Union Representation Guidelines

This letter is in response to a letter received from management on November 28 suggesting that we can no longer speak to one another on the shop floor regarding the union, any union issues or union grievances. The management is threatening us with discipline if we continue and are caught doing any type of union business on the floor. Article 7,01 says that any research or preparation for a grievance must be done on our own time but the processing of a grievance to management by the employee and union rep will be done during working hours.

If we are to comply with managements orders we will need to make some changes in the way we handle and process grievances and how our membership receives union representation. First off there will be no more discussions with any management and any committee member including myself on any topic regarding the union, discipline of an employee etc.. etc.. If they wish to speak with us they will need to call a committee meeting with all 3 of us to be done off the floor.

If any union member requires union representation regarding a grievance they must first request a step 1 oral discussion meeting with their supervisor as per article 7.03 of the collective agreement. This article says the grievance shall be discussed with the employees immediate supervisor. In the past this was always done on the fly on the shop floor. But since we are no longer able to do union business on the floor the supervisors must arrange for a meeting in the board room for all oral step 1 grievances. If the supervisor fails to provide for such meetings then a grievance will be filed for failing to recognize us as a union article 1 and failing to provide union representation article 6. Moving forward if a member approaches a steward or union rep on the floor without first talking to their supervisor they will be instructed to do so first by the union rep. Keep in mind we are being threatened with discipline if we are caught doing any type of union business on the shop floor other than the processing of a grievance to management as per article 7.01.

Also all disciplines including PQRA's and all councils require union representation at the employees request under article 9 of the collective agreement. If the company refuses your right to union representation it is recommended that you leave the office, board room or were ever it is management is meeting with you until representation is given. Do not let management tell you they don't have to supply representation for councils. This is not true. A council is discipline and it does remain on your record. Always demand a union rep be present for all meetings with management.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask after working hours.

In Solidarity

Tom Worsley