Skies Still Cloudy:
Nav Canada Workers
Fight On
Across Canada, IBEW members employed by Canada’s privatized
air navigation system (ANS) have worked more than three years without
a contract and are continuing their fight for justice.
"Cloudy Skies for Nava Canada Workers," an April 2003
Journal cover story, outlined the history of IBEW Local 2228’s
Nav Canada battle.
In 1996 Canada’s air navigation system was privatized and
Nav Canada took over ANS operations. In August 2000, the IBEW Local
2228 Nav Canada contract expired—and members have effectively
been denied the right to strike.
Approximately 800 IBEW Local 2228 electronic technologists and
technicians are based at Nav Canada air navigation sites from Newfoundland
to British Columbia. These highly trained IBEW members install and
maintain ANS technologies, including the electronic equipment air
traffic controllers operate. Local 2228’s head office is located
in Ottawa, Ontario.
Local 2228 Executive Board member Dan Weber, the local’s
press secretary, reported recently "Our options for any successful
legal labour action are extremely limited. The Canadian Industrial
Relations Board (CIRB) has yet to rule on ‘Maintenance of
Activities,’ which pertains to required staffing levels during
a strike. It was also clear the company was not prepared to negotiate."
The union was "left with little alternative other than to
agree to binding arbitration," Weber noted. Presentations were
made to the arbitration panel in December 2003. "The local’s
presentation was outstanding, thanks to the fine work of Brothers
Dominico Foglia, Dan Boulet, Larry Roine and our Negotiating Team,"
Weber said.
"Our members remain frustrated, not only with the intransigence
of the company, but also with the poor performance of the CIRB,"
Weber said. "We hope the panel will recognize the value of
this group of dedicated men and women and have the fortitude to
impose a fair settlement. Hope, however, does not translate to optimism
for most of the membership. There may still be more years of frustration
ahead."
The arbitration panel subsequently met, but Local 2228 didn’t
expect results of the binding arbitration until possibly late March
2004.
On a somewhat brighter note, there have been positive changes in
the management of Nav Canada and signs of a more productive relationship,
according to Local 2228 representatives.
"We urge the members to stay strong, work to build the strength
of their union and above all, not to carry work frustrations into
their homes," said Local 2228 Business Manager Paul C. Morse.
IBEW Spreads Holiday Cheer to Children’s
Hospital
Being stuck in the hospital over the holidays is no fun for anyone,
particularly children enduring ongoing medical treatments. So four
years ago, journeyman inside wireman Vicki Loy decided to do something
about it.
Since then, the Local 252, Ann Arbor, Michigan member has spearheaded
an annual charity drive that has raised more than $12,000 from fellow
members and contractors for the children at the University of Michigan
C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
"The children can be there for a long period of time,"
said Local 252 Business Manager Gregory Stephens. "She wants
to try to brighten their Christmas."
Loy places collection cans at union job sits across the Ann Arbor
area and word spreads quickly about the effort. When the holiday
draws close, Loy and her two sons can be found purchasing and then
delivering the gifts in person.
Stephens said Mott’s is among the several charitable causes
Local 252 has adopted. They have a similar program for veterans
at the V.A. Hospital.
"We try to give back to the community," Stephens said.
"We feel as a union that it’s part of our mission."
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