Good Day Members of Local 537. The Elections are taking place at 63 Ditton Drive, Hamilton, Friday January 29th and Saturday January 30, 2021 from 9 am to 5 pm as stated in the letter dated December 15th, 2020.
Covid protocols are in effect for this election. You will enter the parking lot and STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE, you will be handed a ballot and pen by the teller. You will then mark your ballot and deposit it into the ballot box. You MUST REMAIN in your vehicle while in the parking lot at 63 Ditton Drive. Please be sure you are current with your union dues to be eligible to vote, having a dues receipt in your possession will speed up the process. Ballots will be counted at the end of the voting on Saturday January 30, 2021 and the results will be updated as soon as possible.
Thank you and Stay Safe.
Scott McQueen, Business Manager
Attention Members of Local 537: Please see below the results of the Nomination Meeting held last night (January 12th, 2021) for all Executive Board positions, Business Manager and Business Representative.
Paul Minutillo was acclaimed as Business Manager
Bob Fennel, David Harrison and Brad Saplywy were nominated for the position of Business Representative for one (1) position.
Tim Riach was acclaimed as President
John Blackmore and Jay Warner were nominated for the position of Vice President
Nick Kitchen was acclaimed for position of Recording Secretary
Mike Turpin was acclaimed for the position of Conductor
Tim Last was acclaimed for the position of Warden
Chris Muha, Terry Shaw & Sean Zasada were acclaimed for the positions of Trustees (3). A fourth member was nominated for Trustee, but was deemed ineligible, due to his dues not paid in advance for January 2021.
We will continue to update this Website, Facebook page and send out text blasts or emails to advise of any changes to the election dates or protocols.
Attention All Members of SMW & Roofers Local 537
Please see below a copy of the letter mailed December 15th, 2020 containing all the information required for the January 2021 Election.
Information Websites:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
- Where an employee contracts COVID-19 and is unable to work, an employer must grant any applicable (unpaid) leave to the employee under the Employment Standards Act. Employers may not terminate an employee or otherwise discriminate against an employee due to physical disability (which included certain illnesses) under the Human Rights code.
- Depending on the situation, an employer may find it necessary to close or suspend business and has a lawful right to do so.
- It has yet to be determined conclusively whether employers will be required to compensate employees in circumstances where an employer continues to operate but holds an employee without symptoms out of work.
- The Federal Government announced that it will be waiving the otherwise mandatory one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits for workers who are in quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate as a result of the COVID-19. At this time, the Federal Government has not clarified what evidence will be necessary in order to qualify for the EI sick benefits and/or whether such benefits will be payable in circumstances of voluntary self-isolation.
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect the health and safety of its workers. If employees run the risk of becoming infected at work, an employer must provide personal protective equipment as deemed necessary.
Where an employee has a reasonable basis to believe that COVID-19 presents a dangerous workplace condition, employees may be able to refuse to attend work or perform certain duties. In the event of a work refusal, an employer must engage in an investigation into the concerns giving rise to the refusal and, if appropriate, implement measures to eliminate or reduce any identified workplace dangers. Any such investigation will be based upon the scientific understanding of COVID-19 at the time as well as any specific facts in the individual workplace. Employees are entitled to be free from reprisal when properly exercising a reasonably based work refusal.
To the extent any Local 537 member has any specific workplace health and safety concern, Local 537 urges members to contact Local 537 office at (905)528-8737 or call our toll free # 1-888-368-4443.
If you require any other information or documents including work permits, you can email us at smw537@smwlocal537.ca.
Also, all classes at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre in Oakville have been suspended until further notice. Members who are in classes can contact the Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre for more information at (905) 829-5655. Further updates will be posted on the Provincial Training Website at: http://www.osmwtc.com/index.php:
Local 537 will continue to monitor the situation, keep members updated and take all steps necessary to ensure the ongoing health and safety of members.
Fraternally yours,
Scott McQueen
Business Manager/F.S.T.
Please be advised that effective August 1, 2019 we are introducing a new Member Assistance Program! Please see below for more information.
