Chairman's Message
by Dave Doerksen
[email protected]
Winnipeg ACC Members,
Let me start by expressing my thanks to those that supported and
encouraged me to run for a second term as Branch Chairman. The
job has few rewards and the support of your peers is fundamental
in both the application and appeal of the position. I have
enjoyed the challenge of the past two years. I appreciate the
patience of the membership for the time to learn the ropes.
With that said, the Branch has evolved quite well, and I hope you
are using your stewards as much as you can. We are making every
effort to keep them informed, so they can inform you, and we will
continue to improve on the communication within the Branch. Your
suggestions are welcome and appreciated.
The arbitration on the midnight issue concluded November 12, 1997
and the results are expected in January. The hearings went very
well. Regardless of the outcome, you can rest assured that we
were extremely well represented. Peter Barnacle (legal council),
Fuzz Bhimji (VPLR), and National Office did a great job on the
case. It was an enlightening experience for myself, and I will
post more on the topic after the decision is rendered.
Our grievance on the use of casual sick leave goes to arbitration
March 2-4, 1998. The hearings will be held in Winnipeg, and
further information will be posted for those who wish to attend.
If you have any questions on the nature of the grievance, talk to
your steward.
The next Branch Council Meeting will draft a 4/3 agreement to be
presented to Management, which will then come before the Branch
in a General Meeting, which I hope to hold early next year. If
you have questions or concerns on that, or any other topic you
wish to be addressed at that meeting, again, talk to your
steward.
The upcoming months bring us several new challenges to deal with,
and with a change in Management. Topics for discussion include
the expiring partial checkout agreement, special leave, and
resectorization to name a few. Communication is fundamental to
the effectiveness of the Branch, and that is why I continue to
emphasize the need for communication with the stewards. A
comments/suggestions box should be in place in the lunchroom by
Christmas to aid us in serving you. I look forward to
representing our Branch to the best of my abilities for the
upcoming term as Branch Chairman.
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