Business Manager’s update
Categories: IBEW, IBEW 2228, Ontario
Members of IBEW 2228,
I would like to begin by recognizing a successful wage reopener settlement that was negotiated for our members at CKUA and accepted by a membership vote. In addition to the wage increases, there were improvements to the cost-sharing article for benefits coverage. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this agreement, and also those who exercised their right to vote on it. A special thanks goes to Paul Sly, who was involved at every stage of the process.
I feel it is important at this time for all of our members to understand the situation surrounding the draft federal budget and the potential impact it may have on some of their fellow members. The current proposed budget calls for a reduction in federal civil service positions, in addition to those that have already been cut over the past year. I want to assure everyone that our Office is closely monitoring developments and working in coordination with other federal bargaining agents. As more details become available, we will take every possible step to protect jobs and defend the livelihoods of our members. Although this budget has not yet become law, and even if it does, the specific impacts on our membership remain unknown. If you have questions or concerns at this stage, please reach out to your Business Office.
I would like to share with all members that the first meeting of Stewards has been scheduled for the first week of February. This meeting will bring together all Chief Stewards. It will not focus on issues specific to any one group but will provide an opportunity for the Chiefs to become familiar with issues across all groups and to discuss broader, union-wide labour relations topics. Meetings of Stewards by individual group will follow as the agendas for those meetings are developed. I am pleased that this first meeting is moving ahead and is expected to be very well attended.
It has also become clear that we need to update our member lists sooner rather than later. In the short time I have been here, I have come to believe that this is critical to the effective running of our business. We need to be certain of who we represent, where they are, and the overall demographics of our group. Along with the upcoming meetings of Stewards, a number of housekeeping tasks to run the Office, and an overall familiarization with my new role, this list update will be my next priority.
In solidarity,
Jeff Wendt
Business Manager/ Financial Secretary
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