Steelworkers also want recognition for mental health improvements at Algoma Steel

NEWS RELEASE
LOCAL UNION 2251
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This press release is in response to the CMHA press release on Sootoday.com.

The press release recognizes Algoma Steel for making mental health and priority. This press release is misleading.

Local Union 2251 tabled negotiation proposal numbered NU 189 during negotiations with the Term Lenders.

NU 189 states:

NU 189

ARTICLE 10 - MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

Article 10.10.10 NEW

Training;

a) Within the first year of the collective agreement, the Employer shall provide employees with a four (4) hour paid training on dealing with Mental Illnesses in the Workplace. Training provider has to be agreed to by the parties.

Recognition, Awareness & Return To Work;

b) The parties recognize that mental health issues are known to be a major cause of disability and other problems in Canadian workplaces. The Employer is aware of the existence of voluntary standards for the promotion of good mental health in the workplace, which have been produced by the Canadian Standards Association and endorsed by Health Canada.

The Employer agrees that discussion concerning measures to move towards the attainment of such standards is a suitable topic for dialogue at the Labour-Management meetings held in accordance with Article 10.10.10.

The Employer recognizes that the return to work of persons who have been disabled due to mental health issues is a desirable goal. Where possible without incurring undue hardship, the Employer will facilitate the return to work of such persons by adopting measures, where medically indicated, such as graduated return to work

Discussions during negotiations resulted in the commitment to create a new Article in the Collective Agreement. In point of fact, there were a number of proposals and counter proposals, which ultimately resulted in 2 hours of initial training on Mental Health issues, with one hour refreshers annually.

The proposed new Article in the Memorandum of Settlement signed between the parties on June 15, 2018 states:

NU 189

Article 10.10.10 NEW

The parties agree that the company will provide 2 hours of training on mental health issues in the workplace to all employees at a departmental offsite in 2018. Thereafter, the company will offer a 1-hour refresher annually.

Article 10.10.10 of the new Collective Agreement states:

10.10.10 The parties agree that the company will provide 2 hours of training on mental health issues in the workplace to all employees at a departmental offsite in 2018. Thereafter, the company will offer a 1-hour refresher annually.

In conclusion, recognizing mental health issues was a steelworker initiative. The commitment to train all employees was achieved at Algoma Steel by Local 2251 members through negotiations.

The CMHA should be recognizing the membership of Local 2251 as Algoma Steel is required to provide the training as committed to in the Collective Agreement.

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