Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will the current union executive members of Lodge 003 and 2697 be automatically given the positions they had if the CAW takes over?
   
   
   • The short answer is NO – New elections would have to be conducted. Including your bargaining committee, unit chair, stewards, etc.
     
     
2. What would be the amount we would pay in CAW dues?
   
   
   • Dues are based on 2 hours and 20 minutes per month for full time employees.
     Example: Looking at your Collective Agreement a Track Maintainer makes $22.45/hr.
     
     $22.45 x 2.33 = $52.31 2.33…… is 2 hours and 20 minutes
     
     A track maintainer would pay $52.31 per month. Your dues would be increased only when your hourly rate goes up. So if the union wants to raise your dues they need to bargain you a pay increase.
     
     
3. How much of our dues money stays in the Local?
   
   
   • 45% of dues money collected by the CAW Local remains in the Local. This money is used by the Local to service its members.
     
     
   • So if we take the Track Maintainer monthly dues $52.31 as mentioned above 45% remains in the Local.
     $52.31 x .45% = $23.54 that stays in the Local.
     
     
4. If we vote for the CAW to represent us what kind of training is available for our union representatives once they are elected?
   
   
   • The CAW prides itself on training its members. Union representatives are encouraged to attend our educational courses. We utilize the Paid Education Leave fund (PEL) to pay for our training. This fund is subsidized by the ONR. You also have the same fund that was negotiated a few years ago when you were the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way union.
     
     
   • When we win your support and you elect your bargaining representatives they will be given full training in contract language and the art of negotiating immediately so they can begin to negotiate a new collective agreement for you.
     
     
   • As workers at the ONR we know our workplaces best and we believe we are best suited to negotiate our own agreements. We negotiate, we ratify and we police our own collective agreement language, not outsiders who want to impose rules more suited to the National Railways. Local 103
     
     
5. Are the lodges in charge of lodge issues?
   
   
   • We don’t have lodges; we have what we call units. Local 103 presently has 6 units and each unit nominates and elects its own individual Unit Chair. Once elected the Unit Chair runs your unit with the assistance of the Local President. If assistance from the National Representative is required it can be requested. You would also elect Stewards who assist your chair in policing the agreement. Unit Chairs automatically has a seat and voice on the CAW Local Executive Board.
     
     
6. Will the CAW keep members informed? How do you keep members up to date on important issues in the workplace?
   
   
   • Local 103 has its own web page www.cawlocal103.com where you will find information on work and union topics; union representative contact information and a variety of union related links. We also communicate to our members throughout the ONR system through email and fax.
     
     
   • We conduct Local and Unit meetings.
     • Local meetings are held where bylaws, financial update, local recommendations, president’s report and unit reports are presented to the entire membership.
     • We also have unit meetings. Unit meetings are conducted by the individual unit chairs; this is where matters related to that specific unit are dealt with.
     
     
     
7. Does the CAW allow for discussion of issues by its members and value their input?
   
   
   • When issues that are important to the members come up we make sure they are addressed at either the Local or Unit level. A solution/resolve is sought as members openly debate in an open and respectful manner.
     
     
8. How does the CAW deal with grievances?
   
   
   • Your elected representative handles the grievance from start to finish and unresolved grievances are brought before an arbitrator. Assistance and guidance is available from the Local President.
     
     
   • Updates on grievances are discussed at unit meetings.

I would like to thank all for the questions you sent me and I hope this is helpful to you and your co-workers as you contemplate your future.

If you have more questions or would like to sign a card to join the CAW, you can contact me by email cald@onlink.net or call my cell 705-493-3817.

In Solidarity

Andy Mitchell
Vice President
CAW Local 103