HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1982-06-02, Page 1Y
Champion employees accept wa
In an effort to make the company more competitive
in the world grader market, management and
unionized employees of Champion Road Machinery
Limited have agreed to a 10 per cent reduction in
wages effective June 1.
Executive vice-president, Iain Bain, said
managment made a commitment to the reduction
last week and office and union staff followed sub-
sequent to an address by chairman and chief
executive officer of'the Champion group, Bruce Sully,
Thursday. _ The wage reductions begin June 1 and will remain
n-effect..forte.,-s9_z_c ttnper d,_l uring_that__time all.
wages and salaries will be frozen, there will be no
staff increases and overtime will be reduced. '
The company has an annual payroll of about $20
million and the concessions agreed to by employees
€.,t.e1.
SI
wau ,caaue Ali sav Lugs ua is a„ua,ua, LH the next six
months. Champion's fiscal year ends July 31 and
company officials will review the effects of the wage
reductions on the company's position in the market at
the end of November Bain said.
Aside fromthe wage reductions, employees have
agreed to make vacation bonus available to the
company this year. Bain said the bonus money will be
made available to the company and if it is needed
employees, would receive double the amount next
year.
The company has also made three separate ap-
plications to participate in the work sharing program
offered -by- Faraployment -and immigration -Canada-
The program is designed to reduce the work week
while keeping the labor force of a company intact.
The program runs from six to a maximum 26 weeks
and the company enjoys the flexibility of reducing the
work week by one to three days. Employees par-
ticipating in the program are eligible to receive
unemployment insurance benefits for the days not
worked. A spokesman at the London office of
Employment and Immigration Canada said the daily
rate paid to employees is established on the last 20
weeks of work. To be eligible an employee must have
worked at least 20 weeks in the past year.
Eligibility for the program dictates that the
company must have been in operation for more than
three years and is in no great financial difficutly.
"The program is not designed simply to delay the
inevitability of-la}ol fs the-spokesnam said.
Applications for the program have been flooding`
into the London office and it takes as long as six -
weeks to secure approval.
e cuts
Underlining the severe enecea ua ~ uulation, high
interest rates and the general economic downturn
upon the grader industry, Mr. Sully outlined the
necessity for cost savings to ensure competitive
bidding in a seriously depressed grader market
around the world.
The wage reductions will put Champion in a more
competitive situation in the market, Bain said, ad-
ding that it will supply the company with the op-
portunity to lower the selling price of its graders. He
indicated that while the market is depressed, other
countries have introduced lower priced products and
potential buyers are simply delaying the major ex-
penditure.
xp nditure.
Don Goddard, `president of Local 1863 of the
International Association of Machinists and
Aerospace Workers Union, would not comment on the
concessions.claiming there could be changes.
SIAL—STAR
134 YEAR -22
GODERICH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2,1982
50 CENTS PER COPY
Mr. Huang Renquan, department director for the
Chinese Ministry for Economic Relations and Trade
toured the Champion plant in conjunction with a
nationwide tour of several large Canadian com-
panics. Accompanying Requan was Chinese
Embassy representative, Chang Hsueh-Wu, Ministry
officials, Zhang Guochen, Yang Haim*Fong
Junslan, Shi Jianxin. Also on the tour was Secretary
of State representative, Dr. D. Duval and
representatives for External Affairs, Roger Beare
and Teresa Gervais Representing Champion was
Chinese
delegates
tour grader
plant here
BY KRIS SVEW
Champion Road Machinery was once again the
focus of international attention this week with the
visit of the Department Dirctor for the Chinese
Ministry for Economic Relations and Trade, Mr.
Huang Renquan. The minister together with
representatives for the Chinese embassy, Secretary
of State and External Affairs toured the facilities as
part of a nationwide tour sponsored by External
Affairs in Ottawa.
According to Champion spokesman, Don Longwell,
the group is visiting a series of industries across
Canada. '
"They just arrived from Cambridge where they
were touring a number of large farms and are now on
their way to Vancouver to tour the MacMillan-
- Bloedel company," he said.
The group was impressed with the operation of the
facilities and the hospitality they were shown here, •
"
he added.
Longwell acknowledged that the visit will not result
in any contracts because it was primarily designed to
increase co-operation between Chinese and Canadian
businesses_
Any contracts are negotiated with a different
branch of the Chinese government," he said.
Longwell explained that the reason Champion was
picked as part of the tour is because of its in-
volvement in other joint Canadian and Chinese
projects.
The group will continue its nationwide tour before
attending a Trade Conference in Ottawa later this
Don Longwell and Wayne Kennedy. month.
Town loses one trustee on board of education
BY STEPHANIE LEVESQUE
GODERICH - Seven municipalities will be affected
by changes to the school electoral districts made by
Huron County Council.
At its May 27 meeting, council made changes affec-
ting the number of trustees representing seven
municipalities. The total number of trustees sitting
on the Huron Board of Education remains at 16.
The changes, based on assessment, take one
trustee away from Goderich, leaving it with one
trustee,' giving one more trustee to the combined
Municipalities of Seaforth, McKillop and Hullett
Townships and splitting the formerly combined
municipalities of Stephen Township, Exeter and
Usborne Township. Now, these three municipalities
have two representatives on the board of education,
but Stephen is on its own with one representative and
Exeter and Usborne have one between them.
The changes were approvedby a vote of 24 to 5,
with two motions to table the matter for a month be-
ing defeated. Goderich Deputy Reeve' Robert Allen
made the motions and they were seconded by
Goderich Reeve Don Wheeler.
Reeve Wheeler said the changes have a "great
many ramifications" and he wanted some questions
answered. Deputy Reeve Allen said he was "a little
disturbed" with his colleagues for not agreeing to
table the motion for a month.
"One month doesn't change anything ... I'll refrain
from voting," said Deputy Reeve Allen.
"I'm to assume from the administrator's remarks
that representation is by assessment rather than by
population, I'm opposed to that particular view,"
said Reeve Wheeler. "I'll not refrain from voting, 111
vote against it." .
Charges against Domtar,
supervisors to be heard in fall
Charges against Domtar Incorporated and three of
its supervisors will be heard in provincial court later
this year.
The company and three employees face a total of
nine charges under the Occupational Health and
Safety Act. The charges were laid by the Ontario
Ministry of Labour following the deaths of two mine
employees, Stephen Palmer,23, and 'Gordon Powell,
24, in November 1981.
The charges were scheduled to be heard in
Provincial Court here Monday but they will now be
spoken to on two different dates. The charges against
Dotntar and supervisors Berend Kalkman and
William Lawson, laid in connection with the Palmer
death will be heard in court September 15. The other
charges against the company, Lawson and super-
visor Kenneth Duncan, in connection with the Powell
death, will be heard October 12.
The company faces a total of five charges and the
supervisors three charges in connection with the two
deaths.
Palmer died November 9 when he became trapped
between a conveyor belt and a metal chute while
working alone, clearing salt from the conveyor belt in
the mine.
Powell died November 27 when the truck he was
driving plunged 18 feet into a salt pit, crushing the
cab. Powell was operating the vehicle in reverse and
was working alone as he attempted to dump a load of
salt into the pit.
Domtar has been charged in both deaths, as em-
ployer at the mine, with failing to ensure that
equipment, materials and protective devices were
provided and two charges of failing to ensure as an
employer that the measures and procedures as set
out in the provincial regulations are followed. The
company also faces a fifth charge. in connection with
the Palmer death, of failing to provide protective
equipment with respect to a guard for a pulley.
Social service cases up from last year
GOlERICH - While they are still up over last year.
general assistance cases of Huron's social services
have decreased since the winter months.
The social services report to Huron County Council
on May 29. indicated its general assistance caseload
was at 148 on May 1,1982, ups from 100 nn May 1.1981
"The number of enquiries is decreasing, we only
had 65 enquiries. i can remeiriber this past winter
hiiving 123 in one month," said J. A. MacKinnon, ad-
ministrator.
In April of this year, 58 cases were closed. Of these
22 got jobs and 11 received unemployment benefits.
Clerk -treasurer. Bill Hanly said the rules for
representation on a school board are laid out in The
Education Act, which gives authority to county coun-
cils to establish representation. On a percentage
basis, Goderich has 6.16 per cent of the equalized
public school assessment: Seaforth, McKillop. and
Hullett combined have 10.99 per cent. Exeter and
Usborne combined have 9.39 per cent of the equalized
public school assessment and Stephen has 7.45 per
cent.
Morris Township Reeve Bill Elston said he could
see Goderich's point of view. since it would be losing
one trustee, but he asked council not to change the
boundaries.
Hullett Township Reeve Tom Cunningham. speak-
ing as a member of one of the affected townships,
said the area needs an additional trustee. He agreed
with Reeve Elston that the boundaries not be changed
because the taxpayers would have ditticulty knowing
who their trustee is.' .
The recommendation from the executive commit-
tee was approved by county council, and when the
changes were to be passed as a bylaw. Deputy Reeve
Allen asked for all the bylaws to be read separately.
When the bylaw concerning the school electoral
districts came before council. Deputy Reeve Allen
again attempted to have it tabled. The motion to table
was again defeated, then the deputy reeve requested
'a recorded vote.
The recorded vote ended with 24 in favor of the
changes and five votes against. Those voting against
were Deputy Reeve Allen, Grey Township Reeve
i mina .Armstrong. Bayfield Reeve George Fellows,
and Reeve Don Wheeler with two votes. Exeter Depu-
te Reeve Alvin Epp and Usborne Township Reeve
Murray Dawson were absent.
Parks included in ONIP plans
Approximately 30 Goderich residents attended a
meeting at the MacKay Centre on May 25 which was
held in order to explain tentative plans concerning
the Ontario Neighborhood Improvement Plan
ONIP) for their area. Residents of the area which is
bounded by Britannia Rd -.'Hibernia and Beach Sts.,
Cobourg and West Sts.. Wellington St. and Waterloo
St. listened intently as the Goderich ONiP committee
outlined their plans.
The project includes the improvement of both hard
services, which consists of sewers, waterrnains.
roads, and sidewalks and soft services which consists
of parks and recreational facilities.
According to Goderich Building inspector. Ken
Hunter, the provincial government has allocated 512
million for phase one off the project and only 46
municipalities have been accepted. Goderich has
received $400,000 to date and hopes to receive
another$400,000.
The hard services plan which Hunter explained.
"was not set, it's an alternative" includes replacing
sidewalks for a total cost of 520.000, in 1982, building
part of Wellesley from Elgin to Britannia and
Britannia from Warren to Wellington in 1981 Also
that year the cotntmittee hopes to pave Harbor Hill. in
1984 Wellesley St. from Lighthouse to Elgin.
Britannia from Wellington to Waterloo and
Wellington from Elgin to Britannia will be improved.
There are also plans in 1984 to repair the sewers on
Waterloo St. and if there is any money left over more
street lighting may be installed.
Aeeording to Hunter the streets were chosen when.
"we went over the area and spoked at what areas
needed the most work. We also looked at where the
mast traffic as going to go and the ones that are in the
taorst shape."
Jam Knox. an engineer with the Brampton based
firm of Knox,..Martin and Kretch outlined the soft
services plan for the St" Christopher's Beach area
whac h has been designated by the Ministry of Natural
Resources as an approved beach. under the Parks
Assistance Act.
The plan entails screening the water treatment
plant with vegetation to order to hide the building.
and installing a. boardwalk that will run from the
anarina'to the present beach area. A walkway will
connect the boardwalk to the lighthouse_
To the north of the water'reatment plant an adult
sports and picnic area will be added which will in-
clude a volley_ ball area. horseshoe pits and a beach
hou_se
Sunset Park will take on a botanical theme and will
Inc lude gardens and walkways.
St. Christopher's Beach itself will be improved_
Plans Include removing stones. adding more sand,
piantnu grass and trees on the barl;ehore area and
• retaining the existing pavil on_
:1c cordane to Knox, parkin will not be a problem
as there wall be a parking 1 near the water treat-
ment plant that will accommodate 34 cars and there
Is roans for 46 cars to park on the road.
1f the soft services plan goes ahead as outlined
Knox says the area could become a "fairly important
focal point an recreational facilities..'
Parents petition
for Grade 7 and
Parents who would like to see Grade 7 and 8 classes
implemented at Victoria Public School are being
asked to sign a petition for that purpose by this
Friday.
Dianne Ladd of Goderich is presentlycirculating
the petition, among Grade 4, 5 and 6 parents at Vic-
toria School but says other parents are welcome to
sign as well, She hopes to present the completed
petition to Dorothy Wallace of Goderich, chairman of
the Huron County hoard- of --Elis atioer__for con-
sideration.
Victoria School now has kindergarten through
Grade 6 classes. After Grade 6, students must attend
Robertson Memorial Public School for Grade 7 and 8.
Mrs. Ladd says the distance that some students
have to travel to school is one of the reasons for the
petition. Some students who live closer to Victoria
School on Gibbons Street in the centre of town must
travel to Robertson School on Blake Street which is in
the southwest end of town.
Mrs. Ladd says there are other reasons for the
petition but does not want to go into detail about those
reasons at the present time.
For those parents interested in signing or knowing
more about the petition, Mrs. Ladd's phone number is
524-6764.
Toilet damaged
in jail cell
Police arrested a man for public drunkeness in
Goderich on Friday evening. He was lodged in a local
police cell where he damaged a toilet to the extent of
$400. He has also been charged with mischief and was
reinanded in custody until a bail hearing set for
today, Wednesday, June 2.
Police were also called out to investigate a motor
vehicle accident Friday at 11:19 a.m. on Huron Road.
(Highway 8) at Mill Road. A man involved in the
accident sustained severe injuries to his back.
Also on Friday at 5:06 p.m. a young girl fell off her
bicycle at the corner of Bayfield Road and Blake
Street. She sustained minor injuries.
There were eight thefts during the week including
five bicycles and two incidents of shoplifting. There
was also one assault, five incidents of mischief and
threeminor car accidents.
Police laid three criminal charges, three liquor
charges, six Highway Traffic Act charges and one
provincial statute charge. They also issued 13 war-
nings.
Local police continue to use the ALERT machine to
check drivers suspected of drinking and several 12
hour suspensions were again issued this past week.
This program will continue throughout the year in an
attempt to cut down on .alcohol-related driving in-
cidents and accidents.
Cieslar appointed
county health officer
-GODERICH -Atting,M eall.Officer,+uif:HealthDr
Harry Qeslar is now Huron's MOH,
Huron County Council made the appointment at i4
meeting on May 27. Dr. Cieslar, who has been atten-
ding the University of -Michigan for the past year, __..
graduated on April 30.
His contract stipulated that once he graduated, he
would receive his full salary of $47,892. This was ef-
fective May 7.
Dr_ Gneslar replaced former MOH Dr. Brian Lynch,
who left in the middle of last year.
Although he will not be attending university, Dr.
G%slar's education will not cease. He has been ac-
cepted into a 12 -month public health residency. This
means supervision of his work, by Perth County's
MOH Dr. Susan Tamblyn on a monthly basis. Two
visits will also be made by an assistant professor
from the University of Michigan.
The only costs to the county will be the two trips
made by the assistant professor estimated at $250 per
visit_
INSIDE THE
SIGNAL -STAR
GDCI athletes excel
Four GDCI students have qualified for the OFSAA
All -Ontario meet to be held in Etobicoke later this
month. it is the strongest showing GDCI athletes
have achieved. The sore and pictures appear on the
front page of the Recreation section_
Concessions applauded
There has been heated debate over the issue of
wage concessions on the part of employees
throughout Canada. The feelings over the issue are
mixed- in a letter to theeditar which appears on page
4 One Of our readers expresses his view.
Baseball shorts
Also appearing in the Recreation section is Rob
.McDonald's review of last week's baseball action in
tlorderich.