ASI

[GRUMPY]

I wonder how many retirees will jump at this? It's not as if they owe the union anything after how they sold the retirees out.

From Sault This Week:

A decision by Algoma Steel Inc. to hire an outside agency "to maintain its assets" in the event of a work stoppage has provoked an angry response from the United Steel Workers executive.

Brenda Stenta, manager corporate communications for ASI, acknowledged Friday the company had hired an agency to seek the necessary workers as part of its "contingency plan" should contract negotiations, underway in Toronto, fail.

Stenta added that it was a "common practice" used by the company "each time we enter into labour negotiations", including in 2004 when an eleventh hour settlement averted possible strike action. "You can't shut this whole asset down or you won't have an asset to come back to," she said.

Stenta stressed management had no intention of running the steel mill. She suggested ASI would need "about 40 or 50 people" to protect its assets.

But Mike Da Prat, president of Local 2251, said from Toronto Monday the contingency plan was kept secret from both the USW executive and ASI workers despite management promises of "full, true and plain disclosure" during negotiations.

The discovery of an advertisement that appeared July 4 in the Toronto Sun under the heading: "Temporary Full-Time Positions Available" by a USW member led to further inquiries by the Union.

The ad goes on to target a variety of tradesmen including mechanical maintenance technicians, welders, and cokemaking operators. As incentive, the ad offered, "Up to $3,250 Cdn. per week with OT" and "accommodations, meal allowance and travel paid". Da Prat said it was only by accident that the Union learned what the USW believes is a company plan to hire replacement workers during current contract talks. "We were not aware [they were advertising in 2004] anymore than we were aware they were doing it now," Da Prat said. "What happened was some individual discovered it by accident. We had someone call down and we we're told only this: that it was a place in Northern Ontario that was eight hours away from London, Ontario. They had coke ovens and they needed coke oven experience, and their contract was up on July 31."

After hearing about the Toronto Sun ad, Sault This Week attempted to get a response for more information using the email address included in the classified, but were unsuccessful as of deadline.

STW then contacted the manager of corporate communications for ASI Friday and asked if the July 4 ad for replacement workers was on behalf of Algoma. While Stenta acknowledged that the company had hired an agency to "assist with contingency planning", she said she had no knowledge how that agency had proceeded. "I don't know where the agency has advertised," Stenta said. "I believe they have advertised in a variety of different places. I'm not privy to their strategy."

She added, "It is always our preference that we be able to use our own people to maintain the assets while people were off work. We made that request to both locals again this year and they have not yet responded."

Da Prat countered, "[ASI] talked to us informally about asset integrity and we told them we had to check and would get back. And their request to 2251 was for way more than forty to fifty people. It was upwards of 300."

Da Prat said the Union was prepared to act responsibly to make sure the company's assets are maintained, but suggested there is more than one way to do so. He said that in 2004 they had made a "comprehensive proposal" to protect assets, but prevent any discipline of workers if they refused direct orders that conflicted with their support of "brothers and sisters" on the picket line. The company did not accept the Union proposal.

Equally disturbing to Da Prat, however, is a promise delivered in a letter to employees on July 5 from ASI president/CEO Denis Turcotte, the day after the Toronto Sun replacement worker advertisement. Turcotte wrote: "Since emerging from CCAA, the Company has committed to a communications standard of 'full, true and plain disclosure'... Regardless of the sensitivities and occasional conflict it creates, we believe that all employees want and need to get the straight facts about issues that affect their lives at work."

The three-page letter concluded, "We will make sure that 'misinformation' is corrected and any selective disclosure is rectified." At no point does Turcotte's letter mention the company's contingency plan in the event of a strike.

Da Prat said, "They're upset that we suggested that they weren't being [open and truthful]. I suggest that someone take a look on Google what 'full, true and plain disclosure' really means. We've exchanged emails now, but no one told me they were establishing a contingency plan."

In a follow-up email received Monday, Stenta wrote the company would prefer to use its own personnel should it become necessary to protect assets.

But in the absence of an agreement with the Union and only 129 non-Union employees, she said ASI hired the Agency to protect its assets in the "unlikely event" of a work stoppage.

"Algoma Steel is not running ads nor are we hiring anyone other than an Agency that will assist in maintaining the assets," she concluded.

Sault MP Tony Martin said Sunday that he was not aware of an ASI contingency plan. He said that if the company were, in fact, seeking replacement workers in the event of a work stoppage, he would be disappointed. "This doesn't speak of the kind of corporate responsibility that Algoma Steel has stood for," Martin said. "I think this sends out the wrong message at a time when a new company is trying to gain the confidence of its workers."

Martin expressed concern about a trend in Canada where workers work longer and harder for less, while top managers make more and work less.

"In the framework we have now, there is no legislation to stop a company from bringing in replacement workers, or scabs, or whatever you want to call them. It sets up a confrontation all by itself because the company does have to legally protect its assets. In the past, they used management to protect those assets," he said.

[WingNut]

Wow, Thats big bucks per week. For a 40hr week that works out to $81.25 per hr.++

[GRUMPY]

Its got to equal at least well over $100 per hour counting OT and all the extras, one way to make up for the cost of living. I honestly don't think that they'll have to hard a time getting retired tradesmen to go in, after all its not as if they were in good standing with the union anyways. I always considered myself a good union man but then that was back in the old days when 2251 was a real union and not what it is now. Its a good thing that the guys who worked so hard to get it up and running are no longer around or they'd be in tears.

[Macs II]

Union is doomed

[b&aMom]

The ad targeted tradesmen. Tradesmen they have already been trying to hire. There's a severe shortage of tradesmen in this country right now, due to a lack of companies taking on apprentices, or the governments setting up the classes. (I know this because my husband has waited 4 years for one trade's courses to begin.) I think they would have quite a difficult time finding these trained people, unless they plan on kidnapping them from Alberta or BC. There's a labour shortage out there. Bring them in from out of country? Can't imagine immigration could possibly work that fast to bring in temp work visas. So, I don't think the union is doomed...not on this point, at least. LOL

DH is a relatively new hire at ASI. I can't believe the stuff he's bringing home from the rumour mill over the last few months. Most of it is laughable, with the slightest hint of fact in a big ball of fearful speculation. Most of the rumours he's heard over the last few months have a grain of fact, based on this article. But most of each rumour is pure fiction.

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: b&aMom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The ad targeted tradesmen. Tradesmen they have already been trying to hire. There's a severe shortage of tradesmen in this country right now, due to a lack of companies taking on apprentices, or the governments setting up the classes. (I know this because my husband has waited 4 years for one trade's courses to begin.) I think they would have quite a difficult time finding these trained people, unless they plan on kidnapping them from Alberta or BC. There's a labour shortage out there. Bring them in from out of country? Can't imagine immigration could possibly work that fast to bring in temp work visas. So, I don't think the union is doomed...not on this point, at least. LOL

DH is a relatively new hire at ASI. I can't believe the stuff he's bringing home from the rumour mill over the last few months. Most of it is laughable, with the slightest hint of fact in a big ball of fearful speculation. Most of the rumours he's heard over the last few months have a grain of fact, based on this article. But most of each rumour is pure fiction. </div></div>

ASI missed the boat on tradesmen years ago, they knew they had an aging work force and chose to sit on their butts and do nothing about it. Over the last few years they had a lot of tradesmen retire, then was the time to hire younger people and train them or give them the chance to have a trades apprenticeship, they never did this!

[b&aMom]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wing Nut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ASI missed the boat on tradesmen years ago, they knew they had an aging work force and chose to sit on their butts and do nothing about it. </div></div>

Wing Nut, from what I've seen here, in southern Ontario, and in BC, this is not solely an ASI attitude. Business across the country, and government as well, have ignored this bursting bubble of skilled employees. For years they've talked of the ramifications of the retirement of the boom generation, but they ALL have done little to cushion for it.

[WingNut]

Thanks for the info b&aMom, I thought it was just the ASI team that caused this locally. I figured with the boom out in Alberta, most of the trades-people would be out there.

[GRUMPY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: b&aMom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think they would have quite a difficult time finding these trained people, unless they plan on kidnapping them from Alberta or BC. </div></div>

Not at all as there are quite a few retired tradesmen here in the Soo from Algoma who know the job and the work area. Also the union has written them off now that they've retired because they can't get any dues out of them. I personally know some that would/will go in just out of spite not to mention the money. If and when they do the union has no one to blame but themselves for this turn of events. Once there was a time where unions protected their retires now this union treats them like thrash .

[DogsRule]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: b&aMom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think they would have quite a difficult time finding these trained people, unless they plan on kidnapping them from Alberta or BC. There's a labour shortage out there. </div></div>

There isnt a labour shortage in Alberta, there is a housing shortage.

And, it is VERY hard to get an apprenticeship in Alberta too. No one will hire noobs.

[bohd]

where will asi get tradespeople...INDIA!!i think manpower shortages will be the least of ESSARS worries...

[GRUMPY]

Correct despite the misconceptions about it they have a good tradesmen over there. I think there is about to be a giant shake up at Algoma. For years USWA has been able to get by here with a Micky Mouse operation and how that theres a new player in the game they are totally out classed. I honestly feel for the union members there who have been paying dues all these years for nothing.

[GRUMPY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DogsRule</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


And, it is VERY hard to get an apprenticeship in Alberta too. No one will hire noobs. </div></div>

Depends how you go about it, theres a college in Calgary (sorry but I can't recall the name) that deals with trades and apprenticeships and who's students are snapped up in a heartbeat.

[kodak57]

The tradesmen/women i think will be needed to finish the blast furnace,asi seem to be worried it wont be finished before a strike deadline,most if not all workers on sight now are members of various unions,either way it will be interesting the closer we get to aug 1.

[kim gagnon]

the soo will be the new INDIA, local people won't have a chance.

[GRUMPY]

I was in there a week ago with outside contractors and all I can say is there isn't enough money in the world to get me to work with those jokers who are working on it now as it's just a matter of time sadly before somebody gets killed.Most are young guys whom just got their papers and know everything worst of the bunch are some of the welders, don't change the settings on their machines because they'll never be able to reset them.

[GRUMPY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: harley girl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the soo will be the new INDIA, local people won't have a chance. </div></div>

True, now they'll have to apply themselves. If they don't want to go to school or get a trade they will end up getting the low paying jobs while all the higher paying jobs will go to those who deserve them.

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: harley girl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the soo will be the new INDIA, local people won't have a chance. </div></div>

This could very well be true. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens with their new contract talks......Hope everything works out ok for them. I really feel sorry for the young people just starting out that got hired in the last 1-10 yrs.

[GRUMPY]

Actually it might be good to break up the old boy network among the foremen, now you might actually have to know something instead of someone or be in the right family.

[Ultra54]

If they do get guys to come from India so be it.Algoma and the Soo had a major influx of Italians in the 50's. A posting for a welding apprenticeship just came up yesterday. They are looking for 10 guys, one of which I hope is me.

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If they do get guys to come from India so be it.Algoma and the Soo had a major influx of Italians in the 50's. A posting for a welding apprenticeship just came up yesterday. They are looking for 10 guys, one of which I hope is me. </div></div>

Ultra- Usually when a posting like this comes up, the jobs usually goes to the managements kids first, which is very unfair. I hope you have some kind of drag there. Anyways best of luck, hope you get it.

[pylus]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: harley girl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the soo will be the new INDIA, local people won't have a chance. </div></div>

Maybe we will learn something that we taught them...

"The ten most important Indians are the education ministers of the country's ten largest states. The next ten are the secretaries to these ministers."

"For every student China sends to university, India sends six"

http://www.theglobalist.com/DBWeb/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=2195

It appears for years we have been saying how much money we make and obviously the future wasn't thought of enough. No trades people so many parts of our economy are saying? Well duh, they don't grow on trees.

Not saying these guys will be any better in this department, but they sure as hell can't be worse.

[DogsRule]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grumpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DogsRule</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


And, it is VERY hard to get an apprenticeship in Alberta too. No one will hire noobs. </div></div>

Depends how you go about it, theres a college in Calgary (sorry but I can't recall the name) that deals with trades and apprenticeships and who's students are snapped up in a heartbeat. </div></div>

Yup and with 99% of the schools in Alberta, you need to be EMPLOYED PRIOR TO getting in the course, so this being said, you first need to find someone to hire you, THEN take the course, THEN get a job with them.

[DogsRule]

What they have to do first is show the gov't that they've tried to hire locals and no one is available, so then they can import. Would not suprise me though if they brought in ppl from Argentina like the Tube Mill.

[V Code]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wing Nut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, Thats big bucks per week. For a 40hr week that works out to $81.25 per hr.++ </div></div>

uhhh it says ""Up to $3,250 Cdn. per week with OT" and "accommodations, meal allowance and travel paid""

meaning that that amount is probably a maximum WITH all that included, not what they will make in a 40 hour week

[b&aMom]

Yeah, it looks like a temp work permit for someone from India is a total of $700 Cdn. Wait time, I think, is 2 - 6 weeks to receive it. HRDC (local office) must see that " the employment opportunities of Canadian citizens and residents would not be adversely affected", per the immigration website. Wonder how that would work out in event of a strike?

Can't imagine where any incoming would live, though. The vacancy rate is already exceptionally low.

[Ultra54]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ultra- Usually when a posting like this comes up, the jobs usually goes to the managements kids first, which is very unfair. </div></div>
I'm not aware of any such policy. Where do you get this from?

[tippikitty]

Good luck Ultra!

[pylus]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ultra- Usually when a posting like this comes up, the jobs usually goes to the managements kids first, which is very unfair. </div></div>
I'm not aware of any such policy. Where do you get this from? </div></div>

I sure hope you are being sarcastic. Maybe call it practice, [censored] policies.

[GRUMPY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ultra- Usually when a posting like this comes up, the jobs usually goes to the managements kids first, which is very unfair. </div></div>
I'm not aware of any such policy. Where do you get this from? </div></div>

Sad to say its true or at least it was true to some extent. He gets it from having worked in there for 30 tears. As for yourself I wish you the best of luck and here is a hint for you that will save you a lot of grief in the future if you do get it, pay attention to the guys you are working with. Yes you are the welder and they might "only" be the mechanic however odds are they've done the job numerous times and know the short cuts. So you'll have the choice to work all shift and do it your way or work a couple of hours and do it right.

[tippikitty]

So then what do you do with the rest of the shift?

[GRUMPY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DogsRule</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grumpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DogsRule</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


And, it is VERY hard to get an apprenticeship in Alberta too. No one will hire noobs. </div></div>

Depends how you go about it, theres a college in Calgary (sorry but I can't recall the name) that deals with trades and apprenticeships and who's students are snapped up in a heartbeat. </div></div>

Sorry but no,my nephew was working in the summer on road construction then went to school for air-conditioning AFTER the first session in school he got an apprenticeship with a company in Calgary.

Yup and with 99% of the schools in Alberta, you need to be EMPLOYED PRIOR TO getting in the course, so this being said, you first need to find someone to hire you, THEN take the course, THEN get a job with them. </div></div>

[GRUMPY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: *~TippiKitty~*</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So then what do you do with the rest of the shift? </div></div>

Whatever they tell you.

[tippikitty]

Oh I thought that maybe since you got done faster you were able to slack off the rest of the shift.

[pylus]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: *~TippiKitty~*</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh I thought that maybe since you got done faster you were able to slack off the rest of the shift. </div></div>

For sure, grumpy's answer sounds like they are thying to take all of the fun out of the job.

[GRUMPY]

No fun in a job where somebody is too pigheaded to take advise. Don't know how it is now but it used to be that you'd get a couple of jobs ,so if the first one doesn't go right you end up getting screwed.

[pylus]

Got a good story about a mechanic who just got outta mechanics school, their only mechanical experience, but it is much to close to home to tell. Yea, I know what you're talking about.

[GRUMPY]

When I was on my pipefitter apprenticeship at Algoma an old fitter gave me some advice that I always listened to and it helped me on numerous occasions. It was very simple, if anyone is kind enough to offer any advise out of the kindness of their heart hear them out and then decide if its worth following or not. Some of the most mechanically gifted people I ever met at ASI worked on production. When I finished up in the Slab cast maintenance shop there were a few who thought that because they were millwrights the sun shone out their butts and would never lower themselves to take advice from any living person. Needless to say their clock numbers all started with an 8 and all wore their hats on backwards so they were easy to spot.

[Ultra54]

I,m not exactly a young pup at 43. I always listen to my elders and take into account what they say. I also worked in the fitter welder field for 5 years, 1989-1994. I went to apply for the posting and I couldn't believe it. The guy at the desk says where is your updated resume...lol? I said that it's the same resume I submitted to get into here 3 years ago and the only change is that I would make is to put that I worked in ASC for 3 years now. So now I have to dig out all the crap that took me weeks to find 3 years ago and resubmit it. The posting only mentions that a grade 12 is required, and since it is an apprenticeship you wouldn't already have the tickets, which I did, yet they expired many years ago. I found this part frustrating.

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kr0n0s</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wing Nut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, Thats big bucks per week. For a 40hr week that works out to $81.25 per hr.++ </div></div>

uhhh it says ""Up to $3,250 Cdn. per week with OT" and "accommodations, meal allowance and travel paid""

meaning that that amount is probably a maximum WITH all that included, not what they will make in a 40 hour week </div></div>

Uhhh so sorry Kronos, still big bucks for a week worked! I was reading the article too fast.

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ultra- Usually when a posting like this comes up, the jobs usually goes to the managements kids first, which is very unfair. </div></div>
I'm not aware of any such policy. Where do you get this from? </div></div>

From 30+ years there, Ultra!

[kim gagnon]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grumpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I was on my pipefitter apprenticeship at Algoma an old fitter gave me some advice that I always listened to and it helped me on numerous occasions. It was very simple, if anyone is kind enough to offer any advise out of the kindness of their heart hear them out and then decide if its worth following or not. Some of the most mechanically gifted people I ever met at ASI worked on production. When I finished up in the Slab cast maintenance shop there were a few who thought that because they were millwrights the sun shone out their butts and would never lower themselves to take advice from any living person. Needless to say their clock numbers all started with an 8 and all wore their hats on backwards so they were easy to spot. </div></div>
my ex was is a millwright, you are so right !!!!!

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ultra- Usually when a posting like this comes up, the jobs usually goes to the managements kids first, which is very unfair. </div></div>
I'm not aware of any such policy. Where do you get this from? </div></div>

Ultra, this is not a written rule/policy, just keep your eyes open and you will see how things work!

[Ultra54]

The part that pisses me of is they want this stupid resume of mine, which hasn't changed since I was hired when all along your qualifications don't count anyway as you say its who you know. Jeesus, I've worked there for 3 years and haven't missed a shift and have 5 years experience in welding/fitting and I have to drop off a resume.....ridiculous.

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The part that pisses me of is they want this stupid resume of mine, which hasn't changed since I was hired when all along your qualifications don't count anyway as you say its who you know. Jeesus, I've worked there for 3 years and haven't missed a shift and have 5 years experience in welding/fitting and I have to drop off a resume.....ridiculous. </div></div>

Ya, I know what you mean. It doesn't make sense, your not a new hire. Some of the practices there makes you want to roll your eyes.Put your new resume' in and keep bugging them at employment.
Good Luck! Hope you get it.

[The 6th Member Of AC/DC]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: b&aMom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The ad targeted tradesmen. Tradesmen they have already been trying to hire. There's a severe shortage of tradesmen in this country right now, due to a lack of companies taking on apprentices, or the governments setting up the classes. (I know this because my husband has waited 4 years for one trade's courses to begin.) I think they would have quite a difficult time finding these trained people, unless they plan on kidnapping them from Alberta or BC. There's a labour shortage out there. Bring them in from out of country? Can't imagine immigration could possibly work that fast to bring in temp work visas. So, I don't think the union is doomed...not on this point, at least. LOL

DH is a relatively new hire at ASI. I can't believe the stuff he's bringing home from the rumour mill over the last few months. Most of it is laughable, with the slightest hint of fact in a big ball of fearful speculation. Most of the rumours he's heard over the last few months have a grain of fact, based on this article. But most of each rumour is pure fiction. </div></div>

The ad also targeted 2251 jobs consisting of battery workers, heaters and by product personnel. All of these positions are deemed essential to charge the ovens with coal to produce coke and to monitor and control the gas flow and the byproducts that arise from the coke oven gas. They are advertising for scabs...

[GRUMPY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Jeesus, I've worked there for 3 years and haven't missed a shift and have 5 years experience in welding/fitting and I have to drop off a resume.....ridiculous. </div></div>

Not bragging but in 30 years I missed 2 shifts once I was sick and the other I had to put my dog down.

[Madmax]

I thought it mean't outside of our town grumpy?

[kodak57]

like always,or ever since the start of 2724 arrangements have been made to have the 2 unions, man the assets that need to be kept running ie....coke ovens and maybe lime plant im not sure about that one.Lets hope well we know its not the new owners its the old management that are bargaining right now...In essars logo it has attitude,we'll see.

[Ultra54]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not bragging but in 30 years I missed 2 shifts once I was sick and the other I had to put my dog down. </div></div> Thats is something to brag about.There is not 1 day that goes by on our line that someone isn't booking off. Truthfully there might be 5-6 guys doing it constantly. For what ever reason, the company doesn't seem to mind though.

[GRUMPY]

I know what you mean the guy I worked with seemed to be off more than he was there, Monday and Fridays seemed to be his favorite. The only good thing was that he never abused the sick days.

[WingNut]

?????????????????????

[The 6th Member Of AC/DC]

Ahhh the first shift/last shift book off special eh

[WingNut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grumpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know what you mean the guy I worked with seemed to be off more than he was there, Monday and Fridays seemed to be his favorite. The only good thing was that he never abused the sick days. </div></div>

This sounds like the movie "Freaky Fridays"

[DogsRule]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grumpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DogsRule</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grumpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DogsRule</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


And, it is VERY hard to get an apprenticeship in Alberta too. No one will hire noobs. </div></div>

Depends how you go about it, theres a college in Calgary (sorry but I can't recall the name) that deals with trades and apprenticeships and who's students are snapped up in a heartbeat. </div></div>

Sorry but no,my nephew was working in the summer on road construction then went to school for air-conditioning AFTER the first session in school he got an apprenticeship with a company in Calgary.

Yup and with 99% of the schools in Alberta, you need to be EMPLOYED PRIOR TO getting in the course, so this being said, you first need to find someone to hire you, THEN take the course, THEN get a job with them. </div></div> </div></div>

Good for him, but I am TELLING You, that is how it is at this current time. I'd think I'd know a bit more considering I've investigated this recently and this is what *I* was told from the schools.

Want copies of their e-mail replies???

[gerry-rig]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultra54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The part that pisses me of is they want this stupid resume of mine, which hasn't changed since I was hired when all along your qualifications don't count anyway as you say its who you know. Jeesus, I've worked there for 3 years and haven't missed a shift and have 5 years experience in welding/fitting and I have to drop off a resume.....ridiculous. </div></div>

Without updated resumes how else will H.R. be able to narrow the applicant field.


Grumpy will appreciate this story. I started my apprenticeship with Algoma in 1981 finished in 1987 wrote my exam and got my interprovincial ticket. When the new tube mill project and other construction project initiatives were completed, Algoma decided it was best to lay off tradesmen from our department including myself. Pink slips went out and I was back to working for Walker and kickstone. 2 weeks after my layoff there were postings out in looking for maintenance personnel in the trade I was licensed in. My ticket covered construction and maintenance. I applied they denied telling me that because I belonged in Construction they would not look at any of us. Remember this is the company that trained us and now they were telling us that your good enough in one department but not in the other even though you are an interprovincially licensed tradesmen.

Ironically, the a$$hole maintenance superintendant that made that desicion is now second or third from the top just under Turcotte. But wait the story gets better. That a$$hole maintenance superintendent then decides to fill the maintenance positions with Sault College technician graduates instead of their own experienced tradesmen. Nice. Wait it gets even better.

1 month later Algoma posts an add looking for apprentices in the machine shop completely different trade than the license I have . I decide I will apply, what have I got to lose even though this trade does not interest me at all. They interview me, a week later they call me to say I got the new apprenticeship. I decide what the heck if these a$$holes are stupid enough to offer me another apprenticeship in a totally different field than the one I have just successfully completed with them then they deserve a good lesson. I take the apprenticeship, and continue to apply outside for my trade job.

As luck has it 2 months later I land the job I have now in my trade with the utility and tell them to shove their machinist job up there a$$. In the end it was sweet revenge and I have never looked back. Although at the time I hated everything Algoma stood for, if it was not for their mismanagement I wouldn't have found myself enjoying a career with an excellent employer.

[GRUMPY]

Not arguing with you just telling you what my nephew was doing this year, as in today. I think that the name has "tech" in it ,I'd have to check with him. What I'm saying is that if a person can get into the school part first it might help to get the job later as this would show the companies that you have initiative but better yet thats one time that they wouldn't have to send you.

[WingNut]

Ironically, the a$$hole maintenance superintendant that made that desicion is now second or third from the top just under Turcotte.



HE_HE_HE- I know who you are talking about, isn't he a real prize!

[GRUMPY]

Ya, if his brain was on fire I wouldn't even piss in his ear.

[gerry-rig]

Ironically I think the a$$hole is in hotwater. Apparently he awarded some contracts to a company that he has part ownership in. Hope they fire his greasy a$$.

[GRUMPY]

Thats always been the trouble there.

[Andre]

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f308/Andrjohson/Pics4/lookatyourmill.jpg

[riggs]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gerry-rig</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ironically I think the a$$hole is in hotwater. Apparently he awarded some contracts to a company that he has part ownership in. Hope they fire his greasy a$$. </div></div>

You'd be surprised how well these events/contracts are hidden, well maybe on the other hand you wouldn't.

Accountability applies to some and not all.

[tippikitty]

Andre your too funny!!!!!