Hello Brothers and Sisters

Winter is coming.

Over the last few years, our work has been steady and relatively plentiful. This seems to be ending. Recent lay offs have put members on both the Hamilton and Niagara Out of Work List with no immediate opportunity to be sent out to another Contractor needing Bricklayers. The wait between job starts could be longer than in the recent past. Local 2 Toronto is having the same issue as we are experiencing now.

If you are laid off from your job, CALL THE UNION IMMEDIATLEY! You will be put on the Out of Work List accordingly to where you reside, in either the Hamilton or Niagara jurisdictions. This will allow me to dispatch you to work when a Contractor requests the Union Hall for Bricklayers.

Article 5 “Union Security” in our Collective Agreement contains a 50/50 hiring clause. The Contractor may hire 50% of the crew from any BACU Local and will hire 50% of the crew from the Union Hall. All Bricklayers on the crew must obtain permission from the Local’s Business Manager to work on any job they start with a Contractor.

It is the Members responsibility, not the Contractors responsibility to obtain permission from the Business Manager to go to work. Failure to do so will result in the Member being charged. Failure of the Contractor to call the Business Manager informing me they are name hiring Bricklayers will result in a grievance filed by the Union and charges laid on those Members.

I truly feel for Brothers and Sisters who are experiencing difficulties financially, physically, and mentally. Everyone has their own unique situation. We must do our best to abide by our Collective Agreement so that everyone can be treated fair. The Union cannot create work, only dispatch Members when called.

It is important to support each other, collaborate respectfully with our Contractors and be vigilant for any threats to our Union security. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this letter, please, call me for clarification.

In solidarity,

Dave Martin

Business Manager

BACU Local 1 Hamilton-Niagara

905-517-0884 (cell)