To the Membership,
This week has been much like riding in a hot air balloon. With each attempt we made to maintain a weighted conversation and hold productive discussion at the table, the wind of empty words rustled the papers on our desks each time the company spoke. While Teck's CEO continues to publicly gloat about record profits in Q3 and goes on to proclaim that Q4 will far surpass this last quarter, the Company's bargaining committee floats in and out of the room hoping their troubles will be blown away by the mediator. We're quite sure that they've struggled with the dilemma of how to walk away from the table that they haven't really sat at since we started monetary discussions. Unsurprisingly, the Company officially walked away from the table today. We refuse to bargain with ourselves. We refuse to nickel and dime our contract to a place where they feel good about how little they gave, while they are putting $20 million per week into their bank account. So what does that mean for all of us? It’s the short time we have to wait for non-binding mediation, to speak to the remaining items to see if a mediator can push the parties in the right direction. It also means that we cannot hold a strike vote until we have had an opportunity to address these issues with the mediator. For those who haven’t been part of this process before, mediation is not abnormal. We urge everyone to remain calm and focused on the task at hand. Our time is near and remaining disciplined will ensure we get back to the table to secure a fair deal. Do not be surprised, your bargaining team will be back on-site briefly. Feel free to speak with us but understand that because of the fact we are still midway through bargaining we cannot divulge any information of what is being discussed at the table. You need to continue trusting us as we continue our trust in you. We have not confirmed dates with Mr. Ready, but indication is mid to late November, if not earlier. As soon as we know more, the membership will as well. As always, thank you for the support. In solidarity, United Steelworkers Local 7619 Bargaining Committee Comments are closed.
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August 2021
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