Friends and comrades,

Before getting into this week's Dispatch, I would like to say that the pocket calendars are finished and we are working on their distribution. If you haven't received one yet, they will be coming your way shortly.

In this week's Dispatch, we will be covering negotiations updates, upcoming Executive elections, strike cheques, and vacation bidding.

Happy New Year!

Kyle Turner, Communications Officer

Negotiations Update

There haven't been any negotiations updates since the middle of December, but there are some dates to keep in mind as we go forward.

Our union has challenged the constitutionality of the Minister of Labour using Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code to force us back to work. Our challenges to this decision will be heard by the Canada Industrial Relations Board on January 13th and 14th. Click HERE to read the full bulletin.

In this decision, the Minister of Labour created an Industrial Inquiry Commission to be led by William Kaplan. Kaplan's report is due May 15th. This is one week before the revised expiry date of our collective agreements. To read the full bulletin, click HERE.

Upcoming Executive Elections

There will be elections for several Executive positions in the coming year. The following positions will be up for election and they are for 3-year terms: Secretary-Treasurer (full-time officer), Grievance Officer (full-time officer), Vice-President 1 (Organizing), Vice-President 3 (Urban Collections & Delivery), and Vice-President 5 (Garage, Maintenance, Registration, and Wickets). 

For a full description of these positions, you can read the Local By-Laws HERE. To be eligible for these positions, you must have attended 50% of the general membership meetings in the prior year and you must be nominated by a member in good standing. 

For these elections, nominations must be submitted to the Local Office (18121 107 Ave) by Friday, February 28th, 2025, at 5 pm. Voting will occur and results will be announced on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. (Details for advanced polls forthcoming.)

To see the full poster and the nomination form, click HERE.

Strike Cheques

Strike cheques have all been mailed out and you should receive them by the end of the week. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Sectreas730@gmail.com.

Vacation Bidding

There has been a delay in vacation bidding for Urban members because of the strike. The consultation for the EMPP vacation board happened last Friday and the consultation for the depots will be happening tomorrow. Following these consultations, bidding should begin in the very near future. (RSMCs operate on a different schedule and have not been impacted in this way.)

Reminders

• Strike Relief Fund Merch: For more information, see prior Dispatch HERE.
• Community Resources Information Sheet: For a list of community resources, click HERE.
• Teamsters Canada Rail Petition: To read and sign this petition, click HERE.
• Women's Committee Workplace Harassment Survey: To take part in the workplace harassment survey, please click HERE. This survey is open to all members.
• Disability Supports: To access the Disability Supports portal, which provides a list of programs and services in your community, click HERE.
• Union Savings: To take part in these savings, you can register at unionsavings.ca/