the Chair of the Education Committee. George always made life interesting with his uncanny ability to find all the right buttons to push to well, lets say, invoke a different thought process or just simply to look at a situation through different eyes. No matter what the situation was, with George it always ended with a laugh and a smile.

From all of us in the education and training department, we wish you and your family all the very best for your retirement!

In closing I would like to take a moment on behalf of the education and training department to wish the membership, their families and friends a Happy Thanksgiving.

Fraternally yours,

Bradley T. Watt, RCDDEducation Coordinator

By: Bradley T. Watt, RCDD, Education Coordinator

Education, apprEnticEship & Labour studiEs


IBEW LU 353 Apprenticeship Incentives

By: Gord Nye, Membership Development Coordinator

Hello Apprentices!Are you squeezing every ounce of JAC goodness out of your apprenticeship? Are you taking advantage of every hour and dollar available through the incentives program?

Yes, this article is just for you. Let’s take a few minutes to review your apprenticeship program. Your test scores have shown that IBEW apprentices are among the best. At the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 353) we take training seriously!

Building a better Canada starts right here. Ours is a partnership with employers, the colleges and the government of Ontario. We’re working hard to secure your future making sure you have great jobs and the best apprenticeship experience possible.

Pre-Apprenticeship TrainingAn IBEW Pre-Apprenticeship is the best. Others may charge as much as $15,000 for their programs and may take up to two (2) years to complete. Our successful applicants serve their pre-apprenticeship with IBEW contractors and will receive more than $27,000 in earnings plus benefits, while they work and learn on-the-job. After successful completion you will become a registered 309A apprentice.

Registration Guarantee"Earn While You Learn"… becoming a certified electrician starts here; we’re making sure you get registered as an apprentice.

Training IBEW contractors are the best. Training is done in a real work environment, on real projects, for real customers and in real time. So naturally, there are safety and quality standards as well as deadlines to meet. In this partnership, we’re making sure you get a great success strategy and the smoothest completion schedule possible.

SupervisionIBEW electricians are the best. Delivering a quality apprenticeship requires attention to detail. We’re making sure that you will receive training and supervision by licensed electricians. Our training and supervision ratios (electricians to apprentices) meet or exceed government legal requirements. Our JAC training counselors are the best. They’ll make sure you get a full scope of work experience and monitor your progress.

Trade SchoolOur JAC counselors ensure timely placements in trade school.

Time is Money - Both are important!

More than $7,000 in Savings and Training Support Academic support is critical. As an added incentive your IBEW/JAC apprenticeship delivers approximately $8,100 in savings and support.

1. $400 registration fee covered by JAC for Basic.

2. $500 registration fee covered by JAC for Intermediate.

3. $500 registration fee covered by JAC for Advanced.

4. $900 Bursary for successful completion of trade school ($300 for each level).

5. $750 Supplementary Unemployment Benefit (SUB) EI top up while attending eight (8) weeks of Basic trade school.

6. $1,000 (SUB) EI top up while attending (10) weeks of Intermediate trade school.

7. $1,000 (SUB) EI top up while attending ten (10) weeks of Advanced trade school.

8. $250 per year reimbursement for courses you take that we may not offer.

9. $650 for successfully passing the C of Q exam on your first write.

10. $300 minimum savings. The JAC “loaning library” supplies trade school books.

11. $350 minimum savings. IBEW apprentices receive up to two free Electrical Code Books during the course of their apprenticeship.

Remember… you can complete your apprenticeship sooner.

Check this out! More than 2,400 extra hours are available to IBEW apprentices.

• 750 hours credit for Pre-Apprentices having completed the required high school Math, English and Physics courses (250 hours ea.).

• 55 hours for completion of our WHMIS, Fall Protection, First Aid, CPR, Ropes & Rigging, Live Apparatus, Confined Spaces, Tag & Lock Out, Tester Awareness and Accident Investigation Training (all free of charge).

• 160 hours (min.) for completion of Supplementary Training Classes (STC’s).

• 320 hours for completion of Basic trade school

• 400 hours for completion of Intermediate trade school.

• 400 hours for completion of Advanced trade school.

• 360 hours (approx.) available for additional courses taken through the IBEW Education Department. Courses are offered at no charge.

Your Career, Your ChoiceMaybe you’re in trade school and the apprentices who have no IBEW representation are curious… What does their apprenticeship look like? Tear this out and show them the credits summary. Let them know that choosing an IBEW apprenticeship was an important step in making sure your career got off to a great start.

Do they want an IBEW apprenticeship? We can help; ask us how.

Gord Nye(416) [email protected]

16 OCTOBER 2014

T here is a double standard when members suffer personal injuries versus work related injuries, and

I’m referring to recovery time after any surgical procedure involving fractures, hernias, including arthroscopic repair of the knee and shoulder injuries.

WSIB vs GWL – Same Injury, Different OutcomeLet’s look at a puzzling situation, because we have two members with the same injury. One suffers a right wrist displaced commuted fracture at work after falling off a ladder; the other electrician has an identical wrist injury, but slipped and fell at home. Each member is diagnosed with a complex high risk fracture because there is orthopaedic concern for bone non-union that requires Open Reduction Internal Fixation surgery to install hardware (pins, plates and screws) so the bones are in correct anatomical alignment. Each is discharged home after surgery and told not return to work until reassessed in the fracture clinic (usually 7-14 days after surgery, and ongoing). Each is in severe post-operative pain and heavily medicated (e.g., Oxycodone, Oxyneo, and Percocet – 9 tabs/day).

The member with a work injury is immediately visited at home by the employer Health & Safety Representative who provides modified work to be performed at home (i.e., As-Builds, read Health & Safety Manual). The member is told they can work at their own pace in-bed or the kitchen table, and not to worry because the employer will continue paying them for their lost wages after surgery. The reality is the member is in a diminished mental and physical capacity and incapable of making an informed decision when they sign the employer’s “return to work plan” - nor did

they have the benefit of consulting with a union or legal representative concerning their rights. When their claim is established, the WSIB makes some perfunctory calls to the employer, who they call first, then the worker.

Members Falsely Report “no lost time”The employer says there was no lost time, even after surgery because they offered and provided modified work. The worker, also being a good team player, tells WSIB there was no lost time. In fact, the member on their Worker Progress Reports sent to the WSIB reaffirms there was no lost time, reporting they did modified work, even though they swear to me that they were in no mental or physical shape to perform any work for at least one week or longer after surgery. One member said, I’m left handed, I broke my left wrist, so how could I even do the As-Builds which required me to use my left hand to write?

In contrast, the member who had the slip and fall at home will apply for union disability benefits through Great-West Life, but they have an entirely different experience. First, they will be at home recovering from a serious injury, then involved at some point in aggressive physiotherapy, and likely absent from work for 3 to 12 months after the at–home injury.

This begs the question, WHY is there differential treatment between these two electrical workers? And furthermore, what are the implications to injured workers?

Let me examine two additional cases, one involving a member who tore his left distal bicep tendon at work, requiring surgery to repair and re-attach the tendon at the elbow. The other an electrician

who suffered a complex ankle fracture in two places that required surgery to install hardware. In both instances, the workers were offered modified work right after the injury. Both employers reported to the WSIB these were no lost time claims.

Recovering From Surgery, Report the Lost TimeThe electrician who recently fractured their ankle was given As-Builds by the employer to work on at the kitchen table and told not to worry if no work was done (do as much a possible). Yet this member was bed-ridden and immobile post-operatively, could not shower for six (6) days after the injury, even though there was a shower in the ensuite bathroom, nor able to ambulate around the house or the few stairs to answer the door when the employer came calling. The worker in this case suffered a high risk ankle fracture due to the potential for non-union of one of the ankle fractures.

Why Ignore Usual Hearing TimesLeaving aside that members routinely make admissions against their interests to the WSIB that they returned to work right after surgery, the reality is quite different when I probe the situation. In my experience, WSIB decision makers seem quite indifferent and ignore their own “usual healing times” when investigating claims because certain types of injuries, particularly post-operative recovery times, are well known. This begs the question, since when did electricians become super-human X-MEN that spontaneously recover from surgery like Wolverine?

The common explanation that our members offer is they were just obliging the employer and did not want to harm their employment

Time to Heal After Surgery WHY Are Electricians Back to Work after Surgery & Losing their Re-employment Rights Under the Law?By: Gary Majesky, WSIB Consultant & Executive Board Member

WorKpLacE saFEtY & insurancE


relationship once they recovered, but this soon becomes an exploding cigar for injured workers – KABOOM!

Typically, the WSIB will rule that the workers recovered from their work injuries, as they did in the above cases. In other words there was no residual permanent impairment nor entitlement to a Non-Economic Loss award pursuant to sections 46 and 47 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and Operational Policy 18-05-03 (Assessing Permanent Impairment). Therefore, each worker was forced to go back to work and appeal the WSIB decision.

In each claim when an injured worker is laid-off, I file a re-employment submission with WSIB that there was a re-employment breach, pursuant to section 41 of the WSIA, and Ontario Regulation 35/08 (Re-employment in Ontario Construction). The rationale is that our members did in fact suffer lost time after an injury, and often times continue to have ongoing limitations related to their work injuries that

impedes their ability to be competitively employable in their pre-injury job.

Re-employment Rights Triggered after 1-Day Lost TimeInjured workers get a rude awakening when WSIB issues a decision denying there was a re-employment breach stating there is no evidence the member was “UNABLE TO WORK” or worked at less than the pre-injury wage. Under the law, the trigger in activating your re-employment rights as an injured worker is a lost-time claim, even 1-day, but not including the day of injury. Unfortunately, most injured workers believe a 1-day lost time claim will cost their employer, so they play along. However, in reality, employers are not charged a lost-time frequency against their WSIB account for the first week (7-days) after an injury. It’s not whether you missed work a day here and there, but whether WSIB recognized the lost time, which is an important distinction.

What does this mean to injured workers? Frankly, you are trading away your re-

employment rights under the law by misrepresenting that you were fit and able to perform suitable work after surgery. When you do receive a layoff (ROE) that you thought wouldn’t happen, usually weeks after the WSIB rules you are fully recovered, you are surprised when you assert your re-employment rights under the law, and learn that by returning to work the day after surgery this is used against you. It also suggests you suffered a trifling injury. This is what I call exploitation by invitation.

More troubling is that some members are engaged in Health & Safety home study while “high as a kite” on pharmaceutical medication. There is a section regarding “fit for duty” and not reporting under the influence of any sort of drug. Personally, I find this deeply offensive, what say you?

Gary MajeskyWSIB Consultant Direct Line (416) 510-5251 [email protected]

Dues Increase effective January 1st, 20151. At the IBEW International Convention which was conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia in

September 2011, the delegates approved amendments to Article IX of the IBEW Constitution.

2. The amendments require an increase in dues for "A" Members of $1.00 per month, effective January 1st, 2015 and the increase will be applied to the Per Capita Fund.

Basic Dues will be as follows: “A” Members - $40.70

Thanksgiving DayStatutory Holiday to be observed is on Monday, October 13th, 2014. If your employer asks you to

work on this day, you must be paid double time for working on this holiday!

18 OCTOBER 2014

Bill Acorn reporting on behalf of the Labour Day Committee.

T his year’s Labour Day parade had 328 total registrations which was up slightly from last year but down from

two years ago when we last had the kiddie cars. There was a noticeable difference in the amount of participation from children this year, but next year the Dufferin Gate Bridge will be completed and will allow us to bring the kiddie cars back into action and hopefully, this will make a difference.

Our new marketing trailer was a big hit and will only get better going forward with more commercials being produced as we speak.

The day started off at 7:30 am as we started to assemble on University Avenue for the 9:30 am start time. As the members started showing up, things were starting to take shape for the biggest day of the year for organized labour. The pace was steady as the parade made its way west along Queen Street and proceeded down Dufferin Street.

The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers that provided their time to help on this fabulous day. I would be remiss if I didn`t thank the Labour Day Committee for all their hard work and dedication they provided over the last nine months that made this parade successful!

Thanks everyone!

2014 Labour daY paradE


20 OCTOBER 2014

T he Children's Christmas Party will be held on December 6, 2014 at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road. Please register before November 23, 2014. Registration

deadline is 11:00 pm online only or 12:00 pm (noon) in person, or by phone on November 23th, 2014. Please note after this date an age appropriate toy cannot be guaranteed.

Doors will open at 11:00 am and registration will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The entertainment starts at 12 pm with the first show on at 1:00 pm and the second show on at 2:00 pm. The raffle draw for all the great door prizes will take place at approximately 2:30 pm with Santa arriving at 3:00 pm.

We will be entertained with a trampoline performance put on by Spring Action Trampoline and by a special magic act.

There will be balloon artists along with face painters and airbrush tattoo artists. Pop Corn, Cotton Candy Floss, Gingerbread Cookies and Pizza will be on the menu. The pizza lunch will be available from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm while supplies last. Get your picture taken with your favourite super hero and princess. Nascar Bob will be back again this year so rev-up your motors for some exciting racing fun.

Our friends from Zoo to You will bring along some interesting animals with handlers for an interactive face to face. The Ontario Falconry is returning with a selection of our favorite raptors. Come out to discover the unusual museum touch tables filled with interesting surprises.

Are you ready for boot camp? Race side by side through the toughest 40 foot dual lane obstacle course we have.

Volunteers are required for all ages. Volunteers must pre-register online. To find the online form look under the forms menu on the IBEW 353 web page. Volunteer letters for community hours will be made available only if requested at time of registration. Please remember to leave complete contact information when signing in at the event. Volunteers please arrive no later than 11:00 am for orientation.

The Human Rights Committee will be collecting non-perishable food or monetary donations for the Christmas food drive.

Please see our web page for the latest event updates.

Fraternally,

Terry Fischer Social Committee Chairman

Upcoming Events

Children’s Christmas Party on

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Member’s Name: __________________________________

Card#: _________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________

Members’ Dependent Children ONLY (12 years of age and younger)

Name: ___________________ Age: _____ Male ❑ Female ❑






Total # of Family: __________________________________

(i.e. Member and/or Spouse, plus 4 or 5 dependents)

(Limit of 6 Family Members)


Annual Retirees' Christmas DinnerSunday, November 30, 2014

Join us for our Annual Retirees' Christmas Dinner to be held on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

RETIREES' CLUBSpirale Banquet Hall 888 Don Mills Rd.,Toronto, ON

This year's dinner will be a choice of Filet Mignon or Filet of Sole.

Please complete the form below and drop it off, mail it in or call Jennifer at the Union Hall (416) 510-3530.

R.S.V.P. NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Please fill in the below form:

RETIREES' CHRISTMAS DINNERName: ____________________________________________________________________________

Card#: ____________________________________________________________________________

Guest Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Please indicate only one dinner choice per person.

Retiree Dinner Choice: Filet Mignon One Filet of Sole

Guest Dinner Choice: Filet Mignon One Filet of Sole

*NOTICE* Gluten Free on request to server.

22 OCTOBER 2014

Officers’ Scholarship Award (10 @ $300.00 each)Terms and Conditions

• OpentomembersofIBEWLocal353andtheirimmediatefamily. (spouse or dependent children)

• EnrolledinafulltimepubliclyfundedCanadianUniversityorCollege for the current academic school year.

• Mustbeenteringthesecondyearorhigher,ofafull-timeprogram leading to a degree, diploma or a certificate

• Includewiththeapplicationsupportingdocumentation;acceptanceletter,tuitionreceipts,etc.

• Candidatesarerequiredtosendthedetailedinformationasoutlinedabove,thecompleted application form, along with an essay on the following topic:

o The media has successfully bombarded Canadians with an “Anti-Union” message; so much so that, before having any firsthand experience with unions, Canadians have a negative impression of who Unions are and what the benefits are of belonging to a union. What must Unions do to overcome the “Anti-Union Message” and educate Canadians, and specifically young persons on the benefits of belonging in a Union?

• Acceptableapplicantswillbeenteredintoalotteryandscholarships awarded via random draw

President’s Scholarship Award (1 @ $1,000)Terms and Conditions

• ApplicantmustbeanIBEW353member

• Mustsubmitanessaydescribing“Howtheunionhasaffectedour quality of life and wellbeing of my family”

• MustbeenrolledinapubliclyfundedCanadianUniversityorCollegeleadingtoaDegree

--or--

Enrolled in a full time (30 weeks or more) program at a publicly funded Post Secondary Institution leading to a diploma or certificate (must include course description/curriculum)


• Applicantmustsubmitaresumewithemphasisonthefollowingvolunteeractivities:

o Social conscience

o Political activism

o Dedication to the Labor movement

o Leadership quality

o Valuing integrity and honestly over prosperity

o Community activism or service

o Human rights

Business Manager’s Scholarship Award (1 @ $2,000)Terms and Conditions

• ApplicantmustbeanIBEW353member

• Applicantmustsubmitanessaydescribinghowtheunionhasaffected our quality of life and wellbeing of my family

• EnrolledinapubliclyfundedCanadianUniversityleadingtoadegree

• Applicantmustincludecoursedescription/curriculum


• Thisscholarshipislimitedtothefollowingareasofstudy:

o Labour Law

o Human Rights

o Political Science

o Labour Study

• Otherareasofstudymaybeconsideredatthesolediscretionoftheselectioncommittee:

Member may apply for Business Manager or President Fund as well as officer’s fund. Successful recipients of the Presidents and Business Managers Scholarships will be determined by the Scholarship Committee. All scholarships will be awarded in the applicant’s name.

Applications received after December 31, 2014 and incomplete applications will be disqualified.

*PLEASE SEND ALL REQUESTS TO: IBEW LOCAL 353 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE C/O Les Carbonaro 1377 LAWRENCE AVE. E. TORONTO, ONTARIO M3A 3P8 www.ibew353.org

IBEW Local 353 Scholarships

IBEW LOCAL 353 SCHOLARSHIPS Application FormApplicant’s Name

Applicant’s Social Insurance number:

Applicant’s phone number Home# Mobile#

Applicant’s Complete permanent mailing address

Educational Institute and term

Name and card # of sponsoring member

Sponsoring member’s Contact information

Home# Mobile#

Applicant’s Signature

Local 353 Member’s signature


DONALD LOVEJOYJoined the union on January 8, 1969 and passed away

on June 11, 2014. He was 79 years of age.

The last reported company Brother Lovejoy

worked for was J. Foden.

DONALD LANGJoined the union on July 1, 1953 and passed away

on August 14, 2014. He was 81 years of age.

The last reported company Brother Lang

worked for was Comstock Canada.

FREDERICK FISHERJoined the union on January 27, 1972 and passed away

on September 8, 2014. He was 63 years of age.

The last reported company Brother Fisher

worked for was Plan Electric.

DAVID BISHOPJoined the union on March 22, 2001 and passed away


The last reported company Brother Bishop

worked for was Symtech Innovations.

RONALD ADAMSJoined the union on October 18, 1965 and passed away


The last reported company Brother Adams

worked for was Perry Electric.

ROBERT RANSOMJoined the union on April 1, 1968 and passed away

on August 10, 2014. He was 79 years of age.

The last reported company Brother Ransom

worked for was IBEW 353 North Unit.

JOHN MUTHUJoined the union on June 1, 1958 and passed away


The last reported company Brother Muthu

worked for was Plan Electric.

In MemorialIt is with deepest regret that we report the deaths of the following members:

Our sincere condolences are extended to their families and friends.

Pension GiftsThe following pensioners are invited to the South Unit Membership meeting at the Union Office,

1377 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. to receive their pension gifts:

Friend A. Garbutt, Gerald I. Gibson, Cryil Grandy, Dave J. Hussey, Glen W. Ingram, James D. Margitta, Ryszard Moskalewicz, Gary O’Brien, Vince Pilieci, John Prymok, Rino B. Sguassero, George D. Smith

and Douglas J. Thorburn.

111 Years of ServiceI.B.E.W. 353 TORONTO

1377 Lawrence Ave. East, Toronto, ON M3A 3P83185 Orlando Drive, Mississauga, ON L4V 1C5

380 Lake Road, Unit #3, Bowmanville, ON L1C 4P82 Saunders Road, Barrie, ON L4N 9A8

T:(416)510-3530•TF: 1 (888) 510-3530 F:(416)510-3531•TF: 1 (855) 510-3531

JOBLINE: (416) 510-3532TOLL FREE JOBLINE: 1 (800) 387-3533

www.ibew353.orgEmail: [email protected]

Printed by MPH Graphics: 100% Bullfrog Powered (Energy and green natural gas) and

the First FSC® Certified Printer in North America.

Paper containing 30% post consumer waste saves the following every issue:

North Unit Membership meeting will be held on

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

at the Union Hall, 2 Saunders Road, Barrie.

East Unit Membership meeting will be held on

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

at the Union Hall, 380 Lake Road,

Unit 3, Bowmanville.

South Unit Membership meeting will be held on

Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

at the Union Hall, 1377 Lawrence

Avenue East, Toronto.

North Unit Membership meeting will be held on

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

at the Union Hall, 2 Saunders Road, Barrie.

East Unit Membership meeting will be held on

Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

at the Union Hall, 380 Lake Road,

Unit 3, Bowmanville.

South Unit Membership meeting will be held on

Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

at the Union Hall, 1377 Lawrence

Avenue East, Toronto.

7.2 18,794.57 741.82 285

IBEW 353 North, East & South Unit Meetings

IBEW353_newsletter_October2014

Documents

grievance procedure

local joint conference

local union representatives

local union steward

brother bill acorn

brother martin kearney

recording secretary

new treasurer