Volume 21 | Issue 8 | August 2021
IN THIS ISSUE:
Labour Day 2021
Right to Refuse
Women's Commitee
Congratulations
Partner For Life
Last Laugh
Retirements
594 Swag
EFAP
EXECUTIVE
President Interim:
Nathan Kraemer
Recording Secretary:
Ryan Shillingford
Treasurer:
Kaleena Baulin
Negotiating Chairperson:
Shaun Jenkins
Maintenance V.P.:
Karl Dahle
Process V.P.:
Wade Schnell
Administration V.P.:
Tasha Lang
PDD V.P.:
Vacant
Chief Shop Steward:
Richard Exner
Information Officer:
Ashlyn Heintz
Guide:
Brandon Mang
Sergeant at Arms:
Nic Skulski
Trustees:
Amy Wisniewski (20)
Daryl Watch (21)
Kevin Geiger (22)
LABOUR DAY 2021
On September 6th, 2021 we will join Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada to celebrate Labour Day. The National holiday is day to recognize the history of the labour union movement and the contributions and achievements of workers.

The events that led us to Labour Day in Canada go back to 1872 when the Toronto Print Workers began their fight for a shorter week. This fight became known as the "Nine-Hour Movement". The workers demanded a 9 hour work day from their previous 12 hour day/7 days a week. The employer denied their request. The workers walked off the job and the Printer Company bought in replacement workers.

At that time Union activity was a criminal act under the Canadian Law. 24 members of the striking committee were arrested for conspiracy. 10,000 workers, supporters and community members rallied around those arrested to help those in the fight for a better work week. Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, promised to repeal the "barbarous" anti-union laws.

The Trade Union Act was introduced in June of 1872, legalizing and protecting Unions. It wasn't until July of 1894 that Prime Minister John Thompson made Labour Day a National Holiday.

We observe the day for all of the benefits we have received through the labour movement in Canada. But we cannot forget all of the battles that were fought to get us where we are today. There were many deaths before the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work was established. Mothers were leaving their newborn babies at home or going without work before Maternity Leave was introduced. Families were less healthy and a larger burden on the healthcare system before Health Care Benefits. These are only some of the battles that were had prior to the benefits we have today. The Labour Movement will continue improving lives and fighting for the rights of all workers.

This year we would like to celebrate the recovery of Saskatchewan's work force as we get back to full strength and recognize that it is the workers that will help to restore our local economy. We give a special shout-out to all of the essential workers who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
SHOP STEWARDS
Administration:
Karla Hanson
Boilerhouse:
Debbie Bourassa &
Mitch Bloos
Building Maintenance:
Garth Wendel
Construction:
Mike Pelzer
Decokers:
Sam Seibel
Electrical:
Corey Strass & Colin Waldie
Fire & Safety:
Daryl Watch
Information Technology:
Cory Frederickson
Inspection:
Shane Thompson
Instrumentation:
Dave Mushynsky &
Jaret McCloy & Chris Szala
Insulators:
Luke McGeough &
Brandon Mang
Lab: Andrea Jordan &
Mike Fink
Mechanics:
Derek Kups & Karter Diewold
MRP: Wade Selinger
PDD Loading: Jamie Wolf
PDD Warehouse: Vacant
PDD Office:
Christal Mymryk
Pipefitters:
Jeremy Lukomski &
Dan Ross
Pumpers:
Ryan Dzioba
Scaffolders:
Nelson Wagman
Section IA:
Dean Funke
Section IB:
Charles Brittner
Section II:
Chad Gettle & Jason Sharp
Section III:
Codi Almasi & Josh Hollinger
Section IV:
Pat Pilot
Section V:
Andrew Murray
Stores:
Nathan Fafard
Welders:
Scott Wicklund
RIGHT TO REFUSE UNSAFE WORK
More than 21,000 workers in Saskatchewan are injured on the job each year.

All workers, no matter your age, where you come from or what kind of work you do, have the right to go home safely. Knowing your rights at work and how to use them can protect yourself and your co-workers from workplace injuries.

  1. You have the right to know what hazards are present in your particular workplace.
  2. You have the right to participate in ensuring you have a safe place to work.
  3. You have the right to refuse unsafe work.
  4. You have the right to a harrassment free workplace.

The right to refuse means that you can say no to work that you believe to be unusually dangerous to yourself or others. This right is protected under the Saskatchewan Employment Act. You cannot be disciplined for speaking up about your concerns.
The right to refuse is only used when the first two rights have failed to protect your health and safety in the workplace.

Over the last several years we have seen the company try to devalue us as a workforce and undermine our contributions to our refinery. They are currently threatening to eliminate upwards of 100 jobs claiming they are redundant or otherwise not required. While as I type this they are calling for all hands on deck to help get our water systems functioning so that we don’t need to shut down process units. All of this stemming from decisions by the same management that feels they can do without us.

On the process side of things the company is still pursuing the elimination of the Master Operator (MO) and Rover positions. Last week we began the Unfair Labour Practice hearing regarding MO duties being pushed out of scope. At times there were 30+ spectators in attendance, including local academics in labour, occupational health, safety, and environment. The local media even attended, with some live tweeting as it unfolded. There was a lot of great insight shared into how our refinery is really kept in a safe state.

The point being, we are being sent out into uncharted waters with some of these proposed changes, and the changes already implemented. We need to remember what our rights and our responsibilities are. While we have a job to do, and we have shown for decades that we want the best for this company, we also want to go home to our friends and families at the end of the day. We all want to make sure that our neighbours, our city, and our environment are not at risk.

There are new tasks and responsibilities the Company wants to put on us while removing others that have traditionally functioned as safeguards. We are always up for the challenge. But when those new responsibilities come packaged with less manpower, less training, and less support, that can become a real concern.

Unifor 594 will always rise to the challenge. We will always be here to help keep this plant running and keep moving forward. Profitably, and safely. But we need to remember our rights at the same time as we work towards our responsibilities. The Saskatchewan Employment Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations are available and should be consulted when you have concerns. Our Fire and Safety department and our OH&S committees are particularly knowledgeable on all of this and should be contacted any time there are questions or concerns. You should not be afraid to speak up when you believe your work is unusually dangerous or if you or the people around you are at risk.

Contact the OHS co-chair at the Refinery: George Brailean - [email protected]
OR at the RBO: Angela Smart - [email protected]
See the rest of the OHS Committee Members for the Union HERE.
WOMEN'C COMMITTEE DONATION
Christal Mymryk (PDD - Traffic), Chair of the Women's Committee, spent her evening on July 26th purchasing feminine products to donate to the YWCA on behalf of 594 and the Women's Committee.
On any given night in Canada, more than 6000 women and children sleep in shelters because it isn't safe at home. The YWCA in Regina helps to provide the basic needs for women while creating an environment of support, safety and empowerment. They are an organization that makes our society better, and we are proud to support them!
  • Congratulations Sierra Bachmeier (MRP) and Ron who welcomed son Oliver born June 26th.

  • Congratulations Dan Ross (Pipeshop) and Chelsey who welcomed son Eamon James born August 7th, 2021.

  • Congratulations Tysen Piniach (Pipeshop) and Chantille who welcomed son Bennett born August 7th, 2021.
To ensure we don't miss anyone, we will rely on each and every one of you to let us know of any schooling, births, marriages, etc. of your friends & coworkers that we can share with the membership!

Please let Ashlyn know of these noteworthy milestones at [email protected] or message her directly.
CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES: PARTNER FOR LIFE
As we all know, the Union set up many dates to give blood as a group. We encourage you to continue to support this cause and give blood. You can still use the Unifor 594 Partners For Life ID when you book your appointment.

ID: UNIF155195

The ID will have a permanent place at the bottom of the front page on our website if you misplace it. Check it out HERE.
LAST LAUGH
Congratulations
to the following 594 members:

No Retirements for August.
594 SWAG
Are you interested in sporting Unifor 594 Swag?
Check out our list of swag at:

EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Mental Health can affect anyone at any point in their life. Did you know that one in three workplace disability claims are mental health related? Many supervisors and Union Executive have completed the Mental Health First Aid training. Please, if you are struggling, contact EFAP or reach out to a trusted confident.

EFAP is through Homewood Health and is available 24/7/365. Call 1-800-663-1142