[> New Dues Formula passed
Local 1-1000 reports that in August
the members adopted a new union
dues formula, setting the rate at 1.5
per cent of gross earnings. It’s a rev-
enue neutral move for the local,
which nearly 2/3’s of the member-
ship voted to approve. “Some of our
members will pay more, and some
will pay less,” says local president
Michael McCarter. “The crucial thing
is that we have the resources to
maintain services at the local level.”
> Deal at Northern Casket
Local 1-1000 was close to a strike dead-
line at the Northern Casket operation in
Lindsay in mid-August before reaching
a three-year collective agreement. The
contract includes a jump in Education
Fund contributions, from 3.5 cents per
hour to 5 cents. [> Sauder Door
Contract inked Local 1-500 busi-
ness agent Ron Diotte reports that
the union has reached a four-year
agreement with the Sauder
Industries operation in Brampton,
which distributes for Premdoor.
There an average wage increase of 10
per cent oyer four years and contract
language improvements. [> New
Wage Scale Needed Local 1-1000
has negotiated a three year agreement
with the North Shore Industrial heavy
equipment and wheel shop in Sault
Ste. Marie. First vice president John
Goldthorp says the crew ratified the
deal on November 3. Wage increases,
including a cost of living boost, are
averaging 7.5 per cent in the first
year, with 2 and 2 per cent more in
the last two years. The union also
negotiated job posting procedures
and got work boot and vision care
increases. [> Progress in Nakina

= Former Local 1-500 president Bruce Weber (r.) shakes hands with former
Local 1-700 president Ron Diotte at annual meeting. Horo usw Local 1-500

Local 1-700 merges into 1-500

IN LATE MAY TWO FORMER IWA local unions merged in southern
Ontario. Southwestern Ontario Local 1-500 welcomed Toronto Local 1-

SPOTLIGHT 700 in its fold. The merger was formalized at
Local 1-500’s annual meeting in Hanover. Local |

SOUTHERN ONTARIO

1-700 brings in 20 bargaining units to Local 1-
500’s 31. Former Local 1-700 president Ron Diotte is now serving as a
business agent. “We look forward to working with Ron and the former
executive of 1-700 to make it a smooth merger,” says Local 1-500 presi-
dent Bruce Weber. “We have always been natural allies as local unions
and will continue to work together under one local.” Local 1-500 stretch-
es from Windsor in the southwest to the southeastern portion of
Ontario, then on up north of Barrie and Orillia. The combined local is
also serviced by Local 1-500 financial secretary Saul Marques, and ass-
sisted by retired former IWA reps Tom Lowe and Bob Navarretta.

a ae

a
Local 1-2693 president Joe Hanlon About 150 Steelworkers work at the
reports that, in mid-July, the union mill. [> Negotiations with
established a pension plan at Nakina | Sodexho Local 1-500 business
Forest Products along with wage agent Ron Diotte says the union has

increases over three years. The taken a “no board” decision and
union also got rid of departmental applied to HLDA to get talks on
seniority and achieved a 50 cent an track for workers on two sites at the
hour adjustment to trades rates. Sodexho Health Care Unit at

10 T DECEMBER 2005 THE ALLIED WORKER