Support February 23 rally, fightback , TWU urges members BC's labour movement February 23 rally. Our Union is told a Vancouver news confer- what British Columbians be- series of initiatives, flowing from launched a province-wide mobi- sponsoring one of nine buses the ence. "They're worsening the lieved they were voting for in the the Action Program adopted at lization in mid-January, to cul- labour movement is sending to job crisis in BC communities by last election," Sinclair said. its November Convention, that minate in a major rally and Victoria from the Lower Main- cutting health, education and We'll be challenging every labour is calling Campaign BC: march at the Legislature in land, and the TWU is also send- public services to pay for tax cuts MLA, right up to Premier it's About Our Future. Victoria at noon February 23, ing a bus from Campbell River. to the rich and big business — and Campbell, to stop, listen, begin For more details, check the challenging the Campbell Liber- For more information on the they're threatening to tear up a dialogue with its voters, and B.C. Federation of Labour als to change course to protect TWU buses to Victoria, contact negotiated agreements to do it." live up to the Liberal commit- website: www.campaignbc.ca. jobs, the economy, communities Business Agent June Lewis at the "We'll be advancing a posi- ments to respect contracts, gen- For more on Campaign BC and services. Union's Burnaby Office. tive program, starting with a call erate jobs in forest communities, and TWU reaction to the The TWU is strongly support- "The Liberals on the wrong for an economic summit of busi- and improve health, education government's cutbacks, see the ing the campaign, and is urging track," B.C. Federation of ness, government and the labour and public services." President's Report on page 8, members to participate in the Labour President Jim Sinclair movement, that is much closer to The Federation announced a and other reports on page 6. a

The Official Publication of February 2002 the Telecommunications Vol. XXIV Workers Union ThIransmitter No. 1

BROADWAY eiggliia2 PRINTERS Union calls for end to TELUS foot-dragging

TELUS continues to drag its remove impediments it has CIRB) overturned. Specifi- Another issue that is impact- "Mobility meetings" in feet in negotiations with the placed in the road, so despite cally, the company is objecting ing on the bargaining process Burnaby, Calgary and TWU, and as a result, progress the fact that the two parties are to the CIRB ruling that there are involves Clearnet. The ques- Edmonton. toward a new Collective Agree- meeting at the bargaining table no geographical restrictions to tion at issue, which is to be The meetings were called to ment remains painfully slow. on a regular basis three times a the TWU jurisdiction in heard by the CIRB, is whether discuss issues relating specifi- Bruce Bell, who is heading week, no end is in sight well Canada. The company will ar- the TWU certification will ex- cally to Mobility, and attracted negotiations for the Union, says over a year since the parties first gue in Court that the Board tend to Clearnet employees. a good number of Mobility the company is still refusing to met to exchange proposals. erred in ruling the TWU juris- TELUS bought Clearnet, members in each of the centres, For example, Bell says, diction is Canada-wide. and it is clear to the TWU it is although the meetings were MAI LPOSTE TELUS is still talking about a It is expected the Court will an acquisition and the employ- open to all members and were Canada Pest Corporation 'Societe eanadienne des pastes new agreement, even though hear the issue this spring, so ees should be rolled into the attended by members outside Postage paid Port payd Mobility as well. Publications Number the Union has made it clear that that dispute should be cleared single TWU bargaining unit is a non-starter. up within a reasonable time, but and collective agreement. The Hiebert gave an overview of 1461214 VANCOUVER, B.C. "It is simply not in the cards. there is no question that the company argues that is not the current issues, while Bell spoke We expect give and take on company's court challenge has case, because, they say, TWU on the progress of bargaining. both sides at the bargaining added significantly to the delay jurisdiction is limited to BC and They addressed the topic of the table, but we have always in getting the company to bar- Alberta. importance, and the increasing started negotiations with the old gain seriously. If TELUS were to be suc- importance, of Mobility to the agreement as the base, to which With CIRB Decision 143, cessful, though we do not be- future of TELUS and the changes can be made. That is TELUS has initiated a further lieve they will be, Bell says, Union. the way Unions and companies unwarranted excuse to drag its they would spin off work to the The future, can expect to see bargain, regardless of the indus- feet, Bell says. That ruling non-TWU east, which would rapid growth in the Mobility try, or their history. It is not states that the TWU Collective have a serious negative impact sector, and maintaining Mobil- common practice, and it is not Agreement applies to previ- on our jobs, job security, job ity as an integral sector of the acceptable to us, to start from ously unrepresented groups in postings and related issues. TWU is crucial to all members. Square One. The Labour Board Alberta, with certain caveats, in Thafis why the Clearnet is- They pointed out that whereas has said we should negotiate a both wireline and wireless. sue is of critical importance to Alberta cellular was under a revised Collective Agreement, Further hearings were held TWU members, and it is one separate agreement with sepa- and we plan to do so -- to nego- by the CIRB in January on mat- more reason the company is rate and distinct work groups, tiate by building on the exist- ters relating to Decision 143. slowing down the bargaining in BC there has been one col- ing TWU agreement." The company argued at the process. lective agreement, and workers One of the reasons for the hearings that those previously The Union continues to ask have been able to move in and slow progress, Bruce Bell says, unrepresented groups should be •for the patience and solidarity out of cellular from the tradi- is that the chief negotiator for treated as discrete groups, with of the membership while these tional side of the telephone the company in this round of a separate collective agreement. disputes are working their way company. bargaining is a recent transplant In short, the TWU would have through the Board and courts, Maintaining the principle of from Bell Canada, who has no to police yet another separate and we live in hope that once one agreement, standard wages, history with either BC TEL or agreement while bargaining these jurisdictional questions benefits and job security, and TELUS in Alberta. In our view, one Collective Agreement for have been clarified, the com- bidding rights between the sec- Bell says, that is an added im- everyone. pany will cease its foot-drag- tors is important to TWU mem- pediment to making progress in We are currently awaiting a ging and we can get down to a bers — another crucial reason for these talks. ruling from the Board. more reasonable pace of bar- the members throughout the What is also holding up These challenges are adding gaining. company to stand firmly in sup- talks, Bell believes, is that the unnecessary delays and further *** port of the Union during the company is appealing to the confusion to the bargaining Meanwhile, in late January, ongoing jurisdictional battles courts seeking to have parts of process, and it's time we get on President Rob Hiebert and VP and negotiations with the Com- Decision 108 (a ruling of the with it, Bell says. Bruce Bell held a series of pany.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TWU Education Calendar Retirement thanks the cheque for $1000. accept our heartfelt gratitude for your My wishes go with you for the fu- support. of Events for 2002 Dear TWU: ture. In any prolonged dispute of this In solidarity, I would like to take this opportu- nature, it is really important for the The TWU Education Union Management nity to express my sincere apprecia- Jean Dumbleton strikers to know that they do not stand Relations tion for the Honourary Life Member- Pitt Meadows alone in their efforts and your dona- Committee would like to ship and $1000 retirement gift pre- tion helped to accomplish this. advise all TWU Members Lower Mainld, Oct. 17-19 sented to me on December 14, 2001 The members returned to work in of the following education Edmonton, Feb. 10-12 at my retirement. Thanks to TWU October. opportunities coming up Calgary, Feb. 7-9 Sincerely, bargaining team Once again, thank you for your for the year 2002. Robert Chang support. It will certainly be helpful in Scheduling Matters Vancouver, Local 5 Dear TWU: paying off the legal fees and debts we The Brothers and Sisters of Local have incurred during the strike. Basic Shop Steward Lower Mainland, Dear TWU: 208 wish to thank Tom Robson and In solidarity, Lower Mainland, Oct. 3-5 Feb. 22&23 Thank you so much for the $1,000 the rest of the Negotiating Committee Ted Dinning Edmonton, Oct. 17-19 cheque and life membership certifi- for their efforts at the bargaining table President Calgary, Oct. 17-19 Parliamentary cate. I feel very fortunate to be able to in 2001, and wish them success in Procedure retire after 36 years of employment. 2002. Many thanks to the TWU for your These are the most important ne- Advanced Grievance Lower Mainland, Feb. 9 years of support and service. The hard gotiations in our history and the qual- Handling Edmonton, Apr. 6 work and dedication of our Union has ity of our future employment is at Lower Mainland, Calgary, Apr. 6 allowed all of its members a wonder- stake. We in Alberta have seen the Apr. 11-13 ful lifestyle and pension, for which I damage of loose contracting out Edmonton, Apr. 18-20 Course descriptions am grateful. clauses and are encouraged by the I wish my Union every success in Negotiating Committee's strong stand Calgary, May 30-Jun. 1 can be found through our the difficult times ahead. on this issue. The reason many of us link on the TWU website Best wishes, in Alberta voted for the TWU was their Harassment, at www.twu-canada.ca. If Donna Huck, history of protecting work we gave Discrimination and Duty you are interested in tak- Surrey away in Alberta . to Accommodate ing any of the in-house In solidarity, courses offered by our Dear TWU: Local 208 Lower Mainland, Mar. 16 I recently retired from TELUS af- Edmonton, May 25 education department, ter 30 years. I want to thank the TWU Calgary, Jun. 8 please contact your Local for making the past 30 years secure and CEP thanks Victoria, May 4 Secretary Treasurer who form making TELUS one of the better Dear TWU: Kelowna, Apr. 27 will assist you in applying On behalf of the Executive and companies to work for. Prince George, Jun. 15 for these opportunities. I would also like to thank the TWU members of CEP, Local 593, who were for the life time membership, pin and on strike against Petro-Canada, please ANNETTE CONNOR After more than 16 years with CALGARY OFFICE EDMONTON OFFICE the TWU, and more than 45 years #103 - 10525-170 Street #255 - 525-28 St. S.E. since joining the OTEU, Annette Local 51 plans repeat Edmonton, Alta, T5P 4W2 Calgary, Alta, T2A 6W9 Connor is retiring. Ph. 780 /Hi 6945 Ph. 403-237-6990 Annette joined the TWU cleri- Fax: 780-488-6911 Fax: 403-802-2381 cal staff in September 1985. Since Christmas project then she has handled a variety of Each year at Christmas TWU locals look at ways to help those duties in the Burnaby office, but less fortunate than themselves. Local 51 usually donated money to mostly has worked on member- the food bank. We wanted to be a little more hands-on with our giv- TWU phone ...(6043 437-8601 ship records. ing. Annette's association with the This year we decided to sponsor a family and we chose a single labour movement goes back to mother with two children. It was our aim to raise enough to buy 1956, when she joined the OTEU, outfits and gifts for the children, a gift for the mother and groceries and between 1956 and 1973 she for at least a week. TWU fax (604) 435-7760 worked off and on for a number In order to raise funds for our family we had a 50/50 draw. We of different labour unions. wanted to raise at least $500 for our family and the same for the In 1973, she left the Lower winner of the draw. Mainland to live in Kelowna, The members of Local 51 and Local 5 were fantastic in their sup- where she worked in the Post Of- port. We raised almost $2000. This was enough to sponsor our fam- Pension Plan fice for about 10 years. In 1984, ily and also donate to the local food bank. Our winners Shirley Pasqua office (604) 430-1317 she moved back to the Lower and Linda Brown shared almost $1000. Well worth their investment Mainland, where she took courses for their armful of tickets. to upgrade her secretarial-cleri- Members of the executive donated time and energy for the shop- I cal skills before assuming her ping, wrapping and delivery of the food and gifts. Some members full-time position with the TWU also donated extras over and above what we purchased. Thank you. Local 51 is planning to do this again for Christmas 2002. We would TWU hotline ..(6043 435-2224 in the fall of 1985. Her last day like to challenge other locals throughout the province. Lets make it a of work was January 31, 2002. special Christmas for as many families as we can. In addition to her work with By BEV MOUDATSOS, Local 51 Shop Steward the TWU, Annette has also been TWU Website addresses: active within her own Union, TWU Home Page: http://www.twu-canada.ce OTEU Local 15. Before leaving TW Pension Plan: 10 rules to break a Union http://www.twu-canada.ca/twpp/optoc/htm the Lower Mainland in 1973, TW Benefit Plan: Annette served on the Local 15 The United Transportation Union is circulating an article outlining a cam- http://www.twu-canada.ce/twop/bohome/htm executive for a number of years, paign by a company in the U.S. to decertify a workplace organized by the Ma- TWU Email Address (Union Office]: and was secretary-treasurer for chinist Union. The company hired a Management Consulting firm to help them with their decertification campaign. A manager has reported that during man- twullftwu.canada.ce one year. Shortly after starting TW Pension and Benefit Plans: agement classes, the consulting firm outlined 10 rules the company should fol- twplansetwubc.com} with the TWU, she served as a low in the workplace during the campaign to get rid of the Union. Trustee with OTEU Local 15 for 1.Try to confuse the seniority system for lay-offs, move-ups and overtime to about 10 years. get employees jealous of one another. When employees complain, send them to Annette comes by her involve- the Union, thus shifting the blame. Create fear and mistrust. ment in the labour movement 2. Draw out grievances as long as possible. honestly. Both her father and her 3. Threaten employees if they file grievances or safety complaints. TheTransmitter maternal grandfather were busi- 4. Increase discipline for even minor offenses, to cause an overload for the ness agents for the Ironworkers Union, slowing down their effectiveness on timeliness. Member of 5. Make sure employees get all benefit books or letters on insurance benefits, Union (although in different pensions, etc. that the company gives — non-union-negotiated. The Transmitter is the offi- Canadian eras), and her father was also an cial publication of the 6. Increase management trainees or substitute foremen. Telecommunications CALM International Representative for 7. Get stool pigeon, big mouth employees to criticize Union officials and Associatibn Workers Union. canadienne the Ironworkers for a time. Union dues. de la presse AC PS syndicate Annette is retiring to Nanaimo, 8. Hold department meetings with employees to convince them that you agree where her daughter and grand- with their problems but that the Union has to do something. Editor: Myron Johnson 9. Convince them that you are on their side about job class increase or incen- President: Rod Hiebert daughter are living. Vice-Presidents: Neil Morrison & Bruce Bell Her friends and colleagues at tives on the job, but that your hands are tied and it's up to the Union. Sect.-Treasurer: Kathy Pearn the TWU and in the OTEU wish 10. Last but not least, the company must become the Big Brother, the good 5251 Lane Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4A8 guy and the Union become the enemy by distorting the truth on agreement. By her all the best in her retirement. the time the truth is known, they won't trust the Union anyway. TRANSMITTER - February, 2002 - Page 2 Attending NACU meeting in Burnaby in January, seated, from left, Rod Hiebert (TWU), Dean MacDonald (AC&TWU), Brian Avery (CAW), Bruce Bell (TWU), Dave Halicowski (CAW), Brian Payne (CEP) and James Kinkaid (CEP), and standing, Neil Morrison (TWU) and Gary Grant (AC&TWU) Co-operation, not merger, aim of NACU members

The National Alliance of It was noted, for example, Canada, there is an Early Re- certifications for the eastern competitive arm (Intrigna) Communications Unions will that there have been rumours of tirement Incentive (ERIP). At arm, the western arm, and an and Northwestel. continue to function as a co- a possible merger between SBC first, Bell planned to offer it independent unit consisting of CEP is looking at strategies operative body, but the merger and AT&T in the U.S., which unilaterally, but CEP applied to about 150 members in to resolve the pay equity dis- of communications unions or could result in a de facto merger the CIRB for an injunction. As Montreal. pute at Bell. Bell is still using the creation of one large com- between Bell and AT&T in a result, Bell has agreed to SaskTel is centralizing 215 every means possible to delay munications union in Canada is Canada. As well, while there double the amount, and make people from around the prov- the process. not in the works. are no current rumours of a it universal. However, the is- ince to Regina. Also, SaskTel For the TWU, Rod Hiebert Officers attending the merger involving Verizon, par- sue is still before the Board, and is offering DVD video over reported on tactics surrounding NACU meeting in Burnaby ticipants noted that both Atlan- CEP is seeking a Board ruling cable. negotiations, and contracting January 25-26 agreed that tic Bell and GTE (who are now that Bell has to deal with CEP Participants also reported out problems; Bruce Bell re- NACU should carry on much Verizon) have a history of do- on any future ERIPs. there are rumours Bell plans ported on Telus negotiations; as before, with exchange of in- ing mergers. The conclusion At Bell in Ontario and Que- three companies in Canada: and Neil Morrison reported on formation and assisting one was that, if any one of the three bec, CEP has an application for Bell Canada East (Aliant); day-to-day problems. another during dispute. big telecommunications players one bargaining unit at Expertec, Bell Canada in Ontario and Thanks to Neil Morrison for After a lengthy discussion, in Canada merged, or did a deal Bell's construction arm for both Quebec; and Bell Canada making his notes ofNACU pro- Officers of the various member in the U.S., a Union merger or inside and outside plant. At West, comprising Manitoba ceedings available to the Trans- Unions, including the TWU, a new union could be forced on present, there are three separate Tel, Bell's western Canada mitter. agreed a merger would be nei- the Unions involved in Canada. ther practical nor necessary at Reports on developments in this time. On the other hand, various regions of the country none of the affiliates want to followed: Shaw cable installers reinstated discontinue NACU, because In Atlantic Canada, a Bar- they feel it has been a very use- gaining Council is certified as Four Shaw Cable installers fired ful vehicle and will continue to the bargaining agent, with a 24- by Shaw for involvement in a work Thanks from Local President be useful to the Unions and member board of governors. stoppage June 1 are back at work, their members. AC&TWU and CEP met in following a grievance/arbitration. By MONTE WORTHINGTON President, TWU Local 60 TWU participants hosting September and put together The most severe discipline, im- posed on one of the grievors, was On behalf of Local 60, I would like to thank the Union in general the two-day meeting were bargaining proposals to be pre- a one-month suspension by an ar- and a number of individual members in particular for their support President Rod Hiebert and sented to the employer March bitrator following a hearing. and endurance during the recent battle to get back the jobs of four Vice-Presidents Neil Morrison 4 in Halifax. They will also be Two of the other members in- members who were fired by Shaw Cable over job action which occurred and Bruce Bell. Other partici- doing some negotiations in volved were each suspended for 12 in June. We are extremely pleased and grateful the four members of pants were Brian Payne and other Atlantic provinces. days. This settlement was reached our Local are now back at work. I attribute our success to the solidarity of all members of the TWU James Kinkaid of CEP, Gary Nine separate collective between the Union and company behind the four terminated members. From the start, the other Locals Grant and Dean MacDonald of agreements were swept into one following the arbitration decision expressed their outrage at the attack on the members, and the attack on AC&TWU, and Dave along with a new clerical unit in the first case. the Union's right to represent, which these terminations symbolized. Halicowski and Brian Avery of in New Brunswick. The New- At the time of the incident, The outrage of the membership translated into very real responses CAW. foundland, PEI and Nova along with the four firings, 32 other by the other locals, whose substantial contributions to Local 60 allowed The next officers meeting is employees we suspended by Shaw. the brothers to maintain a decent level of income, so that the economic Scotia agreements are very An arbitration on those 32 is pend- scheduled for June 8-9 in similar, but New Brunswick's impact of the employer's actions was relatively minimal. The mon- ing. It has been agreed by the par- etary assistance also helped our brothers deal with the emotional im- Vancouver, coinciding with the is quite different, and ties that the fourth member fired pact of the terminations. Not having to worry so much about immedi- CLC convention, and then No- Newfoundland's has the best will be included with the 32 sus- ate finances, they were better able to fight for their rights. vember 29-30, in Halifax, at the contracting out language. pended members, and it is ex- The response of the TWU executive was pivotal to maintaining high time of the AC&TWU conven- The Atlantic Cellular com- pected he will be accorded the morale during the ordeal. A special thanks to Tim Williams, Nancy tion. No conferences are panies are covered by the same same treatment as the other 32. Curley and Lesley Hammond, who took the battle directly to the com- planned at this time. new bargaining certificate as A fifth termination involving a pany and ensured that the four members were represented by the Union throughout. Thanks also to Business Agents Ron Williams and Fran Despite the consensus the other Atlantic units. The Shaw installer, unrelated to the walkout, has also been resolved Guillet for their assistance. against a union merger at this cellular companies in Atlantic The unwavering support of Neil Morrison and his guidance through point, participants noted that through the arbitration process. Canada are totally meshed, for The arbitrator substituted a lengthy what was a new process for us (we had not had terminations like this forced mergers could result example, in billing, collection suspension for the termination, and before) and his solid conviction that the members would get their jobs (through CIRB orders) if cor- and customer service. In the installer in question is now back back helped us all "stay the course" to ultimate victory. porate mergers occur. That Manitoba, Cellular , Operator On behalf of Local 60, I would like to thank all TWU locals for their at work. solid support during the past few months, and the Executive and Office would be a scenario similar to Service and Clerical are now Officers Tim Williams and Neil Staff for their hard work and support. I would also like to thank the the merger of the B.C. and one certification, whereas pre- Morrison have been involved with members of Local 60 for their total commitment to the four brothers, Alberta Unions following the viously there were separate Local 60 representatives in pursu- and I would like to thank Brothers Dave Parsons, Grant Clerf, Andy corporate merger of BC TEL certs. ing the grievance/arbitrations in Wong and Paul Yorke for their faith and confidence during a time of and Telus in Alberta. CEP reported that at Bell these cases. great stress. TRANSMITTER - February, 2002 - Page 3

Strikes! Strikes! Strikes! Will they never end?!

C C PA Monitor/CALM According to Tarn, the first persmiths, goldsmiths, shoe- Strikes occurred in England as they were suppressed by a "WORKERS' COM- recorded strikes in history makers, potters, dyers and car- far back as the 1300s, with one coalition of employers and PLAINTS multiplied and were conducted by workers on penters. contemporary writer com- governments." Major strikes strikes grew more frequent — the great pyramids of Egypt, In the industrial towns of plaining that even the priests took place also in the facto- strikes among the miners, the thousands of years earlier. France and Italy in the 13th and had struck for higher pay. ries of Amsterdam in 1672 quarrymen , the tradesmen, Reference to strikes have 14th centuries, the craft guilds In their multi-volume Story and the silk-making plants of even among the police." been found on th papyri and went on strike repeatedly of Civilization, Will and Ariel Lyons in 1774. A description of labour re- tablets of ancient Sumeria, against the ruling merchant Durant tell us that in 1579 tex- Most of the strikes of by- lations in Canada in 1990s? Persia and other long-van- class. Textile workers at tile workers went on strike in gone eras occurred under to- No, it's historian W.W. Tarn's ished civilizations. Rouen staged a lengthy strike Germany, and that throughout talitarian regimes that prohib- account of the economic prob- The Roman Empire expe- in 1281. Woolworkers in Flo- the 16th century in Europe ited strikes and ruthlessly lems in Egypt in 230 B.C. rienced many strikes by cop- rence went on strike in 1371. "strikes were numerous, but crushed them. Strikers were severely punished and their leaders executed. But not even such harsh deterrents could prevent strikes. They have BUSINESS AGENTS - LOCAL ASSIGNMENTS continued down through the as of January 24, 2002 ages. There has never been a pe- riod in recorded history en- LOCAL AREA BUSINESS AGENT tirely free of strikes, ever since 1 P Vancouver South Karen Whitfield some people were compelled 2 P Victoria Bill Silvester to work for others. The rela- 3 P Nanaimo Nancy Curley tionship between workers and 4 P Nelson George Doubt bosses inevitably breeds con- P Jim. Christensen 5 Bumaby flict and resentment. And 6 P/C Vernon George Doubt when their discontent rises to 7 P New Westminster/Surrey Hope Cumming (Bargaining), Tim Williams/Jim Christensen an intolerable level, workers 8 P Kamloops George Doubt will strike — whether they have 9 P Prince George. Ron Williams unions or not, whether legis- 11 T Victoria Bill Silvester lated as essential or not, and 14 T Nanaimo Nancy Curley regardless, too, of the kind of 15 T Kamloops George Doubt political or economic system 16 PiT/C Kelowna George Doubt they live under. 17 T Abbotsford Peter Massy (Bargaining), Lesley Hammond The first recorded strike in 18 T Prince George Ron Williams 20 C Vancouver (Mutual) Hope Cumming (Bargaining), Lesley Hammond Canada took place when the 21 C Victoria Bill Silvester voyageurs at Rainy Lake, 22 P/C . Penticton George Doubt Ontario went on strike for bet- 23 C New Westminster/Surrey Fran Guillet (Alberta), Peter Massy (Bargaining), Nancy Curley ter wages in August 1794, 24 C Kamloops George Doubt nearly 40 years before the first 25 C West Kootenays George Doubt union was organized here. 26 C Prince George Ron Williams Some economists and 27 C Nanaimo/Pt. Alberni Nancy Curley labour relations experts be- 28 P/C Smithers Ron Williams lieve that, far from deliber- 30 P/C North Vancouver/Sechelt Tim Williams ately instigating strikes, 31 P C.T.&S. Bill Silvester unions do their best to avoid 32 P/C Abbotsford/Mission Peter Massy (Bargaining), Lesley Hammond or prevent them. Workers, 33 P/C Terrace Ron Williams without unions to represent 34 P Dawson Creek Ron Williams them and channel their frus- 35 P/T/C Campbell River/Pt. Hardy Nancy Curley trations through collective 36 P/C Cranbrook Mick Shiels bargaining, would probably 37 P/C Williams Lake Ron Williams resort to strikes much more 38 P Vancouver (Mutual) Karen Whitfield often than they do now. 41 P/C Fort St. John Ron Williams 43 P/C Powell River June Lewis 50 C Burnaby Headquarters (Boot) Betty Carrasco 51 C Diversified (Burnaby) Sherryl Anderson 52 T Vancouver/New Westminster Sherryl Anderson 53 C Vancouver South Sherryl Anderson 60 Rogers/Shaw Tim Williams 63 CC Campbell Goodell Traynor Bruce Bell 64 Eurest Services (Restauronics) Betty Carrasco 201 C/PIT Medicine Hat John Carpenter 202 C/P/T Lethbridge ' Mick Shiels 203 C/T Calgary Dan Lakusta — (Telemarketing members — Mick Shiels; Operator Services — John Carpenter) 204 P Calgary Mick Shiels 205 C/PIT Red Deer Allison Kuzyk 206 C/PIT Camrose Marjorie Shewchuk 207 Cif Edmonton Allison Kuzyk (C), Marjorie Shewchuk (T) "If you had listened to me you'd be a wealthy man 208 P Edmonton Len Steparyk today. But oh no, you had A UP

209 C/PIT Grande Prairie Marjorie Shewchuk to go and blow it on L

210 C/P Fort McMurray Len Steparyk groceries, rent, furniture, W- car payments . .." UA 211 C/P Alberta North East Len Steparyk - 237 C TELUS Mobility Allison Kuzyk - Edmonton; John Carpenter - Calgary (A. Kuzyk — Backup\Calgary) (J. Carpenter — Backup\Edmonton) TRANSMITTER - February, 2002 - Page 4 !tun DIGNITY fifth AND 11.114,0tEs Convention RESPECT March 4-8 in Vancouver

The 2002 TWU convention will be held the week of March 4-8 at the Empire Landmark Hotel on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver. Approximately 130 delegates from across B.C. and Alberta, as Kamloops Tri-Local Christmas dance, attended by approximately well as the 22 members of execu- 100 members and friends, including, from left, BA George Doubt, tive council, will be in attendance Wayne Manderson (social committee), Rick "Santa" Fleming, and A Bernice Karroll (social committee). TWU officers, members rally outside New Westminster telesales office OK TEL/BC TEL/TELUS 32nd Annual Golf Tournament Union seeks information Hot Dog Day rally dramatizes will be held in Vernon, B.C. on pension surpluses telesales' workers concerns June 8, 2002 In mid-January, the TWU filed as well as bargaining unit people, December 5 was hot dog day with a message. lawsuits in court seeking to obtain and both are outside the Collective TWU Executive Council officers attended a rally outside the TELUS For information, contact: important information relating to Agreement. Because the Alberta Telesales office in New Westminster to dramatize a number of issues Rick Dabell in the two pension plans which cover plans are outside the Collective and show support for Telesales workers, members of Local 23. Revelstoke our members working at TELUS Agreement, it was necessary to file The Union officers, and Local 23 members, were joined at the noon- Office ph: 250-837-2371 in Alberta. lawsuits rather than go through ar- The lawsuits deal with sur- bitration to obtain information time "hot dog day" rally by supporters from Local 7 who work in a nearby Home ph: 250-837-4057 TELUS office. pluses in both pension plans. about the Alberta plans. The Local served hot dogs to the supporters involved in the demon- Fax: 250-837-5498 President Rod Hiebert explains The Union was unable to ob- stration. E-mail: that the Union filed the lawsuits, tain the information we desired Acting Business Agent for Local 23, Nancy Curley, worked with the [email protected] first, to obtain information and from TELUS. The Union did seek Local to co-ordinate the hot dog day protest. identify the surpluses, and second, the information from the Canada Leaflets were handed out to bring attention to a number of festering BOYCOTTS to ensure that the surpluses are Industrial Relations Board, but the issues involving the Telesales employees. used for the exclusive benefit of Board was able to provide only Nancy Curley says among the issues the protestors were raising were All readers are asked to Plan members at TELUS in part of the information sought. The the suspension of some members of the Local 23 executive, the termina- support the following Alberta. CIRB suggested the TWU seek tion of a number of members who were off work on sick leave or ben- trade union sponsored There are two Pension Plans in further information from the office efits, and concerns over coaching and monitoring. consumer boycotts. Alberta, the larger one covering of the Pension Benefits Standards former AGT employees and the Act. The Union did so, but again The terminations and suspensions are being pursued through the griev- Please do not patronize or ance/arbitration process, and the coaching is being challenged by the Union smaller one covering former EdTel was not able to obtain all of the on the basis that it is bargaining unit work being done by managers. purchase any of these employees. While the BC Plan information needed from the Another concern involves the introduction of sales objectives, and goods, services and/or (TWPP) is under the Collective PBSA office. To try to get a com- threats of discipline if the objectives are not met, which the Union be- retail outlets: Agreement and covers only bar- plete picture of the situation, the lieves is entirely unreasonable, Curley says. All Non-Union Postal gaining unit personnel, both Union had no option but to go to Alberta plans cover management Court. Many of the 300 or so members who work at Telesales are upset by Outlets the changes, Curley says, fearing their jobs are in jeopardy. Those con- Dispute with CUPW cerns are being addressed through the grievance/arbitration process, but Supreme Court clarifies high levels of stress are a constant problem, due to working conditions Philips Electronic as well as the threat of job loss. Products, Quebec She says the issues under protest have now expanded beyond Telesales CLC/USWA 7812 secondary picketing rights and are of even broader relevance. For example, sales objectives, coach- NORPAC Products On January 24, the Supreme mon law concerning secondary ing and monitoring, have been introduced in Customer Service, in both CLC/PCUN Court released a far-reaching picketing. After considering Phone Marts and Residential. decision which clarifies the com- various approaches that have The battle waged in support of the Telesales employees has thus be- been applied by Canadian come a battle on behalf of a much larger group of TELUS workers. Rand Formula emerged courts, the Court took the dra- matic step of rejecting the dis- tinction between primary and Executive seeks merger from 1945 Ford strike secondary picketing, and of find- CCPA Monitor/CALM in 1945. The main issue was the ing that all picketing is legal ab- Most unions today have a union's demand that all Ford work- sent tortious or criminal con- of small union locals check-off clause in their collective ers join the union within a month duct. In arriving at this conclu- Executive Council is proposing that existing small Locals be phased agreements. This clause states that after being hired (the union shop). sion, the Court determined that out by having them amalgamate with neighbouring Locals. the employer will deduct from each Justice Rand refused to give the the relevant factors for consid- The executive is putting that forward to Convention in the form of a employee's pay cheque his or her UAW the union shop. But he did eration would be the character resolution and is urging Delegates to adopt it. union dues and forward it to the rule that , since all the employees and effects of the activity, and Specifically, executive council is seeking a change to General Policy union. Another clause, the union benefit equally from having a union not the location of the picketing. 15(a) which currently reads: "The Executive Council shall encourage security clause, otherwise known contract, they should all pay union This approach, termed the and assist Locals to amalgamate." Under the executive proposed resolu- as the Rand Formula, obliges the dues, whether they join the union "wrongful action" model, will tion, that would be changed to read: "Locals with fewer than 50 mem- employer to deduct and forward or not. protect picketing in many situ- bers shall amalgamate with a neighbouring Local by February 28, the same amount from employees This arrangement became ations where, formerly, the 2003. Locals under 50 members shall require special approval from who refuse or fail to join the union. known as the Rand Formula and it picketing would have been Executive Council." Why should workers who aren't spread quickly to other unions and deemed illegal. In redefining Executive Council explains their reasons for urging adoption of the in the union have to pay the equiva- industries. It remains a standard the common law approach to policy change: lent of union dues? Because they feature in most collective agree- picketing, the Supreme Court "We believe there are several sound reasons for such a change. We benefit from the union's services ments. has provided greater protec- currently have a number of Locals in BC with only a handful of mem- and receive the same wage in- Several years ago, a teacher in tion for union members and a bers. We believe it is highly inefficient and unnecessarily costly. An creases that the union negotiates Ontario, Marvin Lavigne, objected greater role for the Charter inequity became apparent with the amalgamation of theAlberta and BC for the employees who are union to making Rand Formula payments value of free speech in union sections of the Union. There is a significant disparity between the situ- members. So it's only fair that they to a union because he disagreed activities while, at the same ation in Alberta and BC. As noted, BC Locals vary greatly in size. In also pay their share of the union's with the way the union spent some time, recognising the need to Alberta, all of the Locals were set up with large memberships. This was operating costs. of its dues revenue. He took his provide protection to neutral done to encourage a cross section of view within the Local as well as Who says so? Mr. Justice Ivan challenge all the way to the Su- third parties. fostering greater solidarity. C. Rand, among others. He was preme Court, but lost. The court The decision will serve to pro- Since its inception, the amalgamation policy of encouraging Locals asked by the United Auto Workers upheld the union's right to collect vide a heightened level of clarity to merge has not proved very successful. We believe it is time for a and the Ford Motor Company to his Rand Formula payments and to in what has been, until now, a stronger form of encouragement and we urge the Delegates to adopt the mediate the end of a strike by use them for any legitimate pur- confused and often contradic- resolution for change. UAW Local 200 in Windsor, back pose. tory area of Canadian law. TRANSMITTER - February, 2002 - Page 5 Our rights are at risk I Hiebert says fightback By GEORGE DOUBT • • • Political Action Officer Workers rights in Canada are determined by both federal and pro- j ust getting started in BC vincial legislation. TWU members who work at Telus and Shaw Cable come under the federal labour code but are covered by pro- Following are excerpts from a We have to demonstrate they This spring the government in- vincial Workers Compensation legislation. TWU members who work speech delivered by TWU Presi- don't have a mandate for the mea- tends to gut the basic standards for for other employers including call centers and flagging companies dent Rod Hiebert, as an officer of sures they are implementing. non-union workers as well through come under provincial labour codes. the BC Federation of Labour, to a We need to lay the groundwork changes to the Employment Stan- All Workers Compensation legislation in Canada is based on an public Forum of Regional Activ- by this fall to go on the offensive dards Act. They fully intend to historic compromise. In exchange for a legislated system of com- ists in Castlegar February 2. with workplace and political action reduce help to all workers who get pensation for illness or injury that arises out of employment, work- I'm here today to report to you — that means community elections injured on the job, and cut ,safety ers give up the right to seek damages in court from their employers. on what we in the BC Federation and, potentially, recall. protections for every worker. Employers everywhere are pressuring governments to reduce the of Labour have done so far in what The Campbell agenda is clear. We'll see massive cuts in funding cost of doing business. Since Workers Compensation is funded by we are calling Campaign BC. Drive down wages, take away for vital services. Changes to the assessments on employers, there is pressure on government to re- Gordon Campbell hasn't seen a workers' rights, and deliberately Forest Act will deal a body blow duce those costs. We are concerned that in this rush to reduce costs, one-day protest this week when create unemployment. to the economy, and rollbacks to workers' rights will be trampled on. teachers went on strike — he's seen That is the formula of free mar- public sector contacts are an invi- Day One of the longest, toughest British Columbia's Minister of Labour has appointed Alan Win- ket capitalism that they think will tation to corporations to roll back fight of his life. We aren't going ter to review workplace safety standards, funding for injured work- build a future — the corporate protection for private sector work- to surrender our well-being with- ers as well. ers, rehabilitation and survivor benefits. Mr. Winter is a lawyer for agenda. It isn't just Unions and our out a fight. Our convention mandated us to the Business Council of B. C. the Coalition of B.C. Business and the members who are under attack. We began to lay the foundations One of this government's first ac- begin what we have called Cam- Employer's Forum. The minister has also replaced the board of ad- for the campaign last fall. tions was to undermine the mini- paign BC to mobilize in our com- ministrators of the B. C. Workers Compensation Board with two The Federation unanimously mum wage. munities for three things: accountants. For the first time in memory there is no worker voice at passed an Action Plan resolution The Liberals have torn up con- - Jobs. the top of the board. at our November convention that tracts and unilaterally taken away - Strong communities. These appointments and the review have prompted the B. C. Fed- became the starting point for a pro- the rights of public sector workers. - Protection of health, educa- eration of Labour to mobilize to protect workers, health and safety. vincial campaign designed to It is a despicable betrayal of tion and community services. The B. C. Federation of Labour has one fundamental workplace counter the Campbell govern- Campbell's explicit promise to We're working in three phases: health and safety goal, which is shared by workers everywhere. That ment's agenda. I want to talk about workers before the election. But Education and Mobilization now. goal is to drastically reduce workplace injuries, illness and fatalities. what that campaign looks like, how it is just one step. Phase Two is demonstration and Workers who are injured on the job must have the right to fair com- it fits with actions that you are al- Thousands of jobs have been protest — a big part of our campaign pensation benefits and services. At the very minimum this requires ready taking in this region and how lost in every sector of the economy is going to turn up the heat on the the following: that campaign will succeed in — 60,000 since last May, and BC Liberals. February 23 is a criti- reigning in the BC Liberals. 11,500 jobs are being targeted for cal date in that strategy. Occupational Health and safety rights We know we won't win this elimination in the public sector. We are going to have a major 1. Workers must have the right to know the risks and hazards fight overnight through one dra- Seniors have lost their bus passes demonstration in Victoria and in matic demonstration. Campbell of their work. and their pharmacare coverage. about 15 to 20 communities across and company have another three- 2. Workers must have the right to participate in decision mak- Women's centres across the prov- BC and are going to hold town hall and-a-half years left in their man- ing about their workplace heath and safety. ince are being closed. Daycare accountability sessions with local date and we have to pace our mo- Liberal MLA's, which Labour 3. Legislation must include the individual and collective right support is being slashed. Hospi- bilizing and fight back in ways that Councils and community people and obligation to refuse unsafe work. tals are slated for closure. Welfare deal with that reality. rates are being slashed. Health will help us organize. 4. Workers have the right to be protected from discrimination Our goal is to stop or deflect contracts have been ripped up, But our campaign doesn't stop for pursuing their rights to full health and safety protection. Campbell from continuing on this eliminating long-standing seniority at February 23. The third phase is 5. Health and safety committees must be empowered to en- path. and contracting-out protection. workplace and political action. sure compliance with health and safety law and regulations. They We want to position ourselves must have the time, resources and education to carry out their du- so that when the November 2002 ties effectively. Why public sector cuts hurt municipal elections happen, 6. The W C B must be accountable for the development of labour-sponsored candidates win. standards designed to protect all workers. They must enforce regu- private sector unions Municipal councils, school lations. Regulatory review should have the full participation of By GEORGE DOUBT, BA, boards, regional districts, these are workers and their representatives. Political Action Officer the BC Liberals' farm team and we 7. Workers must have the right to appeal all decisions to the Throughout the country governments have been downsizing pub- are going to take them out. We are Appeal Division. Worker access to the Appeal process must be lic service jobs. In BC the new government is following the lead of also going to turn up the heat in equal to employer access. Ontario by cutting thousands of jobs. But the BC Liberals have local communities when MLAs are gone further: they have abandoned collective bargaining and are back in their ridings. Workers' rights to fair compensation legislating working conditions and tearing up legally negotiated In the process, we are going to 1. Compensation must be extended to all workers agreements. The agenda is to drive down all workers' wages and be a much stronger movement, a 2. Compensation must extend to cover all injuries and diseases rights. Public service unions are outraged. movement that works for everyone that arise from employment. The B. C. Government has already moved to cut the minimum and is able to reign in Campbell 3. Injured workers must have the right to timely and quality wage to $6 per hour. They have cut funding to community groups and his agenda. adjudication for all workplace injury and illness claims. that serve our members. They have said they will attack the rights Our polling shows Campbell has already divided the province: 4. Injured workers must receive 100% wage and benefit re- of non-union workers through changes to the Labour Code. our latest poll shows a dead heat placement. But the TWU is not a public sector union. Why should we care? with 44 per cent believing he's on 5. Injured workers must have a legislated right to return to First and foremost, public sector workers are the people who pro- vide services to our families and our communities. When public the right track, and 44 per cent on their previous work, and have that work modified to ensure that the wrong track. they are able to do so. service workers go, the services go with them. Secondly, the loss of huge numbers of well paying jobs will devas- In 44 communities, tens of thou- 6. Workers with permanent illness or injury must have access sands of teachers stood up against to pensions and effective vocational rehabilitation. Pensions must tate small communities where many of us live. Finally, there is the effect on labour relations in general. When his bullying. Community social replace earnings lost as a result of the injury and be based on real government unilaterally removes seniority, job security and contract- service workers walked out across job placement and actual earnings. ing out language from contracts, they send a message to private sec- the province for a day. The 6- 7. Workers must have access to an independent appeal pro- tor employers. That message is that basic collective agreement rights bucks-sucks campaign is going cess. are fair game. strong and students have already The British Columbia provincial government is in the process of When the government of B. C. has completed their attacks on conducted a province-wide demon- making dramatic changes to the Workers' Compensation Act. The public sector unions, community groups and non-union workers, stration. B. C. Federation of Labour expects these changes to include cutting they will come for us. We have already seen big dem- or taking away injured workers benefits, and taking away workers In the next months the B. C. Federation of Labour, public and onstrations in Creston, in Kelowna, right to a three level appeal process. private sector unions, together with community groups will be tak- in Delta. You can help defend workers' rights to a healthy and safe work- ing action. They will be calling meetings and holding protests. They Blair Lekstrom voted against place! will be calling MLAs to account for the damage the government is the latest bills — their first crack in Talk to your co-workers about workers' health and safety and doing to workers, their families and their communities. When those caucus solidarity. compensation rights. Talk to people in your community. Make a meetings and protests are held we must be there. We must be there But we have much more to do — and we're looking to you for ac- presentation to your local Labour Council. Tell them we need to to protect our services, and our communities. We must be there to tion, support, mobilization and defend our rights now. protect our rights to free collective bargaining. If we all stand to- gether and let them know that we will not allow this attack on Pub- suggestions. Thanks for coming — If you live in B.C. call your MLA and let them know you expect let's get started. them to stand up for your rights. lic Service workers, we may save ourselves from the same treatment. TRANSMITTER - February, 2002 - Page 6

Great Financial Plans Members have finally stopped opening our conversations with the Credit Union adds phrase: "You may not be able to an- swer this question, but...." If I don't three new branches know it immediately, I'll be the first to get the answer (if the question is related to financial planning, that is). At the beginning of the year, Van Tel Credit Union and Vancouver Many phone calls and e-mails now Safeway Employees Credit Union began to merge their opera- begin with: "I am not a member of tions. Members will find all the same great products and services the credit union, will you still see at the newly named Van Tel/Safeway Credit Union, and the credit me?" Taking care of member con- union is still closed bond--serving members of TWU and employ- cerns tends to take priority, but I will ees of. TELUS, Canada Safeway and other related companies. see anyone with financial planning The most major change is that there are now a total of five branches issues to discuss, particularly if the to serve all members in person or over the telephone. caller works for TELUS or Canada By BILL BILES, CFP Safeway, and the service remains • BURNABY: 6632 Royal Oak Ave., Financial Planner free for all. As always, I promise Tel: 604-656-6200 /1-800-663-1557 Van Tel/Safeway Credit Union you more than you pay for! • BURNABY, FSC: 6th floor — 3777 Kingsway, Tel: 604-656-6200 Welcome to the first edition of We have just worked our way • VANCOUVER: 2626 East Hastings St., Tel: 604-254-0671 * "Great Financial Plans" for the year through another RRSP season and • SURREY: D-1, 15251-101 Ave., Tel: 604-581-1773 * 2002. I want to thank our member- despite the low rates and poor mar- • VICTORIA: 102-2610 Douglas St., Tel: 250-385-0112 * ship and you, the readers of this col- kets, most of us realize the advan- * ATM machines not yet available. umn, for your enthusiastic response tages of making our contributions. to financial planning at Van Tel. Let We just weren't as confident select- Check www.vantelsafeway.com for the latest Van Tel/Safeway me assure you, things will only get ing our RRSP investments. Credit Union news. better! The interest rates on our term de- For 2002, I am looking forward posits and the returns from market to broadening the perspective of investments are cyclical and both these "Great Financial Plans" col- have been at low points for some umns. I enjoy answering the tech- time now. Last month the U.S. Fed- nical questions I'm asked every eral Reserve Board did not drop the month, but even my Mom found the "fed rate", as they had for a record last couple of issues too technical to 11 times in previous meetings, so Attention: enjoy (and she still wants to hang maybe we've seen an end to falling anything I write on her fridge)! So interest rates — good news for lend- please continue sending me your ers and term investors, bad news for All TWU members questions, I just may answer them borrowers. This process is entirely in away that's easierto read and re- Market specialists agree we will late to. see a turn for the better in both the confidential We have enjoyed a seamless economy and the markets, probably merger with Vancouver Safeway some time toward the second half of TWU Organizing Department inquiry Form Employees Credit Union and are this year. The market will generally now called "Van Tel/Safeway Credit move up first, but I'll believe the Do you have friends, neighbours or relatives working in non-union jobs who would benefit from belonging to a Union or want more information about how Union". We have new locations in economic recovery when I see it. I'd to form a union? If "yes" please provide the following information: Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria and like to hear about companies hiring I encourage you to drop in and meet workers, increasing sales and reduc- Your Name: Your Phone #: the staff. And if you happen to see ing inventories instead of the sad someone wearing a Canada Safeway economic realities we've been read- Your e-mail: logo at one of our Burnaby branches, ing about for the past year and more. Person you think would benefit from belonging to a Union: please extend a hearty welcome. Our As I said earlier, things will only get credit union family just got larger. better. Most of my meeting with mem- It is tax season now and many of Name: bers throughout last year concerned us are scrambling to get our T-slips retirement (company and govern- and receipts together — you should Address: ment pensions, severance packages, have most of these slips by the end City/Town: retirement planning and RRSPs, of February or early March. If you etc.), tax planning and estate plan- have trouble with any of your return Phone (include area code) ning issues. I've developed excel- calculations or want to ask about any lent relationships with your Tele- deductions or credits you may be eli- Current Employer: communication Workers Pension gible for, give me a call. I won't do Plan and your Employee Share Pur- your return for you but I've heard Nature of Business: chase Plan administrators, with lo- most of the questions and know cal tax preparation services, and with where to get the answers. a very "user friendly" notary (she is In the next issue I will get back to E-mail: a past TELUS employee). answering your questions, and, as I Only about 25 per cent of my promise, I intend to make my re- Thank you for your participation. You have made a difference. meetings with members related to sponses easier to understand and per- building investment portfolios, but haps more enjoyable to read. After Please forward this information to the TWU via mail, fax, phone or email: despite that fact, your response at all, I've got to do something to get Van Tel has helped me become the back on Mom's fridge! TELECOMMUNICATIONS WORKERS UNION Organizing Department number one mutual fund represen- You can call Bill Biles at 604-656- 5261 Lane Street tative in Canada for credit unions 6289, email at [email protected], Burnaby BC V5H 4A6 (about 4,000 representatives). One or contact a Van Tel/Safeway Finan- Phone: 604-437-8601 ext. 630 (all collect calls will be accepted). of the other Van Tel/Safeway repre- cial Services Representative at 604- Fax: 604-435-7760 sentatives, Ash Lakhan, was num- 656-6200 or toll free at 1-800-663- Website: www.twu-canada.ca E-mail: organizeretwu-canada.ca ber two. Not bad for a small credit 1557. Please visit Van Tel/Safeway 's union in Burnaby, BC. website at www.vantelsafeway.com. TRANSMITTER - February, 2002 - Page 7 Rod Hiebert s' President's Report

Trade unionists in BC must stand up for the vulnerable, rights of workers

The actions the government of Gor- duction in wages and benefits for the can only wonder who will be next on and the TWU is committed to the fight don Campbell have taken against men and women providing the services. their hit list. as well. workers and citizens in all walks of life There is so much wrong with what The other deeply troubling aspect of Over the next weeks and months, the in British Columbia are appalling. the government is doing that it is hard what is happening is the impact the cuts labour movement in conjunction with There is really no other way to describe to know where to begin. To begin with, in service will have on the people of the other political and social action groups, what is going on in the province. tearing up contracts is wrong. It is province who rely on the services. will be involved in an organized cam- The provincial government has sadly ironic that a government whose Some of the cuts (to universal services) paign of opposition to the government's launched a frontal attack on workers, philosophy is grounded in the free en- will hit everyone. Others will impact cutbacks and related actions. Among particularly public sector workers, and terprise system could ignore one of the either most heavily or wholly on the other things, this will involve public in the process on organized labour. touchstones of free-market capitalism disadvantaged. We think it is simply rallies in Victoria and other cnntres, Within the space of a few days, the — the sanctity of contract. It would wrong to implement policies which at- community meetings, and presentations Liberal government imposed a settle- appear that the sanctity of contract is tack the most disadvantaged in society. to civic and municipal governments. ment on the province's teachers, in the a relative concept — relative to whose Overall, the cuts will have a devastat- Coming up this month is a major process rolling back gains which had contract is being gored. ing effect on the public as services are rally to be held in Victoria on Febru- been hard won by teachers through What makes the government's tear- rolled back. No doubt people will lose ary 23. Labour will be bringing our years of contract negotiations. The ing up of contracts even more egregious their lives because of hospital closures concerns to the lawn of the Legislature. changes impact negatively not only on is the fact that the premier promised and curtailing of services like The TWU is supporting that action and teachers, but on the students they teach. during the election campaign that con- pharmacare. But the rich have noth- will be actively involved in the rally. At the same time, the government tracts would not be broken in pursuit ing to worry about — they got their Our union is sponsoring one of nine announced and began to implement of the government's goals. In short, the massive tax breaks. buses labour is sending to Victoria from massive cuts to the public service, be- people of British Columbia were sold a We must stand up in support of the the Lower Mainland. ginning with a few thousand layoffs, bill of goods, so it cannot be argued the vulnerable and in support of those who I strongly encourage members to but with thousands more in the works people "knew what they were getting" have few private resources to under- support the TWU and the rest of labour over the next few years. And combined when they voted for the Liberals. That pin their lives and the lives of their in opposing the government's new di- with those draconian measures is a plan the government would renege on its families. rection. I urge members to take part for substantial privatization of many promises and tear up contracts of pub- The labour movement in B.C. has in the February 23 rally, and in subse- services formerly provided by public lic employees is a bad omen for all pledged to take a leading role in oppos- quent actions. employees. There can be no doubt that workers in the province. It is clear the ing the new direction of the government, We need the support of all members one of the results, indeed one of the in- government has little respect for the and the slash-and-burn approach to pub- in standing up for the rights of work- tended results, will be a substantial re- rights of organized workers, and we lic services. I fully support that fight, ers throughout British Columbia.

TWU member helps injured youth get home

A young man who suffered a severe beat- serious financial burden for the family, com- now retiring from the company — a career was flying to New York December 19. ing in Victoria this fall was back in his home plicated by the fact that Nicholas' father had that included active involvement in the Darren Entwistle approved and arrange- community of Toronto in time for Christmas recently been laid off from his job. Union (he was a convention delegate for a ments were made to put Nicholas and his — thanks in large part to the efforts of a long- The family wanted to take Nicholas back number of years), and in the BC TEL Pio- mother on the jet, and have it stop in Toronto time TELUS employee and TWU activist. to Ontario so the family could be re-united, neers, now TELUS Community Connec- en route to New York. A local paramedic Nineteen-year-old Nicholas Johnson had and so the father could be more involved in tions. and nurse from Life Flight International who recently moved to Victoria where he was liv- caring for Nicolas while his mother returned Bob had occasionally traveled on the had donated their time to assist in caring for ing with an aunt and uncle when he was to work. However, the cost of returning to company jet for business, and when he heard Nicholas were also on the flight. beaten by gang members in October. (His Ontario with the severely injured young man of the plight of the Johnson family, the Nicholas is now being cared for in a spe- uncle is also a TELUS employee). was prohibitive, and Nicholas' mother made TELUS jet jumped to mind. cial hospital in years of Toronto. Nicholas was recovering in Victoria Gen- a public appeal for assistance. Bob made a written appeal via e-mail to Bob Hope, we would guess, is looking eral Hospital. His mother quit her job as a That's where TWU member Bob Hope TELUS CEO Darren Entwistle asking if the forward to a happy retirement and to many nurse in Ontario to come to Victoria to care comes into the picture. Bob is a 37-year company could help out in getting Nicholas more years of active community involve- for him. The arrangement was creating a TELUS employee from Victoria who is just back home. As it happened, a corporate jet ment. CEP launches campaign GOVERNMENT BENEFITS 2002 as of January 1, 2002

for shorter work time Canada Pension Plan CPP The Communications, Energy and our last Convention that committed us to 1. Contribution Rate 4.7% Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) has action on this issue. We agreed to provide 2. Year's maximum pensionable earnings 39,100 launched a "Shorter Work Time" cam- information and education to our mem- 3. Basic exemption 3,500 paign. In a letter to members, CEP Presi- bers and to take overtime and shorter 4. Maximum premiums for employees 1673.20 dent Brian Payne outline the objectives of hours to the bargaining table. Maximum premiums for self-employed 3346.40 the campaign. So, we're launching the CEP Shorter 5. Benefits (maximum for new recipient) 788.75 We've got a problem with overtime. Work Time Campaign. First, we're deal- 6. Lump Sum Death Benefit 2,500 Jobs are disappearing in many industries, ing with overtime. You'll be seeing post- 7. Disability (max.) 956.05 while overtime is spiralling . Even in lay- ers, pamphlets and stickers. Read them, 8. Dependent children's benefit 183.77 off situations overtime continues to be think about it, talk about it. How should 9. Surviving spouse 65 and over (max.) 473.25 worked while CEP members are walking your Local respond to the overtime prob- 10. Surviving spouse under 65 (max.) 437.99 out the gate. This is unacceptable. lem? Unions fought long and hard for The Shorter Work Time Campaign Old Age Security (effective January 1, 2002 — adjusted quarterly) OAS shorter hours of work and time off. Now runs counter to the long hours, fewer 1. Old Age Security 442.66 employers are trying to take that away workers, let's compete, race to the bot- 2. Guaranteed income supplement (max.) - single 526.08 from us. Overtime is being used, along tom philosophy of corporations. More with cutbacks, contracting out and casual time off is about being healthy and safe - couple 342.67 3. Maximum spouse's allowance (Age 60-64) work, as part of the push by employers and having time for family and social life. 785.33 to an ever smaller work force. We must Socially it's about employment, jobs for 4. Maximum widowed spouse's allowance (Age 60-64) 867.02 say no! young people and a better community life. That's why we passed a resolution at We can make a difference. From: CAW Contact TRANSMITTER - February, 2002 - Page 8