TO LOCAL PRESIDENTS

Dear Sisters, Brothers,

RE: New Seniority Dates

Having obtained our demand regarding seniority, we are now at the final stage of determining the new seniority dates for members in the urban operations unit.

The first step was to check review and appeal requests and make the necessary corrections or additions, if any.  As you probably know, seniority is based on continuous service within the bargaining unit.  From now on, the date used to determine seniority will be the first date of hire within the bargaining unit.

Start Date:

The employer will implement the new seniority rule process on Friday, December 7, 2007.  However, given the scope of the process, the employer has until December 12, 2007 to post the new lists.

Implementation:

Overtime

Overtime will be offered on the basis of the current list until December 12, 2007. The number of opportunities to work overtime (under clause 15.09 for Groups 1 and 2, and under clause 15.11 for Groups 3 and 4) remains unchanged.

Annual Leave and Bidding under 13.26

The steps provided for under the collective agreement for annual leave and bidding under clause 13.26 must be in accordance with the new seniority rules.

Bidding under Article 46 and 47

Except for the locations where bidding has been completed, the new seniority will have to be used.

In addition, all temporary employees who become regular employees as of December 7, 2007 will keep the same random number assigned to them by the employer.

Please note that the sole purpose of this process is to adjust your seniority; your continuous service will remain unchanged.  In addition, seniority already lost or taken away under the provisions of Article 11 of the collective agreement will not be recovered. The Union encourages its members to advise us of any irregularity in the assignment of new seniority dates by contacting their shop steward to make sure the new rules are being followed.

In solidarity,

Jean-Claude Girard
National Union Representative

Diane Tanguay
National Union Representative

Philippe Arbour
National Grievance Officer

c.c.

National Executive Committee
National Union Representatives
Regional Executive Committees
Regional Union Representatives

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