Given the recent news regarding Air Canada / Bombardier and the Provincial and Federal Governments, Dave Ritchie has issued the letters below to The Honourable Judy Sgro, the Honourable Marc Garneau and the Honourable William Morneau:
This event represents the first time LL2468 has participated in a Siemens Union Conference. Members from IG Metall, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), IAMAW, IUE-CWA (International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers – Communications Workers of America), USW (United Steel Workers), UAW (United Auto Workers) and UNIFOR were representing Germany, Canada and the US. Canadians were represented by an all-Quebec contingent from Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres and Drummondville.
Reinhard Hahn, IG Metall Head of Projects, stated that a major fact of Germany’s success is the inclusion of Labour Unions in all levels of the Company Hierarchy. Economic profitability is intertwined with employees. The German model is based upon a 3-Pillar system: The Trade Union, The Works Council and The Supervisory Board.
IG Metall spearheaded a movement to introduce an International Framework Agreement for all Siemens companies throughout the world. Included in this plan is a Neutrality Clause that would allow for organization opportunities of non-organized Siemens shops with no interference from Company management. At present, this is still not recognized in Canada and the US.
Lee Vickers, Senior Director of Siemens HR in the US spoke about the current situation of Siemens in the US, including Union representation and the various Siemens divisions. When questioned about the applicability of any neutrality clause in the US, he answered that he thought that it wouldn’t work in the US. He also mentioned that it’s up to the employees to organize on their own.
The main activity that occurred at this meeting was the World Café, the purpose of which was to gather answers to the following questions: 1. What would be high value for the unions active in Siemens companies? 2. How should the structure of inter-union representation at Siemens be defined? 3. What programs should be agreed with Siemens? Framework of apprentice and training programs defined? 4. Most important parts with respect to activities in Siemens companies in the US? What would be most esteemed by employees? 5. How should communications/coordination be defined between all parties?
Many interesting conclusions were revealed following the dissemination of the answers, but the returning themes revolved around job security, pensions, healthcare, right to respect/dignity and fair representation. Other items such as forming union groups according to industry and/or geography, forming email lists and websites and ensuring that appropriate interpretation is available were also listed.
We look forward to attending future Siemens Labour Meetings.
Links to the meeting from other unions:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/uswdistrict4edison/albums/72157664576961176/page2
http://www.dialog.igmetall.de/international/news/view/datum/2016/02/22/titel/workshop-of-us-and-canadian-unions-represented-at-Siemens/
Mario is now the third member of the LL2468 Grievance Committee (RRC). He is replacing Carole Pearson who retired late last year.
We wish Mario all the best in his new role with LL2468!
Kudos to Colin Adams and Juliette Martin for volunteering at the Old Brewery Mission last week.
Well done Brothers and Sisters!
Wishing everyone the very best for 2016!
The following positions are open:
Grievance Committee Member – RRC
Educator – Siemens or RRC
Nominations for the position of Grievance Committee Member – RRC will be held at the first Monthly General Meeting on January 12, 2016.
The position of Educator is by appointment.
The Grievance Committee Member’s responsibilities involve ensuring that the Collective Agreement is being respected and participating in any procedures involving the Collective Agreement, e.g.: grievances, interpretation, representation of members, etc.
The Educator’s role is to assist in carrying out education and training programs approved by the Grand Lodge and related to educating and training the local membership on all issues affecting workers and their families.
Please contact Shahira or Matt concerning the Grievance Committee Member’s position.
Please contact George, Matt, Nathalie or Juliette concerning the Educator’s position.
Carol started as a temporary employee in 1977, and became a permanent employee in 1979. In her 36 years of service she has mainly worked in production control in different roles and ended in Inspection Support. Carol is known for her dedication and passion for her work.
During her retirement, Carol is looking forward to spending more time with her husband Courcey Bishop, travelling, and enjoying reading over 1000 books that she has never had the time to read.
Happy Retirement Carol!
NOUS NOUS SOUVIENDRONS
We had the opportunity to meet Dirk Linder, who represents Siemens Global Union Network, earlier this week. Amongst the topics of discussion was union representation within Siemens companies across the globe, in particular the US. With so-called Right to Work (for less) bills, unions are currently facing strong resistance to organizing in the US. By networking with Siemens employees from both unionized and non-unionized shops, the hope is to raise awareness about the benefits of being unionized. As a comparison, Siemens has 360 000 employees globally; of those employees, 120 000 work in Germany and the vast majority are unionized. In the US, 60 000 employees work for Siemens, the vast majority of which are non-unionized. If being unionized was so bad, why would Siemens tolerate this in Germany? The company remains highly profitable, after all…
