Posted: May 6, 2009

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

I’m sending out this note first to inform you that the Company had taken off Union Dues one time too many off our last pay check. While I was checking to make sure that FNI had remitted all the money that was owed to the Union I noticed this and it took awhile to sort it out and get you a check for what was owing to you.

This letter should of went out with the check but do to miscommunications its just coming now sorry.

The second thing that I’d like to say is that many members have contacted me with info that they have heard of contractors coming on site to the mine and doing all sorts of work and or going to do work such as extend the ramp down before we go back to work.

I have not been able to find any evidence of this to date.

The Company can’t hire Contractors to come in and do any work that we would normally do while any of us are on layoff.

If any one gets any info of any sort do not hesitate to contact me asap with what you have. If you have a computer drop me an e-mail at texas@cyberbeach.net or phone me at 869-3272 with what you have. Try to get as many names and dates and all the info that you can and the Union will follow up on this information.

I’ve not heard any tentative start back date yet from the Company but so soon as I do I will try and inform all.

We have our Regular Election coming up for all the Local 598 Units other than ours (because we are on layoff it will happen on the job site when we return to work).

All of the FNI employee’s that belong to the CAW that are still on “layoff” (have not quit the company) are entitled to vote for several people in the upcoming election.

Please cast you ballot if you can make it to the hall your voice does count.

Here are the positions that we can vote for and who is running.

Thanks very much,
In Solidarity Texas MacDonald Unit Chair FNI Local 598

Ballot #1
MINE MILL LOCAL 598/CAW
All Units and Pensioners can vote for

President: (vote for one) (1)
Harper, Dwight
McCormick, Terry
Paquin, Richard

Vice President: (vote for one) (1)
Lamothe, Gord
MacInnis, Anne Marie
Schiafone, Sam
Stewart, Dave

Sergeant At Arms: (vote for one) (1)
Brown, Nicole
MacDonald, Texas

Guide: (vote for one) (1)
Chartrand,”Felix” Denis
Varey, Carol

DATES TO CAST YOUR BALLOT
ADVANCE POLL AT THE HALL
May 6th, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
*If run-off voting required:
May 20th, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

REGULAR POLL AT THE HALL
Monday May 11th to Friday May 15th
9a.m. to 5p.m.
*If run-off voting required:
Monday May 25 to Friday May 29th at the same times!