This notice is to address the issue in regards to why the Local has not signed off on the applications to the Ministry for "Excess Hours" which the Company is seeking.

But first some history, it was the Local Executive that approached the Company in 2005 when the law changed. At that time, the Company told the Executive that an agreement wasn't necessary as we didn't fall under this change. We didn't pursue it and employees continued to work past 48 hours.

In June of 2009, The Company's position changed and said we do need an agreement signed in order for employees to work past 48 hours in a week.

In November 2009, a "Minutes of Agreement" in regards to Excess hours was discussed at our Executive/Steward meetings and had the endorsement of your leaders to present this to the Company. (click here for original document one for South West Central and the other for the North East) This agreement was produced in order to protect those members that do not want to work beyond 48 hours and to protect members in the event of layoff.

In December 2009, the "Minutes of Agreement" was sent to Lisa Walsh, Director of Human Resources which the Company has not agreed to sign off on and therefore that is the reason the Local has not signed off on the applications to the Ministry.

It was the Company's decision recently to mandate employees not to work past 48 hours and to also to use their managerial rights to enforce overtime up to 48 hours.

Please contact your Executive Board Member or Steward in your area if you have any questions or concerns.

In Solidarity,

Cherie Hunter
President CEP Local 1999