January Forward Look

The January Forward Look is up. Just click on the link to read it.

There has been some requests and discussions about returning to a printed, abbreviated Forward Look for distribution in the mill. Since there is a motion on the books to take the Forward Look 100% online, it requires a motion to go back to a printed edition. With that in mind there is an Executive Recommendation that proposes a trial period until June of an abbreviated Forward Look. This would be in the order of a 4 page edition featuring only submitted articles and not any of the extras found in the online edition. We will be dealing with this motion, and several others, at the General Meeting on Monday Night. In addition, we will be electing committees including the Safety Committee. So come on out and let your voice be heard.

In solidarity,

Tim

Pattern Agreement Link

I've added a link in the sidebar to the Canfor Pattern Agreement. I know many are interested in just what the agreement says and there was a link to it in an earlier post but for some reason I never got it up in the links section. So now it is. (It is a little over 5 mb in size so it will take a few seconds to download.)

Tim

January Meeting Dates

Here are the meeting dates for January.

Shop Stewards: Monday, January 5th, 7:00 PM.
Executive: Monday, January 12th, 6:00 PM.
General: Monday, January 19th, 7:00 PM.

Business: Elections of Committees.

I hope to have the yearly meeting dates up soon. I just haven't had time over the holidays to get to it.

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas season and my wishes to all of you for a happy 2009.

Just a reminder that Forward Look articles are due no later than January 9th.

In solidarity,

Tim

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.

It has been a difficult year to say the least and 2009 may see more difficult times depending on market conditions. But, at this time of the year it is important to stop and consider the blessings of family and friends and be thankful for the good things in life that these same family and friends bring.

I was recently in Vernon visiting my family and had the pleasure numerous times of having my newest grandson fall asleep in my arms. Even though there were times where chaos seemed to reign (especially surrounding his two older brothers), I was still able to recognize what a privelege and joy it was to hold this little bundle, born prematurely back in June, as he rested peacefully in my arms. (If you saw him now you would never believe he was a preemie.)

Most of you know that my faith focuses on the message of Christianity and without wanting to offend anyone I would like to leave you with the message given to working class shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem 2000 years ago. A message that is still appropriate today with all the wars and struggles that we face in life. "Peace on earth, goodwill to all people" is what I wish and pray for each and every one of you who read this blog.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tim

Newfoundland Revokes Resource Lease

An email from the Western Region pointed to this CTV article. Danny Williams, premier of Newfoundland, says this:

It just makes sense that the province have the rights to its own resources considering AbitibiBowater will no longer operate in the province.

"These resources belong to the people of my province and they're going back to the people of my province," Williams said, noting the mill was part of the original 1905 deal in exchange for resource rights.

He says the company may be compensated for power related capital assets, and it will also be allowed to use provincial resource assets until March 28, when the mill is slated for closure.

I don't know, sounds like a good idea to me.

December Agenda

Greetings to all from Halcyon Hot Springs where I am enjoying a few days soaking in the hot pools with my wife.

Due to a lack of contributions this month to the Forward Look and being on my 22 days off there will be no online Forward Look this month. The new President will post his article directly to the blog.

The Agenda for the December 15th General meeting can be found here. Make sure you come out to get all the latest info on what's happening.

Now, back to my holidays.

In solidarity,

Tim

Election Results

The elections are now complete, and we will be having the Installation of Officers at our December 15th General Meeting.

The successful candidates are:

Trustee:
Doug Chisholm

Alternate Wage Delegate:
Tim Thompson

Congratulations to all.

Our 2009 Executive Board:

President
Jim VanDusen

Vice President
John Young

Vice President
Brent Hamelin

Recording Secretary
Tim Thompson

Financial Sec. Treasurer
Norm Skipsey

3rd Year Trustee
Randy Teichman

2nd Year Trustee
John Egresits

1st Year Trustee
Doug Chisholm

Safety Officer
Travis Goodyear

Local 592 Wage Delegates
Jim VanDusen
Phil Guild
Daryl De Rooy
Tim Thompson (alternate)

My thanks to John Young, Brent Hamelin, Steve Smith, Owen Paxton and Dave Warrender for letting their names stand and running for an Executive Board or Wage Delegate position.

Jim VanDusen