The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) Timmins Office fonds attests to all activities, realizations, battles, struggles and achievements of the Union in the area. Although the fonds contains very few records from the first years of its presence in the regions of Timmins and Kirkland Lake, it still attests to the significant role the Union played in the area. Informing of the staff representatives’ responsibilities and services provided to the Locals, the USWA Timmins Office fonds also illustrates the different administrative functions of the Office.
In fact, some records, such as charters, by-laws, nomination forms, vote ballots and procedures for election, are indicative, not only of the process of affiliation of Locals to the USWA, but also of their duties. Minutes books, correspondence, financial statements and due journals give a better sense of understanding of the Timmins Office’s governing role. It also documents the coordination and administration of Locals’ activities. The fonds contains records in regard to the role of the Office with the Locals under its responsibility.
The USWA Timmins Office fonds also contains records in regard to tasks involved with the administration of the spaces and properties owned by the Union. Minutes of the Building Committee, appraisals and plans illustrate management, renovation and maintenance activities but also attest to their patrimonial value. Other records are indicative of the active involvement of the staff and Locals’ representatives, both in the social and political spheres. Plaques, correspondence and photographs, are testimonies not only of the Union’s participation to the erection of memorials for miners and the organization of the Day of Mourning, but also of the support to social groups such as Victims of Mining Environment and local food banks. Moreover, correspondence files and briefs attest to the lobbying efforts with the provincial and federal governments in regard to labour legislations, more specifically in the Health and Safety field. Some records are indicative of the Union’s official identification over the years; many artefacts, leaflets and newsletters bearing the USWA logo attest to the promotion of the Union and its public image. Booklets and other material published by the Union inform not only of the duties and responsibilities of staff positions, but are also indicative of the USWA’s role in educating and training its staff and members. A large number of documentation attests to battles and disputes involving the Union against the membership or the companies. Correspondence and related documents in regard to the merger of IUMMSM and USWA, are also included.
Certification and membership files, including seniority lists, organizer’s report and OLRB forms, are indicative of the organizing activities and development of membership as well as the process of affiliation to the USWA. These documents also inform of jurisdictional disputes against other unions. Numerous correspondences, union-management meeting minutes, policies and procedures attest to daily negotiations between the staff representatives and the companies in regard to the protection of the membership’s working conditions. Also, a large number of notes, proposals, memos, amended articles and agreements outline the process of collective bargaining. These files are quite complete and cover a long period of time. Moreover, incentive agreements, correspondence and job descriptions contained in the layoff files inform of the different steps of a company closure and measures put in place to encourage training and rehabilitation of employees. Also, the USWA Timmins Office fonds well documents the creation and implementation of procedures and legislations to protect the members from health and safety hazards. Minutes of Joint Health and Safety committees, inspection reports and documentation illustrate the commitment of staff and Locals’ representatives to work with the companies in order to provide a safe working environment.
