7:45 p.m. February 25, 2010

This is the time to make your voice heard and issues discussed. Lets talk about it!

Your Executive.

662D Progress Square, Kingston Ontario

ALL K. I. N. W. U. Members

General Membership Notice

RATIFICATION VOTE RESULTS

After 2 days of voting on the new proposed Collective Agreement,

Between KINWU & Invista (Canada) Company

We have counted all ballots cast, and are able to, at this time inform the membership of the outcome.

The membership has agreed to ACCEPT the proposed agreement, and shall be ratified January 28, 2010, until termination in January 27, 2013.

We thank every one whom came out to vote, this was the largest percentage NO vote ever cast in our history.

Sincerely,

Chairman Ratification committee

Chris Spence on Behalf of the Executive Committee

662D Progress Square, Kingston Ontario

ALL K. I. N. W. U. Members

General Membership Notice

RATIFICATION VOTE

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

NOTICE

This notice is to inform the membership of the time and place for the upcoming Ratification vote, of our proposed new contract. Voting will take place at the NEW Union offices, located at 662D Progress Square (behind Collins Safety Shoes). Voting can take place between the hours of;

6:30 am  and  8:30 pm

Both days.

There will be NO advanced polls for this vote.

Sincerely,

Barry Johnston-President

662D Progress Square, Kingston Ontario

ALL K.I.N.W.U. Members

General Membership Notice

PRESENTATION MEETING

Thursday, January 21, 2010

NOTICE

This notice is to inform you of a Presentation Meeting of the General membership. This will inform the membership of what the Executive has to present from our contract talks. Please note that there are 3 times for this meeting;

8:00 am

2:00 pm

ADDED 4:30 pm

8:00 pm

Meeting will be taking place @ Mino’s on Princess Street. To be informed, please plan to attend one of these presentation meetings.

Sincerely,

Barry Johnston

Barry Johnston-President

We are really able to offer a quick answer and that is just what we had stated in our opening sentences in our most previous post. We were at somewhat of an impasse, with the company, and we felt that we should let the membership know the issues first hand from us. Is some of it vague? You bet, but it only allows you then, to get involved with the process and ask us questions. We are more than willing to let you know the issues, as we have seen and heard them.

We do need to remind all members that we have some days of negotiating yet, and we are no where completed with the process, or finished with other avenues we can take. We will come to the membership when it is time for you all to see what has been presented to us, as the company’s final offer. This will be the time we call the membership meeting, so you need to ensure that you watch the boards at the plant as well as right here on the website. We will give the time and place, when it required.

At that point we will review the offer with you and we will then allow YOU to make the final decision. We, don’t make the final decision, YOU do. We again thank you for your support and we will come to the membership with what we have as the company’s final offer.

Sincerely,

KINWU Executive Committee

This union has been in negotiations since the end of October. The company is coming back with major changes that will have a negative impact on this union, and its members. We are not able at this time to gain anything, or even maintain the status quo at the site. The company wants, and is not willing to drop its incentive based pay, at this time. This direction will allow them to move people from the job that you are in, and wage rate, to another job at a lower rate. The company states this move will not be part of the arbitration process.        

With the company’s proposed new lay-off language, it is needed to be stressed that senior employees that are moved to this lower rate, because of performance, may be in line for being laid off if conditions exist for lay-off.

The company has proposed major changes to our very good severance; rehire rights, and layoff language.

Another key issue is the company wanting to introduce a new classification called MST’s. Manufacturing Service Temporary employees, which is similar to Support Labour.These employees will be doing work of the lower skilled duties that are being done presently by you.

The company proposed changes to the current LTD, which will be a significant factor for you, as it is based on your years of service.

From our side, we have proposed that the 24 hour wait time be removed on the current Short Term Disability plan, which has affected many of you.

We had asked for a wage increase across the board, but have been told the majority are above market rate.

With the above being stated during these negotiations, we are, as an executive, in the need for feedback from the membership. We are open to your questions. We are at the point in time that we may need to approach the Ministry of Labour to help with our negotiations.

We thank you for your support, and please continue to watch here and on the notice boards for further information. Any executive member can be contacted via this website, under the contacts section, or find us at the plant.

Thank –You

The Bargaining Committee

Thanks

Your Executive Committee

Thanks

Your Executive Committee

Thank you to everyone that patronized the Doffers and Arlington facility and those that played horse shoes and darts over the years and all those that worked there. Also all the suppliers and guests of weddings that helped make it a great place to go to. It was sad to have to close but it was the only option left.

We have now sold the building and are currently looking for a new place to lease. This should be decided before December 1, 2009. Please keep an eye on this site for the new location when it becomes known.

The last General Membership Meeting will be held at this old location at 725 Arlington Park Place at 7:30 p.m. on November 26, 2009

Please come to raise any concerns about work or to hear about the latest news on our relocation.

See you then

Your Executive Committee