February 20, 2000
Volume 30, No. 8
Canadian Members Will Decide Their Future, Union Says
In a move intended to intimidate approximately 30,000 Canadian members of the Service Employees International Union, the U.S.-based International SEIU has placed eight locals under trusteeship. But a vote of the Canadian members determining their own future will proceed, union representatives say. "The International's actions are clearly designed to shut down the democratic process," added Ken Brown, former International Vice-President from Windsor-based Local 210. "We are moving ahead to vote March 2. This is about workers taking charge and determining as Canadians what they want." This move comes after a decision February 20 by over 100 elected leadership from the eight locals who unanimously endorsed a proposal to disaffiliate from the U.S-based union and join the Canadian Auto Workers. The next day in community meetings across Ontario, the leadership's decision was supported by over 800 local elected representatives from the eight locals. The decision to merge with the CAW ultimately rests with the 30,000 members in votes to be held March 2 in cities and towns across Ontario. Local leadership supporting the CAW were disappointed by the U.S. union's heavy-handed approach. Dave Eales, former President of SEIU Local 220 (London) with a membership of 12,000 said, "There is enormous support for joining the CAW amongst my membership. I was hoping the International would show respect and not interfere in our basic right to decide our destiny as Canadians." "As health care workers, the vast majority of our membership are deeply affected by the Canadian health care crisis," said Laura McWaters, Local 183 from Belleville. We have to be able to respond to the reality in Canada if we are to properly represent our members. The CAW is the right choice for us. The overwhelming response this week has been 'do it now'." The racetrack sector of the Ontario SEIU membership led by Brett Goodall, Local 528 has watched the CAW gaming sector and his members are supporting the move. "My membership wants the CAW - no more dues going to the U.S." CAW president Buzz Hargrove said," Instead of coming down hard, the U.S.-based union must recognize Canadian workers' rights to decide their own future. It's an issue of democracy and the right of workers to belong to the union of their choice." "Our membership, on hearing of the International's actions is really outraged. They want the CAW," said Michael Phillips, former president of Local 777.
CAW Win At Supreme Court Over White Spot Bargaining
After a six year legal battle, The Supreme Court of Canada has issued a judgement that upholds the job security and bargaining power of CAW members at White Spot Restaurants in British Columbia. The CAW has more than 900 members at 17 White Spot restaurants in B.C.'s Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. The company had vehemently fought common employer status of franchised restaurants under the CAW-White Spot master agreement. "This is a major victory for working people," said CAW national representative Jef Keighley. "We are very happy the legal battle is over, but we believe the hundreds of thousands of dollars that White Spot spent fighting us on this issue would have been far better spent in the paychecks of our members whose hard work and diligence has helped make White Spot the success that it is," Keighley said. The decision is timely because the CAW is currently bargaining a new collective agreement for its members at White Spot.
CAW Calls For Public Inquiry Over Deaths Of Two Manitoba Women
The CAW is calling for a public inquiry over the tragic deaths on February 16 of two Winnipeg women. "The deaths of Doreen Leclair and Connie McKeowen appear to be a result of the failure of the Winnipeg Police to properly follow their own zero tolerance procedures," said CAW Manitoba area director Dale Paterson in a letter to the Manitoba Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "Even more troublesome is the increased fear of women in our community. Tragic events like this means they have lost whatever faith and trust they had in the institutions that are there to protect them. As well, there are serious allegations being raised in the community of racism and suggestions of lying to get emergency responses." It was only after the fifth call that police were dispatched to the house. Paterson said the inquiry should review all issues surrounding violence against women and the ability of institutions to respond in a truly unbiased manner.
CAW Launches Unfair Labour Practice Charge
The CAW has announced it will launch an unfair labor practice charge with the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board in connection with the firing of 25 Hibernia tradespeople. The CAW/Fish, Food and Allied Workers (CAW/FFAW) said February 18 the dismissal of the Hibernia platform employees is related to union organizing efforts. "These workers were told when they were hired that their jobs would be long term, between 20 and 25 years. Now the company that employed them - A.O.C. Brown and Root - is saying that despite increased production at the platform, there is not enough work for these employees," said Ben Baker, the CAW Organizer in Newfoundland and Labrador. "This is not about a shortage of work. This is not about performance ability and it is certainly not about money. This is about sending a message to Hibernia workers that if you sign a union card, you will lose your job," said Baker.
Bulletin
CAW National Youth Conference The first CAW National Youth Conference will be held May 5 to 7 at the CAW's Port Elgin Family Education Centre. The conference will focus on issues which affect youth in the workplace and society. The target group for the conference are members under 30 years of age. For more information, contact Karen Clark 1-800-268-5763 or Tashlyn Chase 1-800-465-0974.
WEB PREVIEW: CAW Web Page
Here's a brief look at just some of the information available on the CAW home page. CAW Video News CAW SEIU Merger Decision dated February 22, 2000 Ken Brown Former SEIU Int'l Vice President "All in favour signify. Opposed if any? I note that this is unanimously carried. Sisters and brothers we have redefined our history right now." Toronto, Feb 20, 2000 With that vote the leadership of eight Service Employees International Union locals in Ontario decided to break away... For the full text, go to the CAW web site, www.caw.ca, under What's News - CAW Video News.
