Phone: 204-944-2034
LOCAL 2034
Workforce Adjustment Update - 22 May, 2020
Updated On: May 24, 2020

22 May, 2020


Dear Sisters and Brothers;

Last week the IBEW issued a communication to our membership in response to the Corporation exhibiting behaviours that could be perceived by our members as intimidating.  The President, by stating her preference for an across the board pay cut to all employees, created stress, anxiety, and confusion among our members.  Her comments intimidated several employees who now feel they are being pressured into accepting her preferred option.  Because of this, we have directed our counsel to investigate the propriety and legality of President Grewal’s actions.
 
We heard from members of management that they believed the Corporation could provide 2 week’s notice for layoffs because of fabricated workload reductions.  The IBEW immediately filed a policy grievance on the notification period and I’m pleased to report this grievance was resolved on May 20th.


During that meeting, the Corporation, in addition to resolving the grievance on the 90 days, acknowledged that once it has finalized the names of employees to be laid off, Section I1.7 of our agreement will be adhered to before any notices will be sent out to the membership.  This article requires the establishment of a Workforce Adjustment Committee and requires the committee to assist with the placement of the employee in an alternate location.  As a result of the Corporation not having yet finalized their list of names, this committee has not yet been established,  Layoff notifications to employees is still some time away.  However, the Corporation WILL honour the 90-day layoff notification for IBEW members. 
 
Rest assured IBEW is committed to resolving the current situation in a way that will be acceptable to all our members, and any option we finally arrive at will be presented to the membership for approval prior to acceptance and implementation. As I said in my last message to you, we remain steadfast in our commitment to avoiding layoffs of any of our dedicated members. 
 
There are lots of rumours going round, and they’re just that – rumours.  The discussions regarding workforce adjustment at Hydro are being conducted at the highest levels of the Corporation and the unions.  Directors, managers, and supervisors are not in the discussion loop, and they know as much or as little as do our members.  Unless you hear information from the IBEW 2034 office, please treat whatever you are being told as unverified rumour.  If anything breaks, we’ll communicate with you right away so that you’ll always know the latest developments. Don’t add to your stress level by giving credence to unsubstantiated stories.
 
In solidarity,


Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034


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Contact Info
IBEW Local 2034
1907 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3J 0H9 CANADA
  204-944-2034

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