Members and Retirees of Local 5328

Good news! 

Next week stays status quo!! No layoffs!! 

 As far as Covid-19 related, we continue to meet Isabel and Nadia daily on any issues. The company has received the new thermometers. The procedure now is, if you test high temperature, you are to pull over, wait 10 minutes out of your vehicle or in your vehicle with heat off. They believe the heat on in your vehicle are giving false readings. 

 Masks are available if needed and will be available from a box for you to take out rather than a supervisor handing you one. 

 St. Patrick’s plant is still shut down and are currently at 19 positive Covid-19 cases. 

 As far as SUB pay, I attended a Skype meeting with Luc and Nadia. 

 The issue is, workers being laid off and applying for EI are automatically being directed to the CERB program, Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, through Service Canada. That is a mess as there are stipulations with CERB!

 Number one issue, you can not be in receipt of any other money as it states on the government website, about any sort of supplementary benefit, like our SUB. So basically, if you receive SUB while collecting CERB, it will be deducted from the $2000 a month. The $2000 a month is paid every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. It is not taxed but it is a taxable income that you must report on your 2020 tax return. You will pay the taxes when you file. 

 Luc was in contact with the USW in district 5 and the national office.  Mark Rowlinson, assistant to the National Director, has been dealing with Luc on this and has directed District 5 USW employers, not to pay the SUB until he or the national office lobby the Federal government to have this changed or allow laid off people to complete the EI application. 

 I have contacted Tom Walsh, our staff rep to follow up with Marty Warren and Mark Rowlinson. 

 I hope to have more information in the days to come. As far as schedule, should be tomorrow at some point. 

 Cheers, 

Anthony Ciaramella 
President
USW Local 5328