TO: AFFILIATES
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
STRIKE APPEAL
The Society of Energy Professionals on strike against Hydro One
The Society of Energy Professionals has been on strike with Hydro One since June 6. Hydro One is demanding that the majority of the striking workers agree to work four additional hours each week with no compensation. This amounts to an extra 25 days for free.
As if that were not enough, Hydro One has demanded that the members agree to a discriminatory “Two Tier” compensation scheme that would apply to all new employees of the company.
This scheme would include wage scales that are 10% lower across the board. The benefits plan would be 50% less provident and include a $1,000 deductible that must be paid up front before ANY coverage is obtained.
The pension plan for new employees would be dramatically reduced through a number of concessions that would result in approximately 25% less benefits paid to the average retiree. The most abhorrent aspect of this scheme is that Hydro One knows that the majority of new employees would be young immigrants who include women and visible minorities because of the lack of domestic candidates for these jobs.
The Ontario Government owns Ontario Hydro and the McGuinty government is clearly supporting, if not encouraging, the management at Hydro One.
Never have I seen such anti-union tactics by any level of government. Exhibiting an unprecedented attack on Collective Bargaining, Dalton McGuinty is not only saying that “Two Tier” compensation schemes are acceptable but his government is also showing complete disrespect for free Collective Bargaining.
As one example, I have attached a photograph of a sign placed at the entrance to the Ontario Grid Control Centre in Barrie. You will see that management has placed a sign at the entrance to the workplace. The sign says “20 Weeks till Xmas”. This type of action by any employer is outrageous. These tactics by the McGuinty government are unforgivable.
You can help by:
1. Making a donation to the strikers.
Cheques should be made out to “The Society of Energy Professionals” and mailed to the attention of:
Bill Jones, Executive Vice-President for Finance
The Society of Energy Professionals
425 Bloor Street East, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario
M4W 3R4
2. Phone Dalton McGuinty and express your outrage at the anti-union tactics of his government.
Telephone: (416) 325-1941
Fax: (416) 325-3745
In solidarity,
WAYNE SAMUELSON
President
Thursday, August 11, 2005