The Offi cial Publication of the Telecommunications Workers Union – Vol. XXXI, No. 2 – Spring 2010 PN 40022297 The Transmitter

BARGAINING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Meet Your Bargaining Committee • Pension Increase for TWPP Retired Members • Haiti, I Love You TWU Message from the President Dear Members, will soon run out. Despite this reality, the federal government has yet to fi x the train Th is is a pivotal year for the Telecom- wreck that is the EI system. In addition, far munications Workers Union (TWU) too many companies are taking advantage as we prepare to negotiate a new Col- of the lack of federal regulation to off shore lective Agreement with Telus. Th e Bar- more jobs away from Canadians. Th is is gaining Committee was elected during an outrage. Not only are we losing jobs in the Policy Convention in February Canada to off shoring, the jobs are not being 2010 and is working diligently to en- created here at the rate they should be. Ima- sure all of our members are heard and gine for one moment how greatly communi- represented throughout the process. ties in Canada would benefi t from increased Th e Union’s bargaining convention endorsed and refi ned the Commit- employment and job creation if companies tee’s recommended package of bargaining proposals in late April. like Telus were forced to comply with proper Bargaining will begin face-to-face with Telus on July 26 as the current legislation. It’s time the government holds Collective Agreement expires this year on November 19. Your Bargain- companies like Telus ac- countable. Th e TWU is “This is a pivotal year for the Telecommunications Workers Union as working hard to make we prepare to negotiate a new Collective Agreement with Telus.” this happen. Please stay tuned as we keep you informed of all ing Committee will keep all members informed of the Committee’s of TWU’s initiatives in the coming months. progress in the coming months. On behalf of the TWU, I want to thank all As we move forward with this year’s plans, many have inquired about our members, our staff and supporters for the award-winning Keep Jobs in Canada campaign. Th e campaign was their hard work in supporting our many ac- a fantastic eff ort and plans are already underway for a second phase. tivities and goals. Th e TWU is thrilled to have received the support from thousands of concerned citizens across Canada. I have no doubt that the publicity We encourage everyone to visit the TWU generated from this campaign helped to educate Canadians about the website daily (www.twu-stt.ca), read the devastating eff ects of off shoring, and forced many companies to seri- Hotline, Transmitter, bulletins, attend local ously review their positions. It was no surprise to see that, for example, meetings and call your local shop steward Shaw publicly emphasized its position towards employing workers in with any questions and comments. Canada through their widely publicized advertisements. In Solidarity, Supporters of the Labour community can all agree that the Harper gov- ernment did not do nearly enough in its budget to help Canadians who George Doubt are presently out of work or whose Employment Insurance (EI) benefi ts TWU National President

Telecommunication Workers Benefit Plan Presentations The TW Benefit Plan Administrator, Debbie Ellis, is available to provide presentations on the coverage offered by the TWU Benefit Plan as well as the benefits and cost. This presentation is extremely informative and can be enjoyed by both participating and non-participating members upon the TW Benefit Plan Administrator receiving a request from a Local. The Trustees urge all TWU members who would like a presentation to put forward a request at a Local meeting or contact their Local Executive. For information regarding addresses and telephone numbers, please refer to the TWU website at www.twu-stt.ca.

PAGE 2 – TRANSMITTER – Spring 2010 THE TWU BARGAINING COMMITTEE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Dave Turcotte, George Doubt, Maria Zonni, Colin Brehaut, Harmony Jackson, John Bass, Jacqueline Straw, Allan Haggstrom, Laura Thorson, Kelly Thompson, Jennifer Bucholtz, Lance Trevison, and Lee Riggs. Meet Your Bargaining Committee In a landmark decision that took place on June 8, 2007, the Supreme Court of Canada determined that the right of workers to bargain col- lectively is so important to society as a whole that it is protected by the Bargaining Committee Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Unions across Canada unanimously PRESIDENT celebrated the Court’s decision, remembering how only 20 years earlier, • George Doubt the same court had refused to recognize collective bargaining as pro- tected by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. OFFICERS As the Telecommunications Workers Union prepares for its upcom- • Colin Brehaut, Business Agent, Burnaby ing 2010 Collective Agreement negotiations with Telus, the Bargain- • Lee Riggs, Business Agent, B.C. Interior ing Committee, elected during the last Policy Convention in February, • Maria Zonni, Business Agent, Ontario worked very hard to sort through hundreds of resolutions sent in by members and to prepare a package that is now being refi ned and ap- RANK AND FILE proved by the Bargaining Convention. • Jennifer Bucholtz, Local 51 • Al Haggstrom, Local 5 Please be sure to follow regular updates from the Bargaining Commit- • Harmony Jackson, Local 203 tee on the TWU website at www.twu-stt.ca. • Jacqueline Straw, Local 502 • Lance Trevison, Local 4 Your News. Your Future. • Dave Turcotte, Local 601 RANK AND FILE ALTERNATES BREAKING NEWS HOTLINES • Laura Thorson, Local 50, 1st Alternate NEWSLETTERS • John Bass, Local 213, 2nd Alternate BULLETINS • Kelly Thompson, Local 7, 3rd Alternate ... AND MUCH MORE! Go to www.twu-stt.ca and click on e-News 3 TWU

The Telecommunications Workers Union and the United Steelworkers have signed a strategic alliance to work together on issues of common interest in Canada and globally.

USW and TWU Sign Strategic Alliance

Th e agreement was signed February 8, 2010, in Ottawa, Ontario, by the world. Th rough these closer ties, we are George Doubt, National President, TWU, and Ken Neumann, National better able to work toward social justice and Director for Canada, USW. better working and living standards for all.” “Th e United Steelworkers and the Telecommunications Workers Union Th e USW is the largest private sector union are strong, progressive unions with an intense focus on collective bar- in both Canada and North America, with more than 280,000 members working in ev- ery economic sector in Canada, and more “We will seek to increase our cooperation in than 800,000 members continent-wide. many ways to better serve our members.”

gaining, servicing our members, organizing and political ac- tion,” George Doubt said. “While the TWU and USW will re- main independent and autonomous, we will seek to increase our cooperation in many ways to better serve our members.” Th e alliance will allow the two unions to benefi t from each oth- er’s expertise, resources and programs, and to pursue joint ini- tiatives in areas such as member education, political action and lobbying. “Th e USW is proud to join forces with TWU members in Cana- da,” Neumann continued. “Our union has a history of develop- ing productive, forward-thinking partnerships with Labour Ken Neumann, National Director for Canada, USW, and George and other progressive organizations in Canada and throughout Doubt, National President, TWU, sign strategic alliance documents.

Pension Increase for TWPP Retired Members Th e Board of Trustees of the Telecommuni- members who retired on or aft er January 1, cation Workers Pension Plan approved a 1.25 2008. per cent pension increase for all members Members receiving a pension increase will who retired prior to January 1, 2008. Th e pen- receive a Notice of the Change in their Net sion increase will be eff ective July 1, 2010. Pay, eff ective July 1, 2010. Th e Income Tax Regulations limit post re- If members have questions concerning the tirement increases to the increase in CPI amount of their increase, the Administra- (Consumer Price Index) since retirement. tion offi ce is asking members to refrain from Since the rate of infl ation was so low in 2008 contacting the pension offi ce until aft er they and 2009, and in some cases there was defl a- have received their July 1st payment. tion, there will not be a pension increase for

PAGE 4 – TRANSMITTER – Spring 2010 President – 3 years George Doubt – elected Business Agents - Burnaby – 3 years Tamara Marshall – elected Colin Brehaut – elected Business Agent – Calgary – 3 years Betty Lockhurst – elected Business Agent - Montréal – 3 years Martin Cabral – elected Alternate Business Agents – B.C. – 3 years Denise Chrisholm – elected Roy Driver – elected Mike Lucas – elected Maxine Johnson, Local 26 Delegate, Prince George, Carol Nagy, TWPP Trustee and Chris Stephens– elected R55 member, Laura Thorson, Local 50 Delegate, Burnaby, and Birgit Woolmer, Local Alternate Business Agents – Alberta – 3 years 5 Delegate, Burnaby. Bonnie Devine – acclaimed Karen Hannah-Masse – acclaimed Donna Hokiro – acclaimed TWU 2010 Policy Convention Juanita West – acclaimed Th e 2010 Telecommunications Workers Union Policy Convention took Alternate Business Agents – Ontario – 3 years place in Gatineau, Québec, from February 1-6. National President, Brenda Forward – acclaimed Brian Harlow – acclaimed George Doubt, addressed Convention delegates and invited guests, who Jacqueline Straw – acclaimed rose up in solidarity as he concluded the opening morning speech, with Alternate Business Agents – Québec – 3 years words that poetically summarized the overall theme during the week: Pierre-Luc Dick – acclaimed “I strongly believe that if we work together…we can succeed and create Pierre-Richard Joseph – acclaimed a positive outcome for our members. United, the members will never Martin Plourde – acclaimed be defeated.” Constitution Committee – 2 years Th e Executive Council’s report as well as a recommendation to form a Guy Mousseau – elected Lawrence Singh – elected strategic alliance between the TWU and the United Steelworkers was Juanita West – elected passed with a majority vote during the Convention. Th e agreement be- Monte Worthington – elected tween the TWU and USW maintains “Both unions will fully retain their Finance Committee – 2 years autonomy and independence, leaving undisturbed their constitutions Brenda Forward – acclaimed and bylaws, their assets, memberships and collective agreements.” Karen Hannah-Masse – acclaimed Donna Hokiro – acclaimed Candidates running for elected positions, which included the posi- tion of President and bargaining nominees, delivered their speeches Finance Committee – 1 year Wendy Haill – acclaimed throughout the week. Th e following election results were announced on the last day of Convention followed by the swearing in of newly-elected Finance Committee Alternates – 1 year John Hockley – elected 1st Alternate Offi cials (see sidebar). Lori Travis – elected 2nd Alternate Th e TWU would like Education Committee – 2 years to thank all invited Denise Chrisholm – elected guests for attending Bonnie Divine – elected this year’s Policy Con- Nancy McCurrach – elected vention and for their Education Committee Alternates – 1 year continued support. Karen Philipps – elected 1st Alternate Kim Woodroff e – elected 2nd Alternate Convention Chair – 2 years Chris Stephens – acclaimed Monte Worthington, Local 60 Delegate, Shaw, Convention Vice-Chair – 2 years John Carpenter, Vice-Pres- Al Haggstrom – acclaimed ident, TWU, and Tamara Bargaining Committee Wong, Local 203 Delegate, Please refer to page 2 of this Calgary. Transmitter for fi nal results. 5 TWU

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 1,036 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada in 2008 alone. Steps to Resolve Workplace Health and Safety Concerns

Telus employees are required to follow an Internal Complaint Resolu- thethe PoPolicylicy HeaHealthlth andand SaSafetyf Committee tion Process when they identify health or safety hazards in the work- co-chairs. Th e Policy Health and Safety place. Th is is an escalating process designed to resolve issues in an ef- Committee will investigate and recom- fi cient manner. mend necessary corrective action and will respond back to the Committee in Please note that while the Internal Complaint Resolution Process is an writing. accepted procedure for dealing with identifi ed workplace hazards, it is 4. If the Policy Health and Safe- ty Committee cannot resolve “It is important that workers follow proper health and safety the issue, it may be referred standards and never put themselves at risk of injury or worse.” to HRSDC (Labour Canada) for follow-up.

important that workers follow proper health and safety standards and never put themselves or others at risk of injury or worse. If you come across a situation that poses an immediate danger to yourself or co- workers, it needs to be reported, addressed and resolved immediately before any work can continue at that location. Th is includes invoking Online Health and your right to refuse dangerous work if necessary. Safety Courses Th e following is a summary of the Internal Complaint Resolution Pro- Now Available cess: The TWU National Health and Safety 1. An employee identifying a health or safety hazard in the workplace Committee is offering online training that they cannot correct themselves will fi rst contact their manager through the Centre for Occupational and bring the hazard to their attention for corrective action. Health and Safety (CCOHS). Courses 2. If the manager does not agree a hazard exists, or does not take the are open to TWU Health and Safety necessary corrective action, report the issue to Committee members. your workplace Health and Safety Committee Two courses are available to all or Representative. If the hazard is an immediate members: Accident Investigation and threat, the Committee co-chair, or designates, will Violence in the Workplace. In addition, conduct an investigation and take corrective ac- an Ergonomics course is available to tion. If the hazard is not an immediate threat, the non-Telus certifi cations. Committee will discuss the hazard and include it Interested committee members in their minutes at the next meeting. should send an email to Greg Kadey 3. If the workplace Committee is unable to resolve ([email protected]) or Dave the issue, or the Committee comes to an impasse, Turcotte ([email protected]). the Committee will refer the issue in writing to

PAGE 6 – TRANSMITTER – Spring 2010 TWU members Robert Messier, President, Local 602, and June Garden, Vice-President, Local 1. TWU Celebrates 65th Anniversary Th e Telecommunications Workers Un- this great milestone. Robert Messier, President, Local 602, from Montréal, Qué- ion celebrated its 65th anniversary on bec, made a memorable toast to “unite our solidarity from the east to the west.” September 25, 2009. Approximately 200 We thank everyone who worked diligently to make this a very successful event. people from across the country attended Th e TWU would also like to thank our Labour affi liates who took time out from the boat cruise and helped to celebrate their busy schedules to attend.

The world watched in horror as a devastating earthquake hit the island nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010. In homage to his native land, a TWU member from Montréal, Québec, Hans-Woosly Balan, wrote this touching tribute. HAITI, I LOVE YOU

It has now been fi ve months since the most tragic event hit my beautiful and houses were completely destroyed by island of Haiti. All Haitians in the world are mourning. the earthquake, rest assured that the love and passion of the Haitian people were not Even though I was not born or even raised there, Haiti fl ows through destroyed. my veins and in my heart. I was there on vacation dur- ing the Holidays, two weeks prior to the events. Knowing that I have lost friends, family members and people that “Ayiti mwen rinmen-w. Haiti, I love you.” I will never be able to see again, the past month has been hard for me. I console myself by knowing that the last memories of them were joyful. We thank God for the gift of life and we will always remember the ones that we have lost. Being where I am right now, I feel completely useless. I should be there with my brothers and my sisters to help them rebuild, heal the sick, and Ayiti mwen rinmen-w. Haiti, I love you. feed the poor. However, circumstances do not allow me to do so at this Hans-Woosly Balan moment. To all those who have been helping, I thank you. TWU, Local 602 Please remember one thing: Even though monumental places, artifacts, 7 TWU

“Unemployment in Canada is far worse today than it was 16 months ago and the federal government must do more to help laid-off workers,” says Ken Georgetti, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Jobs’ Crisis Remains Serious Georgetti was commenting on the release by Statistics Canada of la- Th e number of unemployed remains more bour force fi gures for February 2010. Th e unemployment rate is at 8.2 than 33 per cent above what it was before the per cent and 1.52 million Canadian men and women are out of work. beginning of the jobs’ crisis, with 1,519,400 “Rose-hued news reports keep telling us that we’re seeing an economic workers unemployed last month, compared recovery, but we’ve lost over 250,000 full-time jobs since October 2008 to 1,137,400 in October 2008. and it’s going to take a long time to replace them,” Georgetti says. Among unemployed Canadians, the per- He says that the federal government missed an opportunity in its recent centage who were unemployed for more budget to provide more help for unemployed workers as they search for than six months reached a record level of new jobs. “Th is government has tinkered around the edges, but has re- 20.36 per cent in February 2010, up from fused to fi x an EI system that is broken.” Georgetti says that only about 12.19 per cent in February 2008. Finally, younger workers are still experienc- “Rose-hued news reports keep telling us that we’re ing a deterioration in the labour market. seeing an economic recovery, but we’ve lost over Workers aged 15-24 represented about half of all those laid off in the middle of the re- 250,000 full-time jobs since October 2008.” cession, and their unemployment rate in- creased in February. It was 15.1 per cent, compared to an unemployment rate of be- half of those who are unemployed are actually receiving benefi ts and low 12 per cent before October 2008. many of them are running out of EI because they can’t fi nd new jobs. Th e original press release can be found on the He says that he is especially worried about the plight of young work- CLC site at: http://www.canadianlabour.ca/ ers, whose unemployment rate remains unacceptably high. “Th ere was national/news/jobs-crisis-remains-serious- really nothing in the federal budget to give hope to young workers as georgetti-says-government-must-do-more- spring and summer approaches. Th e government simply has to do more help-laid-workers to help these people.”

Quick Analysis from CLC Senior Economist Sylvain Schetagne Your News. About six months aft er many declared the recession in Canada was over, the unemployment rate in February remained high at 8.2 per cent. Your Future. Th ere were 20,900 jobs created in February 2010, all in the public sector.  BREAKING NEWS HOTLINES Th e participation rate, that is the percentage of the population working  NEWSLETTERS or actively looking for a job, is decreasing. Th is shows that many Cana-  BULLETINS dians are discouraged about not being able to fi nd a job. ... AND MUCH MORE! Th e “real” unemployment rate, which includes discouraged workers and involuntary part-time workers, was 12.1 per cent last month. Back Go to www.twu-stt.ca in February 2008, that “real” unemployment rate was 8.9 per cent. and click on e-News

PAGE 8 – TRANSMITTER – Spring 2010 Unemployed Running Out of Benefi ts A new report reveals that hundreds of Calgary activist training class. thousands of unemployed Canadians may run out of Employment Insurance benefi ts Activist Training before they can fi nd a new job. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report says 500,000 Canadians who Classes a Success launched EI claims last year could have Beginning in September 2009 and for the next three months aft erwards, benefi ts run out with no job prospect on the Telecommunications Workers Union educational trainers and members horizon. of the Executive Council, held activist training classes which took place Is EI Working for Canada’s Unemployed?, at selected venues across the country from Victoria, B.C., all the way to written by Canadian Labour Congress chief Halifax, N.S. economist Andrew Jackson, highlights that Th e courses were taught over a period of two days and covered various 120,000 more unemployed Canadians could Labour-related topics. Information sessions were held separately follow- not collect benefi ts as of October 2009, ing the two-day activist training class and were open to all TWU mem- compared to October of the year before. bers who wished to ask questions of concern to them. “We can expect that the total number of “Th e activist courses were a unique opportunity for members to learn new regular claims in 2009 will (have) hit more about their role as Labour activists and come away with a better about two million,” Jackson said. “If the understanding of bargaining issues, the Canadian Labour Code, legal exhaustion rate were to remain the same as processes, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, dispute prepared- in 2006-07, we could eventually see some ness and a number of other related subjects,” explained George Doubt, 500,000 plus exhausted claims in late 2009 National President, TWU. “In light of the fact that the TWU will soon and into 2010.” be negotiating a new Collective Agreement with Telus, the information Although the report credited the govern- sessions allowed members to ask questions about specifi c issues and ment for extending benefi ts by fi ve more share how they were feeling.” weeks, it said these changes were not Discussions during these classes were informative and always very open. enough to handle the additional demands Most importantly, the feedback from attendees has been invaluable. caused by the recession. Written comments were also collected once the classes ended which Even with EI system improvements, only proved to be extremely useful to the TWU’s Bargaining Committee as about half of those unemployed across it prepares to renegotiate a new Collective Agreement this year with Canada were collecting benefi ts as of last Telus. October. Th e TWU is very In Ontario, which has been hard hit by the proud of this achieve- recession, the number collecting benefi ts is ment and would like about 41 per cent, Jackson said. to thank everyone who helped make the The original version of this article can be classes and informa- found on the CAW website at: tion sessions a suc- http://www.caw.ca/en/8319.htm cess.

Victoria activist training class. 9 TWU

Members have been asking if the Telecommunications Workers Benefi t Plan will offer another open enrolment. The answer: It’s highly unlikely.

Members Can Still Enrol in the TW Benefi t Plan Outstanding Th e open enrolment was off ered in past years during a period when the Membership TWBP expanded its membership to include members in Alberta (2006) and members nationwide (2009). Th e open enrolment gave members Dues from 2005 the opportunity to enrol in the Plan without the requirement of medical In the spring of 2005, Telus refused to evidence of insurability during a limited time period. When the open collect and submit Union dues for six pay enrolment period expired this did not mean members could no longer periods prior to the lock-out. A letter was join the Benefi t Plan. In fact, the TWBP welcomes new members all recently mailed to Telecommunications the time. Workers Union members regarding these All Telus regular bargaining unit employees and temporary bargaining overdue membership dues. Hotlines and unit employees, aft er nine months, are eligible to join the Benefi t Plan at Bulletins were sent at the time to inform any time. Th e only diff erence between enroling now and in the past dur- members that it was their responsibility ing an open enrolment period is the requirement of a medical evidence to submit their dues for these pay periods. of insurability form. Th is is a short, simple medical questionnaire that However, many did not comply, were un- requires no medical tests, blood work, etc. Th is medical questionnaire aware of the situation or may have simply is reviewed by BC Life to determine eligibility to enrol. forgotten over the years. If a member has no medical condition and no further examination is We understand that this dates back many required, then the member will be eligible for enrolment in the Plan. If years and that members may be asking a member does have a medical condition that requires further exami- why the TWU is again asking for these nation, BC Life may request more medical information to determine dues after so much time has passed. The eligibility. Th is does not mean the member will be denied enrolment. TWU is facing an exceptional situation as In most cases, the Plan offi ce has found the vast majority of members a result of a decrease in the amount of who apply for enrolment, which includes the completion of the medical members’ dues and a signifi cant increase form, were approved. in the number of arbitrations. Telus con- Becoming a member of the TW Benefi t Plan is easy and completing the tinues to offshore jobs, close offi ces, hire forms only takes a couple of minutes. For information about the benefi ts contractors to do bargaining work, and of being a member of the Benefi t Plan, please see the Plan website at replace retiring members’ jobs with part- www.twplans.com or call the Plan offi ce at 604-430-3300, or toll-free at time workers or no position at all. With 1-877-430-3302. Th e staff is ready to answer all of your questions. decreasing revenues, it is the Union’s fi s- cal responsibility to cut costs and collect money where it is owed. If you have received a letter recently, GET YOUR TRANSMITTER BY EMAIL please contact Tamara Marshall, Acting It is cost effective and better for the environment. Secretary-Treasurer, at 604-437-8601 (col- lect calls are accepted) to discuss a pay- To sign up, email: [email protected] ment arrangement or email: [email protected].

PAGE 10 – TRANSMITTER – Spring 2010 Letters of Appreciation

I would like to thank the TWU for my union for the 29 years I worked at BC Retirement Thanks retirement gift that I received aft er my Tel/Telus. Th e pension I’m receiving I wish to thank the TWU for the retirement from Telus/AGT. now is very much appreciated. Th anks $1,000 given to me on my retirement. for all your hard work and support over My thanks goes out to George Doubt, I also wish to thank the Union for the years. Kelly Th ompson and Dale Warner, my pension. Th ey have managed our who were all helpful with information Best of luck with the current round of money so that I can enjoy a healthy on retirement and membership in the contract bargaining! pension at the end of my almost 35 Union aft er retirement. I hope every years in the company. Debbe Berryman member stays strong for October 2010. Wishing you still working, a generous Formerly Local 50 contract for this year’s negotiations. Yours truly, Rick Johnston I just wanted to thank the TWU for the In solidarity, Wetaskiwin, Alberta gift s upon my retirement. I would also Marilyn Ames Formerly Local 211 like to thank all my brothers and sisters Formerly Local 1 for the 37+ years at BCTel/Telus. It was I wish to thank the TWU for the $1,000 quite an enjoyable ride. Best of luck on I am writing to thank the TWU for retirement gift and the Honorary Life future negotiations. my retirement gift of $1000, the nice Membership. Th anks, plaque and pin along with the Honorary Tom Cullen Life Membership. Th anks also to the TWU and all of the membership for 35 years of support and Formerly Local 5 It is with great appreciation and sincer- accomplishments. ity that I thank the Union for all the I would like to thank the TWU for the hard work over those years that has Sincerely, great retirement gift . Aft er 37 years with provided me with my pension and Irene Pearson BC Tel/Telus, it was a comfort to know benefi ts. I will continue to support the Formerly Local 50 that the Union was there to support me TWU in any way I can. throughout. Good luck to all members Th anks so much to the TWU for the in future negotiations. Sincerely, $1,000 retirement gift and honorary Diana Bouwman membership! I realize how lucky I am Rick Cook Formerly Local 3 to have been a member of such a great Formerly Local 32 continued on page 12

Retirement of Bobby Schneider Th e Telecommunications Workers Bobby will be missed by friends and Union would like to thank Bobby colleagues who have had the pleasure Schneider for her hard work and dedi- of working with her over the years. cation as a Business Agent, representing On behalf of everyone at the TWU, members in Edmonton, Alberta, and we are profoundly grateful for Bobby’s across Canada, for the past three years. contribution and wish her much health Aft er a successful 30-year career, where and happiness. she began working for Telus in 1980, we can all agree that this retirement is certainly well-deserved. 11 TWU Letters of Appreciation CONTINUED HOTLINE healthy, profi table corporation continues to 1-888-986-3971 General Thanks move their best resource, healthy, profi table BRITISH COLUMBIA I wanted to send a big thank you for all employment, to countries whose economies the help, support and hard work given to Burnaby Head Office are so poor that their citizens are forced to 5261 Lane Street me throughout my grievance. I never will work for incredibly low wages, what does Burnaby, BC V5H 4A6 forget the phone call I received from Laura that do for our own economy? PHONE: 604-437-8601 Th orson on Friday, December 18, 2009, to Instead of raising the bar, moving those FAX: 604-435-7760 let me know that we had won the grievance! countries closer to our economic values, we Kelowna I want to send a special thank you to lower the bar, moving our economy closer #102-1456 St. Paul St. Business Agent, Cindy Orivolo, and Shop to theirs. Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E6 Steward, Derek Mason, of Local 51, for their Th is started with moving jobs from one PHONE: 250-860-5025 help throughout this entire process. I have province to another. Now those jobs are FAX: 250-860-6737 never had to fi le a grievance before and moving right out of the country. And if Prince George Derek Mason was absolutely outstanding in those countries receiving these jobs think #100-2700 Queensway St. his knowledge and professionalism. He has it will stop there, they’re wrong. Th is will Prince George, BC V2L 1N2 fantastic listening skills. He was always there only open jobs for a few years until another PHONE: 250-960-2220 for me and gave me a lot of confi dence and country undercuts them and off ers employ- FAX: 250-563-2379 support in pursuing this grievance. ment for an even lower scale. TOLL-FREE FAX: 1-888-700-9318 Th ank you again TWU for all your support By the way, I used to work for Telus. I lost ALBERTA and perseverance throughout this entire my job in 2003. process. I will never forget it. Calgary Good Luck, #255-525 28 Street, S.E. Sincerely, Deborah Guthrie Calgary, AB T2A 6W9 Kim Skalle Formerly Local 16 PHONE: 403-237-6990 Local 50 FAX: 403-802-2381 I thought we would send you these notes of Edmonton Hi Brothers Dave satisfaction from retiring members of the #1296-10665 Jasper Ave. and Colin, best Union ever to operate in B.C. Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 PHONE: 780-444-6945 I just wanted to drop With unions, we were able to buy lots, build FAX: 780-488-6911 you a line and tell you houses, earn decent salaries, medicare, etc. how much I am enjoy- Th e list of benefi ts is endless. Corrupt gov- ONTARIO ing my new sweatshirt. I ernments, and the corrupt private sector Scarborough can’t tell you how many that they are taking their orders from, are #901-10 Milner Business Court compliments I am getting on it, especially bilking the system. Scarborough, ON M1B 3C6 from our Union Sisters! It’s enough to make PHONE: 416-506-9723 Th e more unions there are, the better the a Brother blush! Th anks again for the new FAX: 416-506-9722 economy. Th ey give the working people a shirt. voice in the economy. QUÉBEC Yours truly, Jack Holliston Montréal Brother Tony Zacharias Formerly Local 5 #540-4060 Ste. Catherine St. W. Local 1 Westmount, QC H3Z 2Z3 CEP 2000 PHONE: 514-788-8811 FAX: 514-788-8813 Opinions TW PENSION/BENEFITS Congratulations on your initiative to THE TRANSMITTER #303-4603 Kingsway address this on-going issue [referring THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TWU Burnaby, BC V5H 4M4 to Keep Jobs in Canada campaign]. PENSION: 604-430-1317 TWU President: GEORGE DOUBT I totally support a company’s right to BENEFITS: 604-430-3300 Vice-Presidents: BETTY CARRASCO, JOHN CARPENTER FAX: 604-430-5395 make profi ts and run their corpora- Secretary-Treasurer: SHERRYL ANDERSON WEBSITE: www.twplans.com tion the best way they see fi t to make Communications Specialist: DIANE PÉPIN those profi ts, keeping the company www.twu-stt.ca healthy and the shareholders happy. [email protected] But, and this is a big but, when a PN: 40022297 Return undeliverables to: TWU Circulation, 5261 Lane Street Burnaby, BC V5H 4A6