RE:WFP cutting benefits for striking workers, USW disputes itWhen I read this in short form;;
The plan is overseen by a board consisting of union and industry members. the union side of the board didn’t even have a say.
Butler said, they have asked for the letter to be rescinded,
(It says overseen , Not administered by Nor does he state how many members on the oversight board by either party. . He claims they have "ASKED" Not demanded
He says they’ve asked for a meeting immediately. Again ASKED for, Not going to CALL a Meeting.
“It’s not that far from September and we want to be clear that benefits need to be in place and if Western doesn’t pay the benefits, The Health & Welfare Plan "SHOULD" be going after (Western) legally to have them pay.”.
Union members have been on strike for over a month
Wages and benefits are paid to full time employees who show up and WORK for WEF Not part time employees. .Wages plus the benefits are part of the overall wage package the worker is taxed on by Revenue Canada .
Western is not obligated to pay holiday pay for hours the employees do not work. Nor are they required to pay the statuary holidays during extended mill closures to employees who are not working. There is no reason WEF should be required to front the medical any more than other benifets. It is all under ONE labor contract.
Western employees who for the last month are on strike are not working as a result of their own decision Not that of WEF. The workers are causing financial harm to WEF by curtailing Western production that was not agreed to asked for by WEF.
Western I suggest has every right to stop providing benefits till workers report for work again.
If the Union had a strong position they themselves would challenge it legally. Not hoping some one else will try. Nice to see management standing up. They need to cancel the DIV till it is over protecting the corporate bottom line. Which may also send a message they are gearing up for an extended shutdown in Canadian operations.