Prairie Miner

I.B.E.W. Local 2067

On June 10, 2014 IBEW Local 2067 Business Office was informed by Westmoreland Coal at Poplar River Mine that they had performed a long term strategy.  As a result of that strategy Westmoreland acquired an additional loader and made a decision to permanently remove the shovels from service resulting in the displacement of four (4) shovel operators and four (4) shovel oilers.  At the same time they made the decision to make one (1) of the surveyors and one (1) of the rail maintenance positions redundant.  With the transition to a loader operation there is a requirement from the Company to bid four (4) loader positions as per the terms and conditions of the Collective Agreement.  Unfortunately the end result is a loss of six (6) permanent IBEW positions.   

In an effort to minimize the impact on employees, the Company is offering IBEW members, employed at Poplar River Mine, the opportunity to apply for Voluntary Layoff/Early Retirement.  If a member volunteers for a layoff all rights of layoff are waived.  The number eligible for voluntary layoff/early retirement will be based on operational requirements as deemed by the Company.  The Company has requested that those members interested must inform the HR Department by 10:00 am on Friday, June 27, 2014.

On a onetime, non-precedent basis, the Company is offering the following process for voluntary layoff/ early retirement:

 Eligible employees will receive:

• $1,500.00/year of service to a maximum of 24 years.
• The provision under Art. 32.01 ii) and iii) will be waived to allow eligible employees to receive any banked severance they are entitled to.
• Company will consult with the Union regarding chosen applicants.
• Chosen applicants will be required to sign a waiver agreeing to the voluntary layoff/retirement.
• Employees will give up any and all rights pertaining to layoff.

Once the level of voluntary layoff /early retirements are known, and the new loader positions and vacancies posted, if necessary, individual layoff notices will be issued as per Article 11 of the Collective Agreement and notification will be given to the Union as the effective date for layoff.

Should any of our members require layoff other than voluntary separation we will do all we can to assist our members in finding employment through other Employers we have agreements with.

 If there are any additional questions or concerns please contact the IBEW Business Office.

IBEW Local 2067 - 1810 McAra Street, Regina, SK S4N 6C4

352-1433 or 1-800-667-2067 fax 352-1472