Ironworkers Local 721’s site is provided for the education of our members and the greater community on the benefits and opportunities associated with membership in our organization. Our Local is over 3700 members strong and growing. Together we’ve erected some of the most prominent and well known buildings in this city. The CN Tower, Rogers Centre (Skydome), and Toronto City Hall are just a few that make up Toronto’s skyline. We’re proud to represent such a great city and such great members. Local 721 is committed to providing the highest in quality, safety and reliability, and our projects reflect that attitude.
Current News
EPSCA Provincial Ratification Results
The balloting on the EPSCA MOA’s is now complete and the contracts have been ratified.
Results are as follows:
Local 700
Rod yes
IW yes
Local 721
Rod yes
IW yes
Local 736
Rod yes
IW no
Local 759
Rod yes
IW yes
Local 765
Rod yes
IW yes
Local 786
Rod yes
IW yes
Fraternally Yours,
Luiz Barros Fred MacPherson
IW Local 721 President IW Local 721 BM/FST
Apprentice Meeting
The May Apprentice meeting is cancelled.
Apprentices can contact the Apprentice Coordinator, Clinton Knowlton, to submit proof of hours if they are due for the next pay raise.
416-236-4026, ext. 226, or cknowlton@iw721.org
Apprentice Classes
The return date & start dates for all Rodworker & Ironworker Apprentice classes are currently on hold until further notice.
RE: EPSCA Ratification 2020-2025 MOA
Notice to any Ironworker that is/or was working under EPSCA agreement in 2020: Copies of the Ironworker EPSCA MOA (memorandum of agreement) will be available on balloting day or by request to Luiz Barros by email at lbarros@iw721.org. Additionally, please contact any Business Agent or shop steward at Darlington/Pickering for a copy.
Furthermore, no one above the rank of GF can vote on the EPSCA agreement.
Please review the MOA. If a member has any question re: MOA, they can contact Fred MacPherson at fmacpherson721@rogers.com.
In conjunction with the early bargaining (ad hoc opener June 2018-February 1, 2019) and ongoing negotiations with our Power Sector Employer group (EPSCA), (February 1-15, first ratification balloting, February 27th, Provincial rejection) we reached an impasse effective from the week of March 15th and have applied for a conciliation officer with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
We have had further negotiations since then and have arrived at a memorandum of agreement that has been endorsed by the bargaining committee. Our Business Manager is recommending that we accept the memorandum of agreement.
Rejection of the ratification will be considered as such and also as a pro-forma strike vote.
As such, members can review the MOA for 2020-2025 EPSCA in advance and Balloting will be occurring at two separate sites, details provided below, on Monday May 4th, 2020.
All necessary steps will be taken to address the current environment RE: COVID. Hand sanitizer will be provided, pencils will be deposited in garbage can near table after each member votes (or member can take pencil with them), and all members must maintain minimum of 2 metres spacing and leave the area once they’ve voted.
Each site will have a complete membership list indicating membership and current dues status. As such voting members will not require a dues receipt but valid ID to validate them on the membership list for eligibility to vote. Anyone who votes will be marked on potential voters list to prevent anyone from re-voting and to minimize any contact, re: dues slips.
Each balloting station will have the shop steward as a judge of election with two agents to assist.
Balloting Site 1 – At Darlington in the East Darlington Parking Lot at the DEC-Darlington Energy Complex on Monday May 4th, 2020 at 4:30PM- 6:00PM
Balloting Site 2 – At Pickering in the North East Corner at PLC- Pickering Learning Centre on Monday 4th, 2020 at 3:00PM-5:00 PM
Fraternally Yours,
Luiz Barros Fred MacPherson
IW Local 721 President IW Local 721 BM/FST
Day of Mourning
Ironworkers Local 721 honour and recognize those members and workers worldwide who have been injured, or have passed away due to workplace injuries. It is a solemn day, but also a day to focus on our commitment to ensure the prevention of workplace injuries and deaths. Ironworkers also honour the many families and friends who have been deeply affected by these tragedies. Every worker has the right to return home safe and sound at the end of each work day.
2020 Wage Increases-Breakdowns
March 25th, 2020
Dear Local 721 Membership,
RE: 2020 Wage Increases-Breakdowns
On behalf of Fred MacPherson and myself we hope everyone is doing well and acting safely.
A special thanks to all our staff, Officers and the membership for the amazing job everyone is doing representing our Local and the trade during these challenging times.
With all the meeting cancellations and May 1st, 2020 around the corner we have upcoming wage breakdowns that need to be sent out in a timely fashion.
This will allow Employer’s payroll departments and the benefit plan sufficient time to make the necessary changes for May 1st, 2020 for Rods and Residential Ornamental and May 3rd, 2020 for ICI Iron. We have attached the various wage breakdowns for your review.
The breakdowns have been endorsed and recommended by the Local’s Executive Board and Officers.
For Rod’s-effective May 1st, 2020
The wage package is set and was voted on last year with a motion over the term of the contract for max. pension and up to $0.10 for benefits if required with the remainder on wages and vacation pay.
The increased for ROD’s is set at $1.20 for 2020 – the breakdown is as follows – $0.81 on wages, $0.08 on vacation, $0.10 for benefits and $0.21 on pension.
Please see attachment.
Click here for Journey Rodworker
Click here for Apprentice Rodworker
Benefit Improvement – Increase on ODA fee guide to 2020, effective Jan.1st, 2020.
As this is in order with the recommendations and the approved motion we will commence updating our Signatory RODWORKER contractors and the benefit plan by the end of the week.
For ICI -Effective May 3rd, 2020
As it may not be feasible to carry out voting due to time constraints/COVID-19 on the recommendations that came out of the Benefit/Pension meeting we have for transparency reasons posted the recommended proposed breakdowns for ICI Iron.
Please visit our website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts and we invite members to comment electronically or by email to info@iw721.org.
We have put a deadline of April 9th, 2020 for any feedback.
As in previous recommendations that came out of the benefit/pension meeting, across all of our wage breakdowns, for benefit and pension recommendations have always passed with the remainder distributed on wages and vacation pay.
After this period, we will start notifying and updating employers and the benefit plan on April 10th, 2020 based on the officers/executive boards endorsement and pending any feedback from the membership.
The increase in ICI IRON is set at $1.30 for 2020 – the breakdown is as follows – $0.90 on wages, $0.09 on vacation, $0.13 for benefits and $0.18 on pension. Please see attachment.
Click here for Journey ICI Ironworker
Click here for Apprentice ICI Ironworker
This year the welfare plan for benefits requires a total of $0.13 to cover a shortfall in funding and improvements to the plan. The only improvements that where approved, by all locals, were brought forward by Local 721 and will Commence May 1st, 2020.
They are as follows:
1) Increase ODA fee guide to 2020-effective May 1st, 2020
2) Dependent spouse and child life insurance benefit, $10,000 for spouse and $5000 for child-effective May 1st, 2020
The last benefit is very timely and was proposed to help member’s financially through what would be a very difficult time and loss for them. Please note this creates an additional taxable benefit to all members and applies to active members only with listed spouses and children at the benefit plan.
For Residential Ornamental – effective May 1st, 2020
The same info, time lines and benefit/pension improvements as for ICI Iron. The only difference is Effective date and total package increase.
The increase in Residential Ornamental is set at $1.20 for 2020
– breakdown is as follows – $0.81 on wages, $0.08 on vacation, $0.13 for benefits and $0.18 on pension.
Please see attachment.
Click here for Journey Residential Ornamental
Click here for Apprentice Residential Ornamental
Fraternally Yours,
Fred MacPherson
BM/FST IW Local 721
Luiz Barros
President/Business Agent, IW Local 721
Click here for the link of this document.
COVID-19 UDPATE #13
RE: Rodmen Benefit Plan
To download the letter, click here.
Feeling overwhelmed with COVID-19? Our Member Assistance Program (MAP) is here to help!
1-844-880-9142
Workhealthlife.com
Click here fore more information.
COVID-19 UDPATE #12
RE: Union Dues
To download the letter, click here.
COVID-19 UDPATE #11
RE: Benefit Plan
To download the letter, click here.
Feeling overwhelmed with COVID-19? Our Member Assistance Program (MAP) is here to help!
1-844-880-9142
Workhealthlife.com
Click here fore more information.
COVID-19 UDPATE #10
RE: Working At Heights extension
To download the letter, click here.
COVID-19 UDPATE #9
RE: Update letter regarding COVID-19 Ontario Building Trades
To download the letter, click here .
Re: COVID-19 Advisory for construction workplaces in Ontario, click here.
Re: List of essential workplaces, click here.
COVID-19 UDPATE #8
RE: How to apply to EI during COVID-19
To download the letter, click here.
COVID-19 Update #7
re: WSIB’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Click here to download the above in letter format. Click here for the BTWS newsletter.
COVID-19 Update #6
Re: COVID-19 ANSWERS TO EMPLOYER QUESTIONS
FROM THE CANADIAN PAYROLL ASSOCIATION
Click here for the details.
ALL EVENTS, MEETINGS, CLASSES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
(ie. Hockey tournaments, etc)
COVID-19 UDPATE #5
RE: Out-of-Province Emergency Travel Insurance
To download the letter, click here .
COVID-19 UDPATE #4
Re: EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
To download the letter, click here .
COVID-19 UDPATE #3
RE: OUR CORRESPONDENCE DATED MARCH 12, 2020
To download the letter, click here.
COVID-19 UDPATE #2
RE: members of Local 721 and benefit coverage for Out of Country Emergency Medical Insurance Coverage
To download the letter, click here.
COVID-19 UDPATE #1
Re: Message from the President & Business Manager
To download the letter, click here.
COVID-19
March 12, 2020
Local 721 is concerned about the health of our members, their families and the broader community in which we all live and work.
As a result, we urge our members to take reasonable precautions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include things such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing and its symptoms may resemble a cold or the flu.
There are many sources of public health information on COVID-19. We urge you to listen to the advice of public health experts and to follow their directions. As the public health response to this issue may change rapidly, we recommend getting your advice from sources such as the public health website for Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Health website.
If you are concerned that you may have COVID-19 or to have been exposed to it please contact your primary care provider, local public health unit or Telehealth (1-866-797-000).
If you receive direction from your doctor or public health, please comply with it, including any directions to self-isolate/not attend work. If this happens, please inform your employer.
We encourage members in these circumstances to take reasonable precautions to avoid attending work and spreading illness. If you are sick or if you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19 then please inform your employer. If you request sick leave and your employer will not agree to it then please contact Local 721.
It is also possible that your employer may be concerned that you are exhibiting symptoms and ask you to not work even if you feel you are well enough to work. If you receive such a direction please comply with it. If you think the direction was unfair or wrong then please contact Local 721.
In the short-term we ask that members communicate on Local Union issues as much as possible without physical attendance at Local 721’s offices. We are reachable by phone and email and will update our website www.iw721.org as further information becomes available and we ask that you check for updates from us.
Fraternally yours,
Luiz Barros, President
Fred MacPherson, Business Manager/F.S.T
To download the letter and poster, click here.
Membership Meetings:
The March Meeting is CANCELLED.
Location: IronWorkers Local 721 Union Hall. 909 Kipling Avenue. Etobicoke. ON.
Glenn Kimmett Scholarship 2020
It’s that time of year again! If members have children entering their first year of post-secondary education this year, they can apply for a scholarship.
Click here for details and the application form.
EPSCA RESULTS
Please be advised that the Memorandum of Agreement that was recommended by the bargaining committee did not pass the ratification process.
Details of the results were:
Reinforcing Memorandum – 2 locals in favour, four against
Ironworker Memorandum – 1 local in favour, five against.
As such and in accordance with Article 4 of the Council By-laws District Council President will be contacting EPSCA with a notice to bargain later today as the contract is open.
Mental Health Awareness
For more information on Mental Health Awareness, please read the message by Bruce Simpson below:
Dear Members:
The Local has received numerous calls by members about being solicited by phone for a poll. Please be advised that a poll is being conducted on the members and is through the Ironworker Political Department.
All info will remain with the Ironworkers and not with an external poll.
Fraternally yours,
Luiz Barros, President and
Fred MacPherson, Business Manager/ Financial Secretary Treasurer
**IMPORTANT**
ATTENTION:
Please be advised that there will be a special called meeting on
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 6:30pm
Please click here for more information.
Newsletter 2020
Check your mail for the most recent newsletter. Important dates and information enclosed. There is also a special something inside each envelope.
If you do not receive your newsletter in the mail, call Shaila Carter to see if your mailing address is correct. Phone: 416-236-4026, ext. 302, or Email: scarter@iw721.org.
Upcoming Local 721 2020 Schedule & Holidays
Click here to view the 2020 schedule.
Hydro Clearance
Members who are interested in obtaining security clearance for either the Darlington, Pickering Nuclear Generating Station or the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station OPG:
Please contact Scott Draper at the Dispatch office for the paperwork.
His contact is: 416-236-7765.
Email: dispatch721@rogers.com
Dispatch Procedures
Please click here to view the Dispatch Procedures.
Ironworkers were recognized and acknowledged for their years of service at the Pin Party 2019.
Click here to view the photos.
Congratulations to all of our pin recipients!
This year we recognized members who completed 70 years, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 35 and 25 years of service.
Pension & Benefit Plan
If you’d like to contact the Pension & Benefit Plan, call 416-223-0383.
For more information, you can click here. Also, to get help with mental illness, click on this: Brochure_MorneauShepell_MAP
IRON WORKERS LOCAL UNION NO.721
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quality, safety and reliability, and our projects reflect that attitude.
