Union optimistic after VoIP hearings By Sid Shniad, TWU Research Director

The TWU urged the have phone conversations companies be regulated in the Transmitter article by Rod) the effects of deregulation and Canadian Radio-television over the Internet, should be same way as VoIP provided that telephone companies are were taking the TWU’s call to and Telecommunications regulated in the same way as by telephone companies, and using VoIP to restructure their regulate all of the players in Commission (CRTC) to fully wireline service, TWU the CRTC shouldn’t let any operations and finances to the sector seriously. It is too regulate Voice-over Internet president Rod Hiebert, lawyer company offer VoIP until it is avoid regulatory oversight. early to tell what this will Protocol (VoIP), in a three- Jim Aldridge and I told the capable of providing During the hearing, it ultimately mean, but the signs day hearing held late CRTC. The TWU also emergency services like 911. became clear that at least are good. After years of September in Ottawa. recommended that VoIP The TWU pointed out (as some of the CRTC panel participating in proceedings Vo IP, which allows users to service provided by cable detailed in a recent members are concerned about (see TWU urges -- page 5)

October 2004 XXVI 2

TWU wrestles with Telus in court Last January the deal was Then, just a couple of accusations of bias, but unacceptable, and appealed the Board in Letter Decision sealed. It was good news. weeks later, the company flip- instead dismissed them as for a Judicial Review in the 1004. Telus accepted a Canadian flopped and asked both the hearsay, stating in Letter Federal Court of Appeal. Telus’ action in these Industrial Relations Board CIRB and the Federal Court Decision 1128 that the TWU instances were “contrary to (CIRB) order to enter into of Appeal to reconsider the submitted “no compelling CIRB says Telus effective industrial relations binding arbitration with the binding arbitration decision. evidence.” and sound labour- union. The union is still waiting Edmondson was the violated the management relations,” wrote for this decision. accused, the judge and jury. the Board. “We’re not out of the The TWU, after hearing labour code One email, entitled “Telus woods because we haven’t got reports that Edmondson had responds with the facts” the goods,” says VP Bruce made remarks on the case in Telus violated Canada’s contained editorial comments Bell. “We have to be ready to favour of Telus which were Labour Code by discussing about the union such as “the 40022297 take action. We’re still in reportedly passed on to Telus, collective bargaining issues TWU’s claims are wrong and front of the CIRB on a had asked the Board to with employees in Team Telus misrepresent the facts.” number of fronts and there are remove itself from hearing Talks, Front Line Forums and Several employees procedures to follow and legal Telus’ attempt to overturn the two internal e-letters, ruled provided testimony on forums manoeuvring to be done. The CIRB ruling that ordered the CIRB. and meetings where Telus process takes time, and I’d Telus into binding arbitration. Decision 271, issued April discussed collective like to thank our members for Union Vice-President 8, 2004, to explain the bargaining issues with their patience.” Bruce Bell submitted an reasoning behind the binding employees. There’s more than one affidavit to the court which arbitration decision 1004, The employees’ testimony court and more than one said he had been advised by a found Telus breached Section indicates that the issue. As Telus and the TWU source involved in the case 94(1)(a) of the Labour Code presentations to employees continue to play legal that CIRB Chair Edmondson by communicating with were well-planned, and not volleyball on a number of had said that Telus should bargaining unit employees on just responses to questions fronts in the courts, nothing seek reconsideration of the matters of employment and employees had, wrote the has happened at the Board’s binding arbitration collective interest. CIRB. The slides detail the bargaining table. decision and that if he heard The employer’s actions employer’s position on labour Telus sought a the case, he would overturn it. “poisoned” the collective issues and excluded all other Reconsideration of the binding The source had received a bargaining process, said the points of view. arbitration decision in two similar report from another Board, effectively destroying “Coming at time when the venues, the CIRB and the player in the dispute, who had the remaining trust that was parties had agreed to Federal Court of Appeal. also said this information was needed to secure a new conciliation, these meetings In March, the Union asked shared with Telus’ lead contract. The Board said that must be seen as an employer- the CIRB to remove itself negotiator Mr. Bedard. the employer was giving created opportunity to sell its from hearing the The Union asked the CIRB employees advance notice of position to employees…” Reconsideration, after to disclose the facts in this what to expect on the wrote the CIRB. receiving information which matter to refute the bargaining table before it told Employees were told that led the Union to believe the allegations, but since the union’s bargaining the union refused to consider Return undeliverable CIRB was biased. In August, Edmondson dismissed the representatives. other “more reasonable collective agreements.” They Canadian addresses to: the CIRB dismissed the charges as hearsay, he “This is an insidious way of keeping negotiations off were a captive audience being Circulation Dept. TWU TWU’s accusation of bias claimed the CIRB was not against itself. required to respond to the balance and a loss of face for addressed by Telus senior 5261 Lane Street, CIRB Chair Warren allegations. the union’s representatives at leaders, sometimes including Burnaby, BC, V5H 4A6 Edmondson didn’t deny the The Union decided this was the bargaining table,” wrote (see Battles -- page 3) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Workers’ Union Scholarship. I really years and I would like to wish them all Dear TWU: support in what was a very difficult Students thank you appreciate the recognition, and the the best in the years to come. I want to thank the TWU for my situation for us. money will help to finance my Sincerely, great pension and life membership. It A couple of years ago when I Dear TWU Awards Committee, education as I follow a degree in Wayne Upper, Local 2 Victoria is very much appreciated. I would also accepted a job posting to the Island, I received a letter from Lisa Maree Business Administration at Simon like to thank Grace for being so helpful we started construction of our new at the Columbia Institute, stating I was Fraser University in the following Dear TWU: in filling out my forms. Take care and house. Though everything had been chosen for the Telecommunications years. Thank you for the honourary life best wishes in getting a decent contract discussed and agreed to beforehand, Workers Union Scholarship for the Thank you again for supporting my membership, retirement pin and for all in these difficult and when we submitted the bill, the amount of $750. continued education. $1,000 retirement gift. To the TWU unnecessary times. company refused to pay the GST on I want to thank the TWU for Yours sincerely, executive, past and present, I extend Sincerely, the house. choosing me. I am very grateful to Laura Zilcosky my heartfelt gratitude for your Patricia Sneddon, Local 32 In total frustration, we contacted receive this award. I have registered dedication, foresight and ability to deal the Union and went through the in first-year Engineering beginning in with an ever-changing communications Dear TWU: grievance process. Nancy’s attention September. Retirement bliss industry. Thank you for the honourary life to details, genuine interest in the case Thank you again for selecting me Dear TWU, Over the past 36 years, I have had membership and the $1000 cheque and overall handling of the entire and helping me further my education. I would like to extend my long the privilege to work with countless from the union. Thanks also to the situation resulted in a positive I sincerely appreciate it. overdue thanks for the $1,000 wonderful and dedicated people. I TWU for negotiating such great outcome for our family with the Yours truly, retirement cheque and lifetime wish all of you a prosperous and contracts over my 35 years of company agreeing to pay our GST Michael McBurnie membership in the TWU. I would also healthy life. To my colleagues who employment at BC Tel/Telus. claim two days before the scheduled like to thank Rod Hiebert and Neil remain employed, I pray for continued Miss you all, arbitration hearing. I am very confident Dear TWU members, Morrison for their kind words at my strength and a just and peaceful Maynetta Raymond, Local 50 that without Nancy at the helm of this I would like to thank you for the retirement party in Victoria. contract settlement. case, the outcome would not have been incredible support you provided with As a former Okanagan Telephone Yo u rs truly, Dear TWU: the same. Other TWU members who the scholarship you have given me. I Company employee, I can still Jeff Hurst, Local 9 Many thanks for the lifetime assisted throughout the situation were have always strived to be a nurse and remember August 21, 1973 at 1pm, membership to the TWU and the $350 Rod Peters, Rick Keen and Glen your contribution has given me great hitting the bricks with our picket signs Dear TWU: cheque. I have only been with the Husband. help towards the achievement of my in Salmon Arm. Four months and 10 I would like to thank the TWU for TWU for a few years, but it seems like Once again a big thank you from goal. I will always appreciate what you days later it was settled, thanks to all the cheque, pin and lifetime forever. Thanks to Monte our family in bringing this to a have done for me and my future. Your of the B.C. Tel employees who helped membership I received upon my Worthington, Tim Williams and the successful close. union has my gratitude and respect. out while we were on strike for a retirement on December 31, 2003. It Local 60 executive board for all the Al Whitworth Yours truly, pension plan which I am fortunate was greatly appreciated. It has been a good work they have done on my Fleet Services, Nanaimo Rachael Wills enough to now take advantage of, privilege to be a member of this union. behalf to keep the Shaw’s of the world which allows me plenty of time on the Keep up the good work. from destroying a good industry and Dear TWU, golf course. Yours in solidarity, work place. I have been around from Supporting sport I would like to thank you for It has been a pleasure working with Donna Toomer, Nanaimo, BC the beginning of Cablevision (45 Dear Sirs and Madams: awarding me the Telecommunications all of my co-workers during my 36 years) and I’ve seen some big changes. On behalf of the Quesnel Technics Hi Rod, I would like to thank all my co-workers Gymnastics Club, we wish to thank I appreciate your warm wishes in for the great times I have had and I you for your sports sponsorship of my retirement from TELUS, the will miss them one and all (even the $500 received recently. Honourary Life Membership ones I disagreed with). It’s been a good We are pleased to advise that this certificate and the cheque which will career and I leave it to some very good money went toward the purchase of be very useful. people to look after. My family has a signs and gymnastics advertising Please also pass along my long history with the cable industry so posters for display on the float we put appreciation to Leslie Yawrenko. I will be kept up to date with the things in the Billy Barker Days parade in July Bye for now, that are good and not so good. For my of this year. These signs and posters Carol Martin future, my wife and I will be doing will be re-used at other gymnastics TWU phone ...(604) 437-8601 some traveling and of course some events, such as our annual gym-a-thon Dear TWU: fishing and enjoying our retirement which is held in the fall and our annual After 25 years with BC Tel/Telus, together. Many thanks again to all. invitational meet in the spring. I must let you know, I have enjoyed Yours truly, It is with kind donations such as reading the Transmitter. Arnold Monkman this that we are able to continue to offer TWU fax ...... (604) 435-7760 Thank you for my pin and recreational and competitive Honourary Life Membership and my gymnastics in our community. We cheque. Overwhelming sincerely appreciate your support of Best wishes towards a new this sport. collective agreement. support Yo urs sincerely, Pension Plan Karen Hilder, Local 21 Dear TWU: Quesnel Technics I’m writing to thank all my friends Gymnastics Club, office ...... (604) 430-1317 Dear TWU, at Telus who called, sent flowers and Mary Herauf, President I wish to express a heartfelt thank cards, as well as those who sent you for the generous $1,000 retirement donations to Canuck Place on behalf To the members of TWU Local 52: gift, honorary life membership and of my grandson. His name was Thank you for your generous minor retirement pin. Kristopher Cecil Hemeon Sheloff sports contribution of $500. Your TWU hotline ..(604) 435-2224 It was a pleasure to be part of such (September 21, 1996 to September 7, sponsorship was greatly appreciated a great group of people over the past 2004). I’ve been retired now for two and used towards our annual all girls 30 years and belong to a union that years and it’s nice to know we are still Minor Box Lacrosse Tournament, can be proud of always negotiating remembered by our fellow workers in which took place June 25 to 27, 2004 with dignity, respect and with fairness this time of sadness. at Queens Park Arena in New TWU Website addresses: to all. Your hard work is greatly Yours truly, Westminster, BC. TWU Home Page: http://www.twu-canada.ca appreciated. Wishing you all the best Linda Hemeon, Thank you from the New TW Pension Plan: with negotiations now and in the Abbotsford/Mission Westminster SalmonBellies Div 3- http://www.twu-canada.ca/twpp/pptoc.htm future. Girls Minor Box Lacrosse Team TW Benefit Plan: Sincerely, http://www.twu-canada.ca/twbp/bphome.htm Wanda Proulx, Local 21 After the fire To Jim Christensen: TWU Email Address (Union Office): Thank you again for another year [email protected] To staff and members of the TWU, Dear TWU, of helping sponsor minor lacrosse in TW Pension and Benefit Plans: I would like to thank everyone who our community. [email protected] Thank you for the $1,000 has offered their assistance and The Power Ranger mini-tyke team retirement gift, the honourary life support during my recent loss. The membership in the TWU and the pin. from the Ridge Meadows Lacrosse fire that destroyed my home on Association in Maple Ridge was in two This is very much appreciated as is all January 26, 2004 was truly the hard work by the Pension office tournaments this season — the Jean devastating. I am able to carry forward Andre in Coquitlam and Ridge and our business agents throughout the thanks to the unyielding support from The 30 years I spent at BC Tel/Telus. I miss Meadows tournament in Maple Ridge. Transmitter all my fellow workers and those During these weekends as well as all of the people but definitely not the Member of members I have not had the pleasure through the season we watched their The Transmitter is the offi- work. Retirement is wonderful and I to meet. I am both humbled and grateful skills and teamwork improve. They cial publication of the highly recommend it to everyone. for their generosity. Please accept my went from playing offensively to Telecommunications In Solidarity, thanks and my thoughts and prayers Workers Union. Karen Houlden, North defensively and from individually to are with all of you. as a team to achieve their own goals Vancouver Wendy Poloway, Local 207 Editor: Kim Fehr within the games. President: Rod Hiebert Dear TWU: Enclosed is a photo of the team Vice-Presidents: Hope Cumming & Bruce Bell I would like to express my with their coaches (my husband the Sect.-Treasurer: Jim Christensen Keeping promises appreciation for the cheque from the bodybuilder!) and my son Steven – 5261 Lane Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4A6 Dear TWU: back row third from left. I just wanted Publication number 40022297 TWU Benevolent Society. Our family would like to express Thanking you, to express my sincere gratitude for (Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: our appreciation to the TWU with your financial support. Circulation Dept. TWU at above Burnaby address) Ray Gallant, Local 60 special thanks to Nancy Curley for the Kathleen Donaldson

TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 2 Battles go beyond the CIRB to higher court (contined from page 1) the CEO Darren Entwistle, in members in the east, if only Get to know your CIRB cases a manner that was sometimes Telus would provide the union menacing, said the CIRB. with information for its new members, as it has been The Clearnet decision Telus takes ordered to do by law. The Decision that Clearnet (now Telus Mobility) workers in Ontario and Quebec fall under The Stay would have TWU’s jurisdiction is law and should be implemented, but Telus won’t provide information on Clearnet to suspended the implementation the new union members. of the decision until after • Letter Decision 1088 (May) – rules that Telus is a single employer, therefore Clearnet higher court Telus’ Judicial Review. employees fall under the jurisdiction of the TWU During the Stay • Decision 278 (June) – denies Telus’s attempt to stall the implementation of 1088 by Telus’ bid to block the proceedings, Telus and the requesting a Stay decision that gave the union Union presented divisive • Appeal of 1088 – Telus appealed the Clearnet decision to the Federal Court of Appeal. jurisdiction over Clearnet points of view. Telus argued The Judicial Review was heard on October 4 and 5 in Toronto and a decision is pending employees was heard by that the application of the Federal Court of Appeal in TWU Collective Agreement Binding Arbitration Toronto on October 4 and 5. to former Clearnet employees Telus was ordered to and did offer the TWU binding arbitration, which the TWU accepted. The decision has not been would cause them irreparable • Letter Decision 1004 (January) – the CIRB orders Telus to offer binding arbitration to released yet. harm. The TWU argued that the union In June, the CIRB refused if Telus won its request for a • Decision 271 (April) – which further explains Letter Decision 1004, the CIRB finds Telus’ request for a Stay to Stay, it would cause the TWU Telus in violation of the Canada Labour Code temporarily block Decisions irreparable harm. • Reconsideration sought (February) – Telus sought a Reconsideration of the Binding 1088 and 278 (which gave the Telus did win one part of its Arbitration (1004) with the CIRB and the Federal Court of Appeal: decisions pending Union the green light to Stay application. The CIRB • Letter Decision 1128 (August) – the TWU asked the CIRB to remove itself from represent employees of ruled that Telus can hearing the Reconsideration case, after the TWU received information which Clearnet, which is now called communicate with employees indicated that the CIRB was biased, but the CIRB dismissed the accusation of bias, Telus Mobility), from taking on the Clearnet decision, saying there wasn’t enough evidence effect. provided the communications • Appeal of 1128 (September) – TWU appeals 1128 to the Federal Court of Appeal The TWU is authorized to don’t violate the Federal start working with new Labour Code.

Union wins better procedure Union member touched by support in wake of son’s to resolve ATO disputes accident

Telus’ Customer Service be allowed to take that time that he probably couldn’t Dear Brothers, Sisters and Co-workers, Delivery employees in BC off. For example, normally if come up with a solution to should have a better there are 20 people on a solve all of our problems.” Speaking on behalf of my family, I wish to express our opportunity to take their schedule, four would be heartfelt gratitude and deepest thanks for everyone’s support, Accumulated Time Off (ATO) allowed to book time off. But But a deal was reached that prayers and comforting words since our son Dustin’s days on Saturdays or on a Saturday and Sunday, if should help clear up a lot of accident on May 5 this year. It has been a very traumatic Sundays. A recent arbitration one person was scheduled to issues regarding ATO days in time in our lives however having the support of everyone at put an end to an interim deal work, only one person was the future. the TWU Local 60 and Shaw has been overwhelming. This that said only 20 percent of allowed to schedule an ATO has given us the peace of mind emotionally and financially employees working on any day, instead of four. The The union and Telus agreed to focus our energy on Dustin. I feel very blessed to belong given day could take an ATO union saw this as a change to to name Don Munroe as the to a company and union that show compassion for workers in day. the accepted practice and dedicated arbitrator for issues times of personal upheaval. contrary to the Collective on ATO days, under the Business Agent Karen Agreement. expedited process as per the To each and everyone who contributed to Dustin’s trust Whitfield, who led the Collective Agreement, page fund, words are not enough to express our thanks and grievance along with Business In May, Telus began 179. “It will be on a much less amazement at people’s generosity. This money will be used Agent Lesley Hammond, declining Customer Service formal basis than regular for a number of things Dustin will need for his personal care. says, “The interim deal is no Delivery members’ requests arbitrations, without legal longer in place. Our position for ATO days on the weekend, counsel, and may even be Dustin is currently at GF Strong Rehab Centre undergoing is that BC members who and the Union took two held by conference call,” says intensive physio and occupational therapy where he will be sometimes work weekends grievances on the issue to Whitfield. for another couple of months. He has regained some are entitled to book Saturday expedited arbitrations that mobility in his arms and is able to operate his electric and Sunday ATOs under the month. Both were Munroe says he’ll make wheelchair and go out socially now. He is steadily getting same rules for any other day, unsuccessful, and left the decisions based on what’s fair stronger. However, he still has no movement or sensation just as they always were.” issue unclear. A third in each situation instead of from the upper chest down. We hope and pray that in time he expedited arbitration was held trying to strictly adhere to will regain usage of some of the rest of his body however the This spring, Telus suddenly in June with arbitrator Don conflicting interpretations of specialists feel this is where he will remain, although they do took issue with the rule for Munroe. The Union and the the Collective Agreement. expect him to recover his upper body strength. Only time ATO days as defined in the Company decided the matter will tell. The therapists and specialists assure us that Dustin BC Collective Agreement needed a full arbitration, Whitfield says: “The Union will be able to live on his own with the help of attendants for which said that 20 percent of which was scheduled for and Telus still have conflicting his personal needs. He wishes to maintain his independence employees on a schedule were September 25, while in the positions but having a named and we respect his decision. He has many hurdles to allowed to book ATO days on interim, Telus’ interpretation of arbitrator cuts down on the overcome but is trying to keep strong emotionally and is any given day. Telus’ new the 20 percent rule would take time we spend debating about concentrating on his rehabilitation. interpretation of that rule for effect. who the arbitrator will be. the Customer Service Sometimes the company and Thanking everyone sincerely, Delivery was that 20 percent At the September 25 the union couldn’t agree at all Dustin, Linda and John Paul of employees actually arbitration, Whitfield said, and time would run out. Now scheduled to work on “The arbitrator told us neither we know who to go to.” Saturday and Sunday would party had a slam-dunk and TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 3 Great Financial Plans: Rising rates and education tax breaks

with information and “neutral levels.” For the U.S. and tax credits and anybody.) answers to your questions and Canada, neutral interest deductions that may apply. For further details on regarding any aspect of rates are around 4 to 4.5%, Taxable incomes for the these tax implications, or on financial planning, including so we could see interest student may include any financially based cash and debt management, rates double over the next 18 employment income, question, please feel free to taxes, insurance, retirement to 24 months. Of course, I investment income, RESP give me a call or send me an and estate planning, and have been known to be income, and a variety of email. building investment wrong before. scholarships, fellowships, As a quick aside, I portfolios. I remind you to I would consider locking bursaries and grants. attended the 6th Annual make this column yours, in your variable rate loans The student will be able Colin G. Patterson send me your questions! and mortgages and staying to claim an annual Memorial Golf Tournament Now, down to business. very short term or exemption of $500, or up to this September, an annual redeemable with your term $3000 if the student is able event sponsored in part by Question 1: Where are deposit investments. Many to claim the education TELUS and Van Tel/ By Bill Biles, CFP interest rates headed? financial institutions will amount credit. Certain Safeway Credit Union. The Financial Planner have some sort of term expenses may be claimed event raises funds and Van Tel/Safeway Credit Answer: I know I’ve deposit promotion to against research grants, awareness for the Union mentioned before that I compete with this year’s including traveling Huntington Society of cannot tell the future, but issue of Canada Savings expenses, assistants’ fees Canada and the Holy Trinity there are many economic Bonds. You should be and the costs of equipment Cathedral, and features a We have certainly had indicators suggesting that looking for a rate set higher and lab fees. mixed golf scramble, silent another interesting summer rates are finally on their way than the CSB rate (i.e. Certain moving expenses auction, dinner and prizes. in sunny B.C. Like last year, upwards. In the past few 1.35% for this year) and may be claimed by full-time For the second year in a many of our friends and months we have seen the term deposit conditions students against taxable row, the team of Lesley family in the interior have Canadian and U.S. allowing for unpenalized scholarships and grants, and Hammond (honorable TWU had to deal with forest fires governing bodies stop redemptions. With free child care expenses may be Business Agent), Brenda and water shortages, while dropping their key policy redemption you can roll your claimed against any income. Reigh, Ash Lahkan (Branch those of us in the lower interest rates, and now both funds into higher paying There are non-refundable Manager, VTSCU) and mainland have simply have begun to raise their term deposits as interest credits for students yours truly won the honors. enjoyed one the warmest, rates. The U.S. Fed Rate is rates rise. including interest paid on Will we be invited back? driest summers on record. currently at 1.75% and will student loans, and eligible Win or lose, I sure hope so! The rains have returned probably see another 0.25% Question 2: My son has just tuition and education Please remember, keep and I hope yours is a bump in November. The entered university, what are amount credits. The eligible those questions coming. I’ll wonderful autumn. I know it Canadian Bank Rate the tax implications? tuition and education credits try to answer everyone. will be for former recently moved up to 2.25% must first be used against the Transmitter editor Myron and we are expecting further Answer: Congratulations, student’s income, but any You can call Bill Biles at Johnson, who I hope is off increases of about 0.50% by to begin with. A post- unused portion may be 604-656-6289, email enjoying his life, post- the end of this year. secondary education no transferred to the student’s [email protected], Transmitter. I have enjoyed Ver y simply put, longer guarantees a good parent, grandparent, spouse or contact a Van Tel/ writing this column for governments generally lower job, but good jobs are hard or common-law partner. Or, Safeway Member Service Myron for over four years interest rates to stimulate to come by without one. And these credits may be carried Representative at 604-656- and wish him all the best. I their economies and raise without a good job, it’s less forward by the student to be 6200 or toll free at 1-800- welcome Kim Fehr to her interest rates to slow their likely your child will move applied in any future year 663-1557. Please visit Van new role as editor and thank economies down and to curb out of your house, so you are (like after he/she lands that Tel/Safeway’s website at her for keeping my column. inflation. Ultimately, rates now part way there! good job, is in a higher tax www.vantelsafeway.com. As it has always been, this will probably find From a tax perspective, bracket and out of the house! column aims to provide you themselves back to so-called there are taxable incomes Not that I’m trying to rush

Get to know the rules about Remember Tanys Warning: check your Tanys Anderson, Past Shop buying Days of Pay Steward and Director for paycheque Local 203 and Scrutineer for Members of the of one day in the year 2004, our 2004 Convention, passed Telecommunication Workers and been employed for the New employees working under the BC/TWU collective away in March 2004. She is Pension Plan may be eligible full calendar year. You cannot agreement should check the fine print on the their paycheques. sadly missed. Any time she to buy Days of Pay, if you purchase more service than In a number of cases, members did not have their premiums has been spoken of, it has have worked less than 250 was earned in 2002 or 2003. for the Telecommunication Workers’ Benefit Plan deducted for been with great affection and Days of Pay in 2004 and meet If you are eligible and wish several months after they enrolled, resulting in an accumulation gratitude for the work she did the other eligibility to buy Days of Pay, you must of premiums that they suddenly had to pay. In other cases, for all of us in the TWU. Her requirements. purchase them within the members thought that they were covered, but the Benefit Plan death was untimely and To be eligible for a full calendar year. No payments had no knowledge of them. sudden. We all feel her year of credited service for will be accepted in 2005 for The Plan Trustees, Administrator and Staff ask that the absence in the Local the Pension Plan you must the 2004 calendar year. following groups of members check their paycheques to ensure Executive and at work. She have a minimum of 250 Days If you have purchased that Telus is deducting the required Benefit Plan premiums worked as a Customer of Pay in a year. The 250 service in the previous two (these deductions are coded as twu_hb_plan): Service Rep in the Calgary Days include days worked calendar years, you should • All newly enrolled members of the Telecommunication Residential Sales and Service and days on Leave of have received a notice about Department. In recognition of Workers Benefit Plan Absence due to sick leave, this in the mail from the • All temporary employees with over nine months in the her efforts and our affection WCB or ill health. Telecommunication Workers for her we are raising funds to company You may be entitled to Pension Plan office. have a bench donated in her • All new full time employees including those employees purchase service if you have a For more details or if you name in Calgary’s Fish Creek going from temporary to full-time status. shortfall of Days of Pay in would like a form to purchase Park. May her soul rest in If you are unsure about whether you are covered by the 2004. To be eligible, you days please contact the TW peace. Telecommunications Workers’ Benefit Plan or have other must have 36 months of Pension Plan office at 604- Anne Cameron, questions, you can call the Benefit Plan office at 604-412-2400. seniority, worked a minimum 430-1317. VP Local 203, Calgary TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 4 TWU urges CRTC to regulate CLC backs TWU with letter to VoIP just like the phone Canada’s Labour Minister (contined from page 1) dominated by the repetition of (Clearly VoIP isn’t going to the CRTC rejected The TWU has the support of the Canadian Labour self-serving corporate slogans, create a lot of jobs. If suggestions from TWU and Congress in its struggle with Telus. Ken Georgetti, this hearing provided a anything, it is going to be a job others that strict regulatory President of the Canadian Labour Congress, wrote this welcome change. destroyer. So our task is oversight was needed to letter on behalf of the TWU to Canada’s Labour Minister Of course, the predictable twofold: to reduce its impact protect quality of service. “We Frank Fontana, urging him to take steps to rectify the jockeying for position still took on existing jobs, particularly in got burned,” he noted. situation with Telus. place. All of the corporate the wireline side of the Perhaps his comment is a players wanting into the VoIP business, and to promote the sign that at least some of the The Honorable Joseph Frank Fontana market argued that regulation public interest. This is why we Commissioners understand we Minister of Labour and Housing should not apply to them, but are taking every opportunity to are giving them sound advice West Block, Room 334 that their competitors should stress the issue of service about the need to maintain Ottawa, ON be strictly regulated. quality to the CRTC. If the strict regulatory oversight over The new and would-be Commission fails to do a service quality and that our Dear Minister Fontana: Vo IP competitors said that the serious job of overseeing call for full regulation of VoIP cable and telephone service quality, all jobs in the has been heard. Otherwise I write in follow-up to our conversation earlier in the week companies should have their industry will be placed at risk.) the future could be very about the Telecommunications Workers Union’s inability to services regulated. The cable What Hunter did not know unfriendly for the Canadians conclude a collective agreement with Telus, Canada’s major companies said only telephone or chose to ignore was that who count on the quality and western telecommunications company, for the last four years. companies should be subject our submission focused on the availability of regular As also mentioned, it has been seven months since the two to regulation. The telephone key questions facing the telephone service. parties have met, as a result of a series of actions the companies said that there industry, the CRTC and the company has taken to delay or challenge the implementation should be no regulation of the Canadian people as a result of Union awaits CRTC of decisions of the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Vo I P market. the introduction of VoIP. decision on service-quality Below is some background on the situation. They all threatened that • What will happen to the BC Tel in BC and Telus in Alberta merged in 1999. The technological innovation would Public Switched Telephone The Commissioner’s employees were represented in BC by the TWU and in dry up, Canada would lose its Network as the use of VoIP comment that the CRTC got Alberta by the IBEW, CEP and CSU-52. On application by competitive advantage, and services reduce the number of burned when it didn’t maintain the company and subsequent agreement by the unions, a vote the country would fall into customers who continue to strict control on service quality was conducted for employees to determine bargaining unit economic disarray if the rely on high quality, affordable after the Price Caps representation. The TWU won the vote by 70 percent. Commission didn’t give in to plain old telephone service? proceedings also bodes well At the time of the merger, there were a total of 10,000 their demands. Yawn. • How will the rates for for service-quality issues members in BC and 7,000 in Alberta and the collective Many CRTC proceedings and quality of primary currently pending with the agreements expired at or near the end of the year. Bargaining have been totally dominated exchange service be affected CRTC. began in November 2000. by such self-serving if the Commission gives in to We are all aware of what For over a year of Federal Conciliation the company arguments, but this hearing the telephone companies’ has happened to service refused to bargain in a meaningful way, moving to a “final was different. Commission demands and allows them to quality since the Price Caps offer” without negotiations. The CIRB ruled that the TWU members seemed to be offer VoIP without any hearings. Last fall, the TWU Collective Agreement did not apply to the entire unit and focusing on the argument, regulation? made a comprehensive allowed the IBEW, CEP and CSU-52 agreements to remain raised by the TWU and • How will the price and submission to the CRTC on in place. This forced the TWU to administer collective others, that too much effort quality of the Public Switched how to address service-quality agreements that they had no part in negotiating. This created had been spent analyzing Telephone Network be problems in the industry. a situation of conflicting provisions and rendered portions of companies’ demands instead affected if the Commission The submission was made the TWU agreement inoperable. of addressing the allows the demands of cable at a follow-up to the Price The delaying tactics used have allowed Telus to alter the communications needs of companies or other would-be Caps proceedings, which the nature of the bargaining unit by moving work to non-union Canadians. The TWU argued VoIP service providers? CRTC said it had to hold operations in the east and outside the unit. In addition, Telus the Commission could only be • How will the because of the gross neglect has moved work from the TWU agreement to inferior an effective regulator if it Commission’s decision in this of service that had taken agreements in Alberta, rendering classifications, wage moved away from addressing proceeding affect its ability to place under the original Price groupings and working conditions inoperative. At the same the desires of particular apply rate adjustments when Caps system, which did not time, the company has downsized the bargaining unit by one service providers and instead the companies fail to fulfil include strict enforcement of third or 6,000 members. The bargaining unit has now been made its decisions with a view their quality of service quality standards. redistributed from 10,000 in BC and 7,000 in Alberta to to regulating Canadian obligations? TWU member Larry approximately 6,000 in BC and 6,000 in Alberta. communications as a whole. • How will the Smallwood and I worked with In addition to this restructuring and in spite of a ruling by On two occasions, the Commission’s decision in this lawyers Jim Aldridge and the CIRB, the company refused to supply TWU with basic Commission cited the TWU’s proceeding affect its ability to Marcus Bartley to assemble a information about those positions and individuals that were submission, asking telephone create and enforce a huge amount of evidence from affected by the restructuring. company witnesses to respond Consumer Bill of Rights? TWU members about service This is not the only Board decision the company has to the concerns we raised. Later in the hearings, quality issues at Telus. In refused to implement, there are others. At all turns Telus Bell Executive Vice- another company addition, we submitted continues to delay and frustrate the process by appealing, President Lawson Hunter representative urged the information about the steps requesting judicial review or making application for stays of attempted to belittle our CRTC to “take a leap of faith” that regulatory bodies in the proceedings or reconsiderations as well. analysis, saying that TWU and embrace the deregulation States have taken to address The TWU has been devastated by a loss of bargaining members would be better of VoIP. similar problems. rights, a loss of representational rights and a loss of work served and more jobs created David Colville, the We have heard nothing moved out of the bargaining unit. As you can imagine, the if we backed the companies’ Commissioner who was doing since, but the Commissioner’s membership is frustrated and angry at the union because they call to deregulate VoIP. But the questioning, was sceptical. comment in the VoIP do not understand why a new collective agreement is not in the Commissioner who had He recalled that the CRTC proceedings that the CRTC place four years after they chose a new union to represent asked the question wasn’t had taken the companies at got burned after the original them. buying. He suggested that their word in the first round of Price Cap hearings is a The situation described in this letter is untenable and must Hunter might want to read our deliberations on Price Caps in positive sign that they won’t be rectified if workers and their unions are to continue to submission, noting that the the 1990s, which moved away take companies at their word. maintain faith in the Canada Labour Code. TWU’s argument had not from traditional regulatory Hopefully this comment bodes I hope you can remove the logjam preventing the workers concentrated on the threat oversight and pricing on phone well for the approach we are and their union from accessing their rights under the law. that VoIP poses to jobs, but on service to controlling the encouraging the Commission the steps needed to maintain maximum increase on rates. to take on service-quality Yours truly, the viability of Canadian During these deliberations, auditing. Kenneth V. Georgetti communications as a whole. President TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 5 Tough times demand new Unions go on a promenade strategies for labour movement

Calls to action resounded at a database of labour president Les Steel left for a the Alberta Federation of arbitrations in Alberta over position with the Canadian Labour (AFL) Membership the last five years and the Labour Congress (CLC). Forum, ending with a closing project will continue to be Barrett has been with the speech by the organization’s updated annually. AFL as Secretary Treasurer new President Kerry Barrett. The arbitration process was since 2001. She is a member “It is clear we cannot sit supposed to provide an is UFCW 401, and will serve passively while governments impartial dispute resolution as President until 2005. and employers attack us and process, Byl told the The TWU is looking take away our rights,” said audience, but the fact that forward to working with Barrett at the Forum, held on unions win barely a third of Sister Barrett and wishes Les May 7 and 8 in Calgary. the time, even though they the best of luck at the CLC. Summing up ideas and screen out cases that are opinions from many Forum likely to lose, implies that the Labour News Online speakers on the theme, “The very process is biased. The AFL is taking its Betrayal of Labour’s Peace Labour News newsletter Accord in Canada”, Barrett Unions need to see battles online, and doing away with TWU Secretary-Treasurer Jim Christensen (left) hands concluded that the AFL needs as part of larger struggles its print edition. Visit over the cheque for the Union Promenade. to take on a more activist role, The Forum’s Keynote www.afl.org to find the latest focusing on specific issues Speaker Bryan Palmer called issue, which should be up on Edmonton will have a “The theme is ‘We Built with defined goals and on unions to “reassert (their) their Web site this fall. permanent reminder of the This City,’” says TWU Vice- evaluations of success. movement character” by positive role unions played in President Hope Cumming. She emphasized that envisioning themselves as What are your issues? the city’s history, thanks in “Our members were part of forming coalitions with other more than wage and benefit PIA wants to know part to a $10,000 donation that. The labour movement activist organizations, both made a huge contribution to bargaining and defensive A new political advocacy from the TWU Benevolent inside and outside the labour Edmonton as a city. The structures. group is calling on Albertans Society. movement, will create a Executive Council felt it was Palmer, an author, historian to take their issues to their The donation goes toward stronger voice for all workers. important to be involved and Canada Research Chair at local politicians. the creation of Union Reaffirming calls for the because this is a permanent Trent University, said the Public Interest Alberta Promenade on 99 Street in labour movement to engage in display in the capital of the post-war settlement outlawed (PIA) launched this summer Churchill Square, envisioned direct actions, Barrett also province. It’s important to civil disobedience and made with an agenda to get people as a showcase for the unions said that the legitimacy of the promote labour in a positive law and the courts the forum asking the important that helped build the city. The Labour Relations Board, the environment.” that handled labour disputes. questions about the issues that revamp of the area is a legacy grievance resolution process The 99 Street Promenade But now, he said, trade unions matter to them. project to celebrate and labour laws need to be th will be closed to traffic, need to up the political ante, “I’m encouraging all Edmonton’s 100 birthday. challenged. except during the winter. take risks, defy past citizens in Alberta to pose Plaques will tell the history of Several unions are conventions and practices and important fundamental the union movement’s Study finds arbitration contributing to this $250,000 even, perhaps, engage in civil questions to their politicians,” contribution to the city, and project, which was organized odds stacked against disobedience. said Bill Moore-Kilgannon, sponsoring unions get to by the Edmonton and District Alberta unions “They can only play this the group’s first Executive- display their logos on banners Labour Council. It’s not good news. Unions role by being more than trade Director, in an Edmonton along the promenade. win only 34 percent of cases unionists, by taking their Journal story. they take to arbitration in place alongside poverty An initiative of the Alberta Alberta, according to activists, the homeless, racial Federation of Labour and the Calgary Centre lets workers know preliminary research by and ethnic minorities, Alberta Teachers’ labour lawyer Yessie Byl, progressive women and many Association, the group is an their rights who gave an informative others,” said Palmer. umbrella organization of Non-union workers navigating the twists and turns of noon-hour presentation at the Despite globalization, the labour, community and faith today’s challenging workplace sometimes find themselves Forum. class struggle is still waged groups. pushed up against a wall, faced with situations they’ve never TWU VP Hope Cumming, locally, he said. But unions They want to find out what been in before, like being expected to work in dangerous who attended the Forum along need to see to their battles as issues matter to Albertans and conditions or suddenly getting laid off. with TWU Business Agents part of larger struggles that raise their profile on the They need the answer to the question: “What are my Mick Shiels, Sandi Mutter are never entirely won. political agenda. rights?” and they need it now. and John Carpenter, was International links and Ipsos-Reid conducted a Rather than dropping big bucks on a lawyer, they might disappointed to learn about relationships with other anti- poll of 800 Albertans on want to check out the new Calgary Workers’ Resource Centre. the findings. “We always capitalist organizations and behalf of PIA and found that TWU Vice-President Hope Cumming and Business Agents thought the grievance and activists can help create a 87 percent were very Mick Shiels, Sandi Mutter and John Carpenter were on hand arbitration process would be stronger movement. concerned about health care, on May 7 for the grand opening of this centre dedicated to close to 50-50 and it’s not, at He praised the B.C. union and 85 percent were very helping workers solve their employment-related issues. least in Alberta,” says members who recently fought concerned about education. The Centre aims to help people to understand their Cumming. “The labour back-to-work legislation and “The results speak for employment rights and take action on their issues, whether it movement struck a deal for the power of the state. themselves. All politicians be fighting for benefits or standing up to harassment. With a labour peace in the 1940s – “It is arguable that the only need to listen to the majority wealth of expertise regarding Employment Insurance, the we won’t go on strike at the advances labour has of Albertans and commit to Canada Pension Plan, the Canada Labour Code, human rights drop of a hat and in return, we registered over the last two make public interest issues a and more, the Centre tailors services to each client. got a dispute resolution centuries have come about priority,” said Moore- Assistance can include letter writing, forms, case research process. But it takes an precisely because some Kilgannon. and even representation at some forums, such as Employment extremely long time to go workers were willing to defy As the provincial election Insurance appeals, though not WCB, CPP or Long Term through that procedure and law in the interests of the nears, all members are Disability. when we get there in Alberta, larger and greater collective encouraged to find out where The Centre also plans to offer workshops on employment unions only win about a third good,” said Palmer. the candidates stand on issues legislation, rights, benefits and entitlements. of the time.” that matter to them. Vote for The Calgary Worker’s Resource Centre is located at 520, The research is New Pres at AFL the person who will best 706 – 7th Avenue SW or call 403-264-8100. Hours from preliminary, but it is cause for Kerry Barrett was named represent your needs. Ask 8:30am to 4:30pm but appointments can be made outside of concern. Byl, who is a partner President of the Alberta yourself who work for me and regular hours if necessary. in the law firm of Blair Federation of Labour (AFL) my community, not just big Chahley Seveny, is compiling in May this year, after business. TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 6 Aliant strikers back at work as ink dries on new deal

The TWU kicked in one million dollars to support striking Aliant workers in Atlantic One for the wedding album -- Chris and Heather Brenton Canada, pictured above. got married and took this photo during the strike.

Striking Aliant workers in the pensions in the collective veiled attempt to break the work actions come as little Hope Cumming and Bruce Atlantic Canada voted 76 agreement and we did that,” union, reported the CBC. surprise to me, given the Bell went to Halifax in July to percent in favour of accepting says Dean MacDonald, Vincent Mosco, Canada’s growing clout of knowledge hand over the cheque and the company’s new collective president of the AC&TWU. Research Chair for workers.” show support at the picket agreement, ending their five- “We also won acceptable Communication and Society, lines and at a Local rally. month strike which began contracting out language.” delivered the keynote address TWU backs Aliant with a The CEP also donated two April 23. MacDonald says they also at a communication and million dollars million to the cause. “It’s a “There is something for gained the ability to bargain democracy conference in shot in the arm to have this everyone in this agreement with the company about any Fredericton in August. The TWU put in a million support from the bigger and, while some of us may voluntary retirement schemes Mosco, who is also a dollar show of support for the unions,” said chief negotiator have lost marginally on one (ERIPs). “When they come to professor at Queen’s AC&TWU while Aliant Dean MacDonald at a news particular issue, all of us have us and say we have an early University, said: “Telephone workers continued to march conference. The extra three gained substantially overall,” retirement plan, we can ask companies are experiencing the picket lines in July. million helped to offset the wrote the Bargaining them, ‘What are you planning competition from cable “These workers are leading cost of medical benefits for Committee in a message to to do with those positions?’ companies. Cable companies the fight for workers’ rights workers after Aliant yanked members urging them to and if they say, ‘We are are, by and large, not across Canada,” said TWU its contributions at the start of accept the deal. planning to contract them out,’ unionized, therefore can pay Vice-President Bruce Bell the strike. Workers received Negotiators grappled with we’re in a position to cable company workers less during a news conference. $250 a week in strike pay. pensions, benefits and negotiate,” he says, referring than telephone companies do. “We’re loaning them $1 “Rather than leave them contracting out, as well as the to one of the strategies So telephone companies are million for their fight, which without medical benefits, the challenges of bringing companies often use to reduce more aggressively trying to is really a fight for all of us.” union is paying the full shot,” members covered by nine union membership. break their unions. These TWU Vice-Presidents said MacDonald. collective agreements Contracting out usually isn’t together under one deal. The sanctioned if it requires committee said the deal layoffs, but if people take a Arbitration creates 130 permanent jobs addresses all of their pre- voluntary retirement scheme, strike issues and overall, they haven’t been laid off, and provides them with a good the company could contract Telus has agreed to create regular part-time, regular full- George and have to be filled contract to work with today out their jobs, thus reducing 130 new permanent jobs in time or properly classified as by the end of this year. This and build for the future, the union membership roster. the B.C. Customer Service temporary. Any differences agreement was issued as a adding: “We did achieve most The unions also got a $400 area, after the union filed an concerning the use of consent order by the of our goals – including what cap put on the cost of arbitration on the regular and temporary employees or arbitrator. we consider to be a first-class prescription drugs per continuous use and misuse of regular part-time employees Along with the postings pension settlement.” employee, making that the temporary employees. may be referred directly to there are also 59 The vote took place on maximum amount an “In our collective this committee for resolution. Communication Service September 16 and the 4,300 employee can pay for drugs in agreement, we have a Letter If the committee can’t resolve Clerk II positions, which will striking members of the a year. of Agreement called the the issues, the matter goes to be reclassified as Service Council of Atlantic The vote to accept the Corporate Committee on arbitration.” Representative IV. This will Telecommunications Unions, contract marks the end of a Clerical Temporary Under the direction of mean the employees will be made up of the Atlantic two-and-a-half year odyssey Employees,” says Business arbitrator Don Munroe, the paid for the work they are Communications and in bargaining with Aliant. Agent Betty Carrasco. “And company and the union agreed currently doing on behalf of Technical Workers Union that gives the Committee the to create 100 Regular Full- Customer Service. (AC&TWU) and the Lengthy strike aimed at ability to review temporary Time Service Representative Sister Carrasco and the clerical assignments, and IV positions and another 30 Temp Committee would like Communications, Energy and breaking the union, says where there is continuous Regular Part-Time positions, to thank all of the Schedule Paperworkers Union of research Chair Canada (CEP), returned to and regular use of temporary which were posted this Committees for their help in One expert described the work September 20. employees, identify which summer. The positions are in gathering the information lengthy Aliant strike as a thinly “Our big push was to get existing temporary jobs are Burnaby, Victoria and Prince needed to resolve this issue. TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 7 Striking for better curfews at WCB claim denied? AFL camp The TWU can help

By Noni Nabors you appeal

This summer, 129 By BA George Doubt campers from Alberta and the Northwest Territories Injuries continue to happen The WCB keeps a record came to Goldeye Centre for at work in spite of all our of conversations you have the Alberta Federation of efforts to improve safety on with their representatives, Labour (AFL) Kids Camp. the job. If you have an which can be used against you There were several mock accident or develop a in your case. It’s important to union activities, including a condition at work, you may be prudent. strike for later curfews and find yourself dealing with your a chance to run to be a provincial Workers’ 4) Create a paper trail union representative, as well Compensation Board (WCB). as all of the usual camp building you eat in which is they showered in the bosses The TWU can answer your Even if a seemingly minor activities like swimming, like a log cabin but much wouldn’t shower with the questions about the WCB’s accident happens at work, it’s playing games and making bigger. Across from the workers because they were paperwork and procedures, important to have a paper new friends. place where you eat is a “dirty” or something! But which are sometimes record in case it comes back Ten-year-old Noni Nabors bridge that takes you to the everybody deserves to be confusing, and can help you to haunt you. Don’t just tell from Calgary, Alberta cabins. All of the cabins treated fairly and that’s appeal if the WCB turns down your boss what happened -- attended the camp, and were in a circle around the when the workers got your request for benefits. do it in writing! Send an email wrote this article to tell us washrooms and showers. together and formed a But it’s better not to have to your supervisor detailing the about it. The cabins were very nice. union so that together they to appeal at all. You can incident. For example, if you They had 10 bunk beds in could fight for their rights. increase your odds of success fall at work and hurt your Last February, my mom the colours lime green and The camp was organized at the WCB by following back but then it feels okay and told me about AFL camp lemon yellow and enough like a union. Everybody these simple tips. a month later you wake up and that the only way you space to put our luggage. was sorted into three or with a really sore back, having could go was if one of your To the left of the cabins four big Union Groups. We 1) Report your injury an email record of the incident parents were in a union. My was a big field where we met twice every day and immediately would help your WCB case. mom Susan is in the played games. They also discussed unions and we Telecommunications had a swing set there! had elections for If you have been injured at The decision and appeal Workers Union, Local 203, Behind the cabin where we representatives. Every work resulting in lost time process and my friend Emily’s mom ate there was the lake where Union Group voted for one from work and/or a need for works for Telus Mobility we swam, canoed and girl and one boy medical attention, you should After you report an injury, and is a member of Local rafted. Some of the other representative. report the incident as soon as the WCB may accept or deny 213. activities we did were As an exercise, the possible to your employer and your claim. The Board will On August 9th, 2004, horseback riding, rock junior councillors told us to the WCB, using the required usually inform you of its Emily, one of my BFFs climbing, rafting and go on strike for later forms. Be careful to give a decision by phone and by (Best Friends Forever), and I hiking. curfews, later bedtimes and complete, clear description of letter. The letter lets you know boarded the bus that took us Unions from all over less time for union the injury and the work you that you can appeal the to Red Deer, then to the donated stuff for us like meetings, so we did. Then were doing at the time. decision if you disagree and Goldeye Centre where AFL backpacks, permanent we made protest signs Many members do their includes an appeal deadline camp was being held this markers, pens and t-shirts. saying stuff like: We want best to continue working while (usually 90 days after a Board year. We also met Skylar on We also went on a tour of ____! People put what they enduring an injury, waiting decision) after which it may the bus, where we were an old coal mine. wanted in the blanks. When until the pain becomes be impossible to have the lucky enough to get the back During the coal mine the strike was over we won unbearable before they report decision changed. seats (the back of the bus is tour, we learned that unions the one and only… later the problem and have to take There are at least two the best). Skylar was very began because people curfew!!! Then everybody time off. If you stall on getting levels of appeal. The first is a nice and when we stopped in wanted better and safer who decided to participate medical attention or reporting review by the WCB that Red Deer, Skylar shared working conditions. They in the strike (not everybody an injury, you may find it more made the decision and the some of her money with us felt that it wasn’t safe did) found out how real difficult to get benefits. You second is by an independent so we could get snacks. enough to be working in the negotiations work. may also find it more difficult tribunal, the WCAT. The union When we got to camp, coal mine (which is true) I made lots more friends to remember details and continues to assist members Emily and I were happy to and the bosses weren’t very including Brett, Niloufar, gather evidence and witnesses during this process. find out that we were both in nice — they acted like they Ocean and Jesse and many, to an accident. The WCB Cabin 2. When we arrived, were better people because many more. AFL camp is often claims that the delay Contact Your Union WCB we met Alli, Brittni, and J.J. they were in a “higher” sooooo special that people makes it more likely that the representative (Those were the people we position than the people travelled from all over injury didn’t happen at work. spent most of our time with). who actually worked in the Alberta and the Northwest BA George Doubt has been The Goldeye Centre is coal mine. One example Ter ritories to attend. I loved 2) Inform your doctor and handling WCB appeals and very beautiful. The bus that the bosses acted like AFL camp! complete the right forms questions in B.C. and Alberta. dropped us off in front of the that was that in the building If you have questions about When seeking medical the WCB process or about attention, make sure your your claim for an injury call Chris Cragg retires from Society of Energy Professionals physician knows your injury 604-437-8601. happened at work and that he B.C. members can find or she completes the proper WCB forms at Longtime leader Chris Cragg said good-bye to the Society of Energy Professionals and forms for the WCB. Your www.worksafebc.com and hello to retirement this summer. After over two decades with the Society, including stints as employer and your medical Alberta members can find Society President and Treasurer, he leaves behind his role as the Vice-President of Finance practitioner should provide the them at www.wcb.ab.ca/ as well as his position at Kinectrics as a Principal Research Engineer, Energy Consulting. forms and you can also find home. Ontario members “Chris made an incredibly important contribution to the Society,” said President Müller. them online at your province’s should visit the Workplace “He was heavily involved in the certification of the Society as a union and the negotiation of WCB Web site (see end of Safety and Insurance Board our first Collective Agreement. That agreement is the foundation of all but one of our current article for specific Web sites). (WSIB) at www.wsib.on.ca agreements, and set a new standard in joint processes and worker involvement.” and Quebec members should Chris will be spending time at his Muskoka cottage and continuing work with several 3) Be prudent when talking visit the CSST at voluntary organizations, including the Granite Club, the Antique and Classic Boating Society, to WCB representatives www.csst.qc.ca. and Leaside Church in Toronto. He was recently elected Vice-Chair of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 8 Contrary to reports in some Where’s the real news? newspapers, the CLC has not Check out TheTyee.ca changed its stance on free trade Had enough of the major natural treasures, including CLC Press Release, October 14, 2004 media? Check out a Squamish’s famed Stawamus OTTAWA - The Canadian Labour Congress today instructed its lawyers to begin libel action refreshing new voice on the Chief. against the National Post and the CanWest-Global chain of newspapers. B.C. scene, TheTyee.ca. With Last month, in a story linked to a policy conference in Ottawa, the National Post and exposés on poverty, All this adds up to “some of CanWest-Global chain of newspapers mistakenly reported that the Canadian Labour Congress environmental issues, police the best investigative writing had officially changed its policy on free trade. It was an error, drawn from a single sentence in a practices, economics and on local issues in the background paper which actually detailed how much free trade had cost Canada in terms of the politics, you can visit the Tyee province,” according to the loss of good-paying jobs. to find out what’s really going Globe and Mail, making the The Canadian Labour Congress quickly set the record straight, and sent a letter to the on in this province. The Tyee Tyee, “the best local online National Post and CanWest-Global demanding a correction and a retraction. Despite this, a aims to be a truly democratic news source” according to the string of editorials appeared the following day which further distorted the facts. forum where all of B.C. can Georgia Straight. “They distorted their own distortions and started making up news,” says Georgetti. “Some debate and discuss the issues, wrote that I had actually said free trade was good for the country, which was simply untrue. and the province’s future. The Tyee says Victoria Others used their own claim that we were ‘wrong about free trade’ to suggest that we were reporter Barbara McLintock The Tyee is named after a and many other top journalists savvy salmon with plenty of report for the news site “They are printing fiction. They know it is fiction, fight. Like its namesake because they get to cover salmon, this electronic news their way, without yet they continue to repeat it as fact...” newspaper roams free and corporate pressure or dumbing -- Ken Georgetti, President of the CLC goes where it wants. The down. They say what they reason they created the Tyee, want, and then the comments wrong about everything, knowing full well the confusion this would cause among our membership as outlined on their Web site, fly from the readers. and the harm it would do to the reputation of our organization and our staff.” is: “Because big media in this According to Georgetti, the response he received from the Post and CanWest was not province are owned by a The best part of all – you satisfactory, which gave him no recourse but to take legal action. powerful few with their own can subscribe for free to its “Repeat it often enough and it eventually becomes the truth. This seems to be the editorial agendas. Many people here weekly email headlines. The policy of the Post and the newspapers it controls,” said Canadian Labour Congress President are hungry for news and Tyee has 3,500 subscribers to Ken Georgetti, reacting to yet another case of the newspaper chain’s deliberate misrepresentation comment that reflects their its weekly email headlines, but of the facts. actual lives and their own needs 10,000 to ensure the Editorials in the Ottawa Citizen and the Vancouver Province repeated the lie that “even the values.” Tyee a healthy future. Regular Canadian Labour Congress has admitted free trade is good for the country” – something the subscribers demonstrate CLC has never done, anywhere, except in the minds of certain newspaper editors. Since its launch in reader engagement. As the “They are printing fiction. They know it is fiction, yet they continue to repeat it as fact to back November 2003, the Tyee has Tyee seeks further funding to up their own assertions. Most Canadians have gotten used to the National Post brewing its own broken major stories holding expand, those numbers really news and spreading it around the country to fertilize its own strange view of the world. This time, accountable the Campbell speak to potential funders and they’ve just gone too far,” says Georgetti. government’s gutting of child advertisers. The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents three labour laws, its interest in million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada’s national and international unions softening drunk driving laws, So visit TheTyee.ca and along with the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 137 district labour councils. Web its open-for-business attitude see what big stories they’ve site: www.clc-ctc.ca. towards some of B.C.’s caught today. It’s no fish tale.

New Editor at the Conference calls on young Transmitter workers to RESIST I’m Kim Fehr, By Raymond Chrétien, BC Federation of Labour Young Workers Committee Co-Chair the new editor of and TWU Local 50 Member the Transmitter, taking over after The income gap, Environmental degradation, seated delegate through your Myron Johnson’s environmental issues and sky- Systemic oppression, Income TWU Local or Labour retirement. high tuition are just a few of gap, Sweatshop conditions and Council, you are encouraged A little bit about the mounting issues faced by Tuition increases. The day is to also participate in the me: my background young workers trying to gain a packed with panel RESIST Conference. is in journalism, foothold for their future. presentations and workshops Interested members should which I studied at The TWU invites young aimed at providing young contact Raymond Chrétien at Carleton University members to start tackling union members with the tools the TWU office in Burnaby in Ottawa. I’ve these and other issues by to build strategies and action by calling 604-437-8601 at worked at attending the Young Workers plans to take on these issues. extension 8630 (collect calls magazines in RESIST Conference, hosted The event involves youth from accepted) or by emailing Calgary and by the BC Federation of both private and public unions raymond.chretien@twu- Portugal, wrote Labour Young Workers and will wrap up with a canada.ca. If you know of a freelance articles for the Georgia Straight and the Globe Committee on Sunday networking social over food young member who may be and Mail, and worked as an Online Editor for the Elevator November 28 in Vancouver. and drinks. interested in attending, please News Network in Toronto and New York. Most recently, I The Union, which is also It also is a great way to let them know about the was a Writer/Media Specialist at Douglas College in New sponsoring this event, will kick off the Federation’s event. The registration Westminster, BC. cover the $50 registration fee week-long Convention in deadline for the TWU is I hope you enjoy this issue of the Transmitter and I for young members (age 30 Vancouver which starts the Friday, November 5, 2004. welcome your suggestions and feedback, as well as possible and younger as defined by the next day, running November The Conference is capped at story ideas and photos for future issues. BC Federation of Labour) who 29 to December 3. 100 participants so register as Looking forward to working with all of you. are approved to attend. If you are already planning soon as possible. [email protected] The conference theme is to attend the BC Federation RESIST — it stands for Resist Convention as a guest or a TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 9 TWU Local 60 votes to help food banks

Members of TWU Local 60’s latest show of generosity 60 decided to take a bite out will help in the fight against of hunger, selecting local food hunger in the areas where banks as their charity of their members currently work choice. and live.” The Cable TV technicians Food Bank use has more voted unanimously to donate than doubled in Canada since $200 a month each to food 1989, according to Hunger banks in Vancouver, Burnaby Count 2003, Canada’s annual and New Westminster (served survey on emergency food by the Greater Vancouver programs. The Greater Foord Bank Society) and the Vancouver Food Bank Society Abbotsford, Langley, provides food and assistance Members of TWU Local 60 including Business Agent Tim Williams (third from left) hand over their cheque Richmond and Surrey food to 25,000 people in need each to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. banks. week, 39 per cent of which “Unions are not always are children. Many of these food banks courses, cooking classes and saving 515,000 pounds of food recognized for the wonderful All of these food banks are run innovative programs. counselling. The Greater a year. work they do in supporting non-profit organizations who Richmond Food Bank’s Vancouver Food Bank TWU local 60 is hoping communities,” says Cheryl rely on donations of food and Feed the Body, Feed the Mind Society’s Food Runners their donation is just the Prepchuk, Executive Director money and the efforts of program provides healthy program collects perishable beginning. They are of the Greater Vancouver volunteers to offer services to snack packs for children age food donated by hotels, challenging other locals and Food Bank Society (GVFBS). people who are struggling to two to 12 along with age- restaurants and cafeterias and unions to run food bank “They consistently step up to afford the basic costs of appropriate books. Abbotsford donates it to more than 100 drives or get involved as a the plate and the TWU Local living. Food Bank does budgeting agencies that provide meals, volunteer. Seniors call on seniors to raise their political voice Editorial submitted by COSCO Public policy towards (COSCO) to engage in a this province, especially We, as leaders of seniors, seniors has changed during program of political action. seniors. must do everything in our COSCO’s List the last three years in B.C. This change from political It would appear this power to bring about the of Shame Public policy was once neutrality to one of partisan government knows the price defeat of the provincial benevolent and neutral, political action has been made of everything, but the value of Liberal government next May. adhering to a retirement social lightly or on the spur of the nothing. Not only are they We must also engage in a Some of the many B.C. contract practised by all moment. Our Executive and socially barbaric in the way dialogue with the Leader of government cuts that have hit previous administrations. The Delegates come from all parts they handle relocating seniors the Opposition and secure seniors where it hurts -- in Gordon Campbell government of the political spectrum but to care homes, but they are from her a strong commitment programs, services, housing has a public policy towards our experience with this economically incompetent – that if her party is elected, it and health care. seniors which is malevolent government has left us no they are destroying, privatizing will revert to a policy of and by way of false choice. or selling the resources and respect for the social contract • Cuts to income economies has brought about COSCO has done infrastructure of our province, government has with seniors assistance has impacted the the destruction of the premise everything in its power to things we seniors helped to in retirement. In addition, we needs of those aged 50 to 64 of seniors’ retirement plans. demonstrate to this build under previous will urge her government to not eligible for Old Age The actions have forced government what negative administrations. reverse the Gordon Campbell Security or Guaranteed the Council of Senior Citizens’ and harmful effects their What would W.A.C. policies which so negatively Income Supplement Organizations of BC policies have on the people of Bennett say if he were alive? impact seniors today. • 38 percent cuts to Legal The defeat of the current Aid provincial government is not a foregone conclusion. Some • Seniors Supportive very powerful interest groups Housing Projects under The one that didn’t get away will do everything in their Homes BC frozen power to re-elect this • Elimination of home Retired member wrecking crew. Paid support services that support Harvey Simpson advertising is already white- independent living. This may congratulates Gary washing this administration. result in premature placement Oakden on his big catch. As seniors you can in care facilities. overcome this propaganda by Local 8 (Kamloops) • MSP Premiums talking with other seniors, your hosted the 19th Annual increase 50 percent as of April families and friends, 1, 2002 Harold Reid Memorial discussing the issues and Fishing Derby at Roche helping COSCO to run an • Office for Seniors Lake Provincial Park on issue-based campaign. closed March 31, 2002 June 4 to 6. The campaign to unseat the • Closures of hospitals There was a good Campbell government has to and emergency rooms turnout and fun was had start now. People’s memories • Cuts to Income by all. This year’s winner are short. These are Assistance hit people age 50 was Grayson Gaschnitz extraordinary times for seniors. We have to do to 64 who are not eligible for from Local 16 Kelowna, Old Age Security. with a catch weighing in everything we can to regain our right to retire with the • Senior Citizens at 3lbs 10.5 oz. Oakden knowledge that public policy Counsellors Program cut as of was a close second place will not destroy our retirement March 31, 2002 with a catch weighing plans. COSCO can’t do this • Many, many more 3lbs 9.5 oz. alone. We need your help. Visit www.coscobc.ca for Visit www.coscobc.ca. the Complete List of Shame. TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 10 News briefs UNI urges world telecom unions to go on the PSAC suspends strike, recommends rejection of offensive, writes letter in support of TWU Treasury Board offer The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) suspended its World telecom unions people working there are not other computer companies. strike on October 15, recommending members reject the latest are being urged to go on the staff but agency workers. Many other success Treasury Board offer for its Table 1 and 3 employees, which offensive in their organizing WashTech, affiliated to the stories were shared at the affects nearly 90,000 of its members in administrative and campaigns after delegates Communication Workers of meeting. technical services. to the Telecom World America, is also organizing in PSAC National President Nycole Turmel says,“While they meeting in May heard may have been prepared to accept Treasury Board’s monetary success stories from all offer of 2.5%, 2.25%, 2.4% and 2.5% over a four-year continents. Union Network International (UNI) agreement, they are not willing to accept the employer’s “We can’t win by playing demands for concessions.” defence,” said UNI Mr. Darren Entwistle Some of the issues that have not been satisfactorily resolved Telecom World President President and CEO, Telus Corporation include the partial loss of the terminable allowance for members Larry Cohen who called on Nyon, 6 May 2004 at the Canadian Grain Commission who stand to lose up to unions to “break out of the $3,000 a year and the loss of $2,000 a year in an enforcement box” and organize in new Dear Mr Entwistle: allowance for fisheries officers. ways and in new areas. Telus The Table 5 negotiating team has reached a tentative Jeannie Drake from agreement with the Board and is recommending its acceptance. CWU reported on a major Union Network International (UNI) represents over 15 million Turmel confirms that “while these votes are taking place, the breakthrough in the UK’s members in 1000 unions in over 150 countries worldwide, which union is still in a legal strike position but we will suspend general biggest cable operator includes over two million in the telecom industry. strike action.” TeleWest where union At the recent meeting of the UNI Telecoms Committee and About 125,000 federal workers went on strike on midnight recognition has been won UNI Telecoms unions, the current situation between Telus and October 11, making it one of, if not the largest strike in Canadian for engineering staff. Now, the Telecommunications Workers’ Union of Canada, which is an history. But many went back to work as deals were reached. 90 percent of their affiliate of UNI, was a subject of major debate. Over 25,000 PSAC members have reached settlements engineers are organized. The World Committee and participants of the UNI Telecom World meeting wholeheartedly support the TWU and are including those at Parks Canada, Canada Revenue Agency and Their talks continue to Treasury Board Table 2. extremely disappointed to hear that after three years since the extend that recognition to expiry of the collective agreement, no renewal to the collective other parts of the company contract has been signed with the TWU. Labour unrest swells at B.C. community colleges including service and call This committee urges you to immediately stop the anti-union BCGEU press release, October 17 centre staff. actions that you are taking against the TWU and start Some 450 members of the B.C. Government and Service Colin Cooper from meaningful bargaining with the union. Employees’ Union will be holding a strike vote after contract CEPU Australia reported The UNI Telecoms World Committee and UNI Telecom talks covering support staff who work at Kwantlen College on their campaign to Unions signed below, know the company policies that you are broke down October 15 in Surrey. “outfox Foxtel” that implementing and with those type of policies, the UNI Telecom BCGEU secretary-treasurer Diane Wood says a pay resulted in more than 90 Unions worldwide have agreed that your company will not be welcome in any of their countries. increase for support staff is the stumbling block that brought percent union membership talks to a halt. And she blames Victoria’s rigid zero per cent among the growing number We look forward to a positive response. wage mandate for the bargaining conflict. of subcontractors working “These are predominantly women workers who are the for Foxtel. Yours sincerely, backbone of our post-secondary system,” Wood says. “They President Cohen Philip Jennings Larry Cohen deserve to be treated fairly by the Campbell government— reported on the WashTech UNI General Secretary UNI Telecom World President. especially when Victoria is sitting on close to a billion dollar group who are organizing in budget surplus.” Microsoft where half the Like their counterparts at B.C. colleges and institutes, Kwantlen support staff have had no raises in five of the last seven years, and a total pay boost of only 4.4 percent in the other two. “When you take inflation into account, it means their real incomes have fallen by about seven percent during that Scholarship winners! period,” Wood says. The union is seeking a seven percent wage increase in a new Seven children of TWU members have been chosen to receive TWU Scholarships by the four-year contract, along with parity measures to give support Columbia Institute Awards Committee. staff the same access to benefit provisions that are already Congratulations to Valerie Levesque (Local 208), Meagan Russell (Local 213), Rachael enjoyed by college instructors, such as maternity leave. The Wills (Local 50) and Annalisa Wilson (Local 3), who each won a $1,000 scholarships. workers’ contract expired June 30, 2002. The Kwantlen strike Congratulations to Took Heisler (Local 37), Michael McBurnie (Local 8) and Laura vote is expected to be completed by early November. Zilcosky (Local 1) for winning $750 scholarships. Meanwhile, about 700 BCGEU support staff at BCIT will be casting ballots in their strike vote starting October 25, and wrapping up by October 29. Earlier in October, BCGEU members working for Douglas College voted 71 per cent in favour of job action. UNION BOYCOTTS

Show your support where it counts. All readers are asked to support the following trade union sponsored consumer boycotts. Please do not patronize or purchase any of these goods, services and/or retail outlets: • All Non-Union Postal Outlets -- Dispute with CUPW • Philips Electronic Products, Quebec -- CLC/USWA 7812 • Essex Kent Mushroom, Essex Continental Dist. Inc. or Unionville Farms, Kingsville, Ont. -- CLC/BCFL and UFCW National • Co-op stores in Alberta -- Teamsters Local 987 on strike against Federated Cooperatives Limited

TRANSMITTER - October 2004 - Page 11 President’s Report We need governments that are on our side

TWU President Rod Hiebert

Over the past several years, want to keep their jobs will be In a separate series of CIRB broader picture, they support Canadian workers and their unions compelled to authorize checks of decisions, the company has been communities and workers by have faced a vicious and sustained their relatives and neighbours. Such ordered to give the TWU critical promoting a made-in-B.C. policy. attack from governments and legislation threatens the privacy of all bargaining unit information that only private sector employers. Tens of workers. the company has in its possession. There are key differences thousands of workers have been But Telus refuses to give it to us. between the B.C. Liberals and the stripped of their jobs and their So it’s not surprising that during NDP: futures. During this period, nearly the same period, Telus felt free to If there is no enforcement of • The NDP respects unions every Canadian union has faced unceremoniously downsize 6,000 Board rulings against employers, and workers and promotes tremendous difficulties attempting to union members, restructure its there is no reason to expect Telus to government-owned and operated get a fair shake for their members. operations and push the survivors to comply. Unfortunately, it appears infrastructure for our highways and work harder and harder. This, while that Telus and other employers are hospitals. In what may be the most refusing to engage in meaningful being allowed to function as if they • The Liberals tried to sell off outrageous example of this anti- negotiations with the TWU to were above the law. our highways and proposed to let union behaviour, the Campbell achieve a revised collective the new owners charge tolls. government in Victoria has torn agreement. We have struggled through bad • They have privatized highway apart the Hospital Employees maintenance, separating workers Union, leaving their membership Longshore workers who want to keep their jobs from their union in the process. radically downsized and forced to • The Liberals have privatized swallow major wage rollbacks. But would be compelled to authorize checks of their hospital workers’ jobs, broken their Campbell’s outrageous behaviour relatives and neighbours. Such legislation threatens the contracts and decimated their has not been confined to his privacy of all workers wages, working conditions and dealings with hospital workers. standard of living. Unwilling to engage in the normal • The Liberals have outsourced negotiating process with the BC Is it surprising, then, that Canadian times before. In 1973, we worked in the building of ferries to a foreign Teachers Federation, the Campbell workers are experiencing a decline in a solidarity campaign with other country, exporting hundreds of jobs Liberals enacted legislation that their standards of living while CEOs unions against strikebreakers which have always been done in the stripped teachers’ contracts of have seen their incomes double, triple imported by General Telephone and local shipyards. vitally important language that they and quadruple? This trend is growing Electronics who had been called in to had bargained over the years. And across Canada. Statistics show a help break our strike in B.C. At that One fact is perfectly clear: if we last but not least, don’t forget what disturbing trend in which the rich are time, we were battling to get joint are going to get a fair shake with happened to the ferry workers getting richer while working people trusteeship of the pension fund at respect to our working lives, if we when they went out on strike. and the poor are getting poorer. Okanagan Tel. In the course of that are going to enjoy a decent strike, O.K. Tel brought in four times standard of living, job security, a Unfortunately, there have been a What has gone wrong? One has as many managers from B.C. Tel to dependable health care system and host of other, similar anti-union only to look at the conflict between scab as they had managers at O.K. the ability to bargain reasonable attacks across the country. A recent Telus and the TWU to find the Tel. They were determined to break collective agreements, we must study revealed that unions in answer. Right wing governments at our strike. make our voices heard in the Alberta win only a third of their both the federal and provincial levels political arena. We shouldn’t expect arbitration cases. It is well known have decided to weigh in heavily on Throughout that strike, however, any government to be perfect. But if that arbitration and Labour the side of employers. So we see a the NDP government of the day did a we expect to enjoy a secure future, Relations Board decisions are situation in which the Canada great deal to blunt the company’s we must be prepared to support strongly influenced by the Industrial Relations Board rules that if union-busting tactics. That was the politicians who support us. government of the day. It is no the TWU asks its members to restrict beginning of a very constructive effort secret that the Klein government is overtime, this is tantamount to the between the NDP and the TWU that It is clear to me that the staunchly anti-union. Why should union conducting an illegal strike. At has existed ever since. The NDP later Campbell government in B.C., the we expect employers to abide by the same time, however, this same passed legislation restricting Klein government in Alberta and the collective agreements they have Board has allowed Telus to operate in corporations from using allied Martin government in Ottawa are signed when they can depend on violation of the limit on the maximum employers to break strikes. They all key players in the corporate- the arbitration process to sanction use overtime hours for four years. worked with the TWU to support the driven attack on Canada’s workers. their violations? B.C. Tel bid for access to the They are helping strip away That’s not all. It has been eight broadcast distribution licence and working people’s rights. The Meanwhile, the federal Liberals months since the Board found Telus later worked with us to build the B.C. Campbell Liberals are up for plan to impose security checks on guilty of unfair labour practices and Information Highway Accord to election in B.C. next spring and I, longshore workers who work on interference in the administration of a protect our jobs and build the future. for one, will be active in the the waterfront. The have proposed trade union and ordered the company NDP MLAs have consistently campaign to replace them with a legislation which threatens that to offer binding arbitration to the worked with us and supported our worker-friendly government. I urge longshore workers’ personal TWU. Even though the union position at regulatory proceedings, in TWU members in Alberta to records will be opened to both the accepted the offer, nothing more has front of parliamentary committees, become active in the effort to employer and outside agencies. If happened. It appears that because and by offering support for our efforts replace Mr. Klein as well. this incredibly intrusive legislation Telus made clear that it disliked this to keep jobs in the communities passes, longshore workers who decision, the CIRB may just quash it. where we live and work. In the

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