IBEW local 636

LOCAL UNION 636 OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS AN OVERVIEW OF OUR HISTORY AND STRUCTURE

IN THE BEGINNING

Many years ago, there were a number of affiliated Locals of the I.B.E.W. that represented Utility workers in Ontario. However, since each was operating independently, they lacked common goals and a coordinated direction in negotiations. At that same time, the Association of Municipal Electric Utilities (A.M.E.U.) was formed to represent Utility employers using a coordinated management approach.

Soon, the Local Unions realized that they were not achieving the optimal improvements in wages and benefits available through collective bargaining. Realizing that there was a need for greater unity on the part of the Union, the representatives from all I.B.E.W. Utility Locals banded together in the Ontario Utility Council (O.U.C.). This organization met voluntarily on a semi-annual basis. Initially, representatives were excited by the opportunity to discuss mutual problems and form common goals and strategies.

However, it soon became evident that the O.U.C. could not implement its many recommendations, nor control contract negotiations as it did not have a direct mandate from the separate memberships it represented. As a result, the Local Unions continued to be divided and defeated by a group of full-time management professionals with access to a well-established communications network and reams of statistical information. At that time, there was only one (1) full time Utility Local Business Manager in the Province and networking with other part-time Locals was slow and ineffective.

Recognizing that this situation had to be addressed, a motion calling for the compulsory merger of all Utility Local Unions was passed at the 1975 fall O.U.C. meeting. While many agreed that this motherhood proposal was a good idea, they realized that in reality it was unattainable on a compulsory basis. This meant that the problem remained as to how these Locals would effectively deal with separate Utility Commissions across the Province who shared common goals and were working collectively through an Association. Although they too recognized the need for more focused efforts, our separate Local Unions were, in many cases, reluctant to give up their individual autonomy. In addition, despite the obvious benefits, the thought of increasing Union dues to provide full time representation was staunchly opposed by many.

However, Local 636 knew that in order to protect and promote the rights of Utility workers, there was no alternative but to attempt amalgamation on a voluntary basis. With this thought in mind, our Local began meeting with other individual Locals to discuss the concept.

The proposal to form a Local with provincial jurisdiction and representation rights was presented, discussed and debated by interested individual Locals. In the final analysis, the majority of Locals began to understand that their livelihood and survival required reorganization and unity. Over the next few years, the idea became a reality and many mergers followed; resulting in the expansion of Local 636 to its present size and structure.

The realization of our goal was a difficult one, but today we proudly represent over 85% of the I.B.E.W. Utility workers in the Province - perhaps we will some day represent all organized workers in this industry. Respecting the right of all workers to organize, we will continue in our efforts to increase our membership and provide support to those seeking representation.

LOCAL 636 STRUCTURE

At present, Local 636 represents approximately three thousand six hundred (3600) members in both the public and private sectors in such industries as: Utilities, Alarm & Signal, Electrical Manufacturing, Public Works, Community Health Care and Hospitals. Ours is what is described as a Unit Structure which means that, within our Local Union we have some fifty three (53) separate Units across the Province - each of which has a degree of autonomy that allows them to deal with specific workplace concerns. As the recognized bargaining agent for the many workplaces within these Units, our Local is also responsible for the negotiation and enforcement of eighty - four (84) individual collective agreements.

Responsibility for the day-to-day business and operation of our Local rests with the Business Manager/Financial Secretary whose office is located in Mississauga. In addition, six (6) full time Business Representatives - each of whom is responsible for administering the collective agreements in their respective geographic districts - work under the direction of the Business Manager. Supporting both the Business Manager and the Staff is a full time Education Officer.

With members scattered from Ottawa to Windsor; Niagara Falls to Barrie and all parts between, it was essential for our Local to establish and maintain a strong communications link with our Units. To this end, the unique partnership between our Provincial Executive Board and the Units was developed. This system has proven to operate extremely well.

Our President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Business Manager/Financial Secretary are elected by the membership at large through secret mail-in-ballot. As prescribed by the I.B.E.W. Constitution and the Local 636 Bylaws, these elections are held every four (4) years. The present term expires in June 2010.

In order to ensure that the various needs and interests of the membership are met, the Province has been divided into a number of geographic service areas or Regions. Each of these Regions has a seat on the Provincial Executive Board and the members in each area elect their representative by secret mail-in-ballot. As prescribed by the I.B.E.W. Constitution and the Local 636 Bylaws, these elections are held every four (4) years. The present term of these offices also expires in June 2006.

Within each of the Regions noted above there are individual Units - the size and number of which vary by Region. Each of these Units meets on a regular basis with the schedule set by the members and their Business Representative. The members of each Unit elect - by secret ballot at their Unit meetings: a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Recorder and four (4) Executive Committee members. Working together with the Business Representative, this leadership team is responsible for dealing with the issues and concerns of that particular Unit. For the majority of our members, these representatives (along with their Stewards) are the ones most often called upon for assistance and support.

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

On the first Wednesday of every second month, the regular Executive Board meeting is convened at our home office in Mississauga. The Local's Table Officers (President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer) meet in the months between Executive Board meetings. The meetings are chaired by the President and the Order of Business followed is the same as that governing Unit meetings.

All Executive Board Representatives are expected to attend these regularly scheduled meetings and/or any special meeting(s) that may be called by the President - and fully participate in the proceedings. The Business Manager and Business Representatives are also invited to attend and report on the month's activities in their area - especially matters of interest regarding negotiations and labour relations. However, they have no voting privileges.

As the directing mind of the Union, the Executive Board works closely with the Business Manager and; fully cooperates with him, other officers and representatives of the Local Union to the end that the interests of Local 636 and its members may be properly protected and advanced.

The Recording Secretary prepares a summary of the proceedings and copies of these minutes, together with the monthly financial statement; are forwarded to all Unit Chairpersons. The elected Executive Board member attends the Unit meetings in their area each month to present the Provincial Executive Board report for approval by the membership. In addition, any concerns or motions from the Unit are communicated back to the Provincial Executive Board for their consideration, through their Executive Board Representative. The area Business Representative also attends these meetings - therefore ensuring that there is a continuous line of open communications between the Local Union and its Units.

Over the years, this system has proven to be effective in balancing the desire for independence of each Unit against the right of our members to have a voice in the Local's operation and finances thereby actively contributing to our security and success.

ADMINISTRATION

After almost two decades, the Local's building in Toronto was sold and our headquarters was relocated to Mississauga. We are very proud of our new facility, which reflects the professional image that has earned our organization respect throughout the Union movement. As well as being the hub of our administrative operation, the site is also the location for all Executive Board, Table Officer and Committee meetings.

In addition to our Mississauga location, we also have satellite offices in Burlington, Ottawa, Orillia and LaSalle. Each of these is equipped with: a fax machine; computer with e-mail access; an answering machine and/or voice mail for after hours calls. This ensures that the full time Business Representatives are accessible through a variety of channels. As well, the Reps have cell phones and/or pagers, which are crucial in the day - to - day servicing of our diverse membership. In most cases, a member's call will be returned within twenty-four (24) hours.

PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS

It should come as no surprise to learn that our Local is called upon to deal with many legal problems - which seem to have increased due to constantly changing government legislation aimed directly at organized labour. In order to ensure that we are able to properly defend ourselves - and our members - Local 636 retains the Toronto Labour Law firm of Koskie Minsky to assist us in dealing with the many legal issues which continue to surface. As well as keeping us abreast of the latest developments in legislation, most grievances that proceed to arbitration are also handled by our lawyers.

Anyone who has ever experienced an injury on the job is certainly well aware that the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (W.S.I.B.) bureaucracy has made processing injured workers claims a nightmare. Consequently, dealing with such issues calls for the expertise of specialists. The time necessary to process W.S.I.B. claims and appeals was a real burden to our Business Representatives. Therefore, we turned these cases over to the experts at the Building Trades Workers' Services who deal exclusively with such matters. Their competence and experience in handling these cases now allows our staff more time to concentrate on servicing the day-to-day needs of our membership.

There have also been many changes to the face of Health and Safety in the workplace. For many years, Local 636 has been represented on the Electrical & Utilities Safety Association (E.U.S.A.) Board of Directors as well as the Provincial Labour Management Safety Committee. Our involvement in these organizations has provided us with the latest information on the ever-changing safety standards and regulations in the industries we represent - and given our members a voice in the discussions aimed at providing safe working conditions for both them and others.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Local Union 636 has always recognized that one of the most critical elements in our success is keeping our members well informed. Our commitment has been reaffirmed with the addition of a full time Education Officer to our staff. The principal responsibility for this role is to develop educational materials for our members that will help them better understand the challenges faced by organized labour and; to develop training programs for those acting in a leadership capacity that will allow them to more effectively fulfill the obligations of office.

Among the educational services afforded to our members are: New Member Orientation; Steward Training; Mastering the Art of Negotiations; Leadership Development and; How to Deal with Workplace Harassment. These courses are offered on an on-going basis across the Province and are all free of charge to our members. Additionally, our Unit Chairpersons meet on an annual basis to be updated, educated and provided with statistics, information and training to assist them in the performance of their duties.

DUES STRUCTURE

Local 636 is very proud of the variety of services that we are able to provide for our members. Like any organization, in order to ensure that such services are maintained at the level of excellence that our members deserve, it is necessary to have sufficient financial resources. For unions, operational funding comes directly (and exclusively) from the members in the form of Dues. The formula for determining the amount paid by the members is developed by the Local Union and approved by the general membership.

When Local 636 was initially founded, there was a great deal of controversy and debate as to the most appropriate dues structure for our members. This was due in part to the fact that, some of the affiliates who had merged had fixed rates established while others calculated the remittances based on the earnings of the member.

The greatest difficulty with the fixed monthly amount was that it failed to keep up with the ever-increasing costs faced by the Local. This resulted in periodic requests for dues increases - that were never popular. While membership dues are fully tax deductible, few embrace the thought of having to pay more. Nevertheless, our members began to appreciate the reality that by investing in their Union they were also investing in themselves.

As an alternative to the flat fee approach, the Local began to explore the advantages of a dues formula based on a percentage of earnings. Such systems were designed to provide increased operating income as wages were increased through negotiations. More importantly, once established, such a formula would eliminate the need for increase appeals since our revenues would be automatically adjusted. Ultimately, after much deliberation, the Local set the dues structure at one percent (1%) of the member's gross monthly earnings - exclusive of overtime - plus the prevailing International Union per capita tax. This formula worked for many years but eventually, the increases were not keeping pace with our expanding operating costs.

Ongoing attacks by the Government and increasingly hostile employers put a great strain on our resources. Although not yet at the crisis level, by 1998, the membership recognized the need to revisit our dues formula. With this in mind, the Executive Board recommended that the dues be increased to one point one percent (1.1%) of gross basic monthly pay exclusive of lump sum payments (i.e. retroactive pay. pay equity adjustments, clothing and boot allowance etc.) in addition to the applicable International per capita tax, which is presently $11.00 per month. This motion was subsequently supported by the general membership in a secret ballot vote. Somewhat controversial at the time, this modest increase has given our Local the financial security necessary to deal with the many obstacles we face.

Admittedly, there are those who still support the concept of fixed dues. However, given the diversity of our membership and the wide range of their wage rates, we are confident that our dues formula is the most fair and equitable for all. Regardless of their contribution, all members are provided with the best representation available. Additionally, through such contributions, our Local is able to provide our members with a wide variety of services that would otherwise not be available. With our members each contributing their fair share, they also reap the benefits of belonging to an organization that is able to work towards improving their quality of life and provide them with the representation that they need and deserve.

LOOKING AHEAD

It has now been more than eighty-five years since Local Union 636 first earned the right to represent workers in Ontario. Over that period, our profile may have changed but our guiding principles have not. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, we remain committed to protecting and enhancing the rights and benefits of our members.

Standing together in partnership and solidarity with our members, we have succeeded in slaying the many dragons that have crossed our path. Others will undoubtedly await us along our journey. With the continued support of our members, we are confident that there is no challenge too great to overcome.

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