This is a partial screen shot of what they have posted on there "info" web site. they hate the fact that we are unionized but they love to use our collective agreement when it suits them. How they love there little games. it is unfortunate that some associates will buy into this. My union dues that I pay is well worth its weight in gold. some of you will remember this one perception is reality' that was a favourite of one of our former CEO's
BY- Jack Profijt Well the propaganda machine has started again. The first letter filled with only half truths and innuendo hit the floor around 10:00 am this morning. The letter claims that the associates have the right to chose, to be unionized or not, this is true, they do have the right. But the amount of fear and control that exists in our place of employment kills any notion of democratic process. Just take the comments of shift managers and supervisors in different departments, this is a quote "we have been told that we have no opinion" How's that for democratic process.
It is also true that associates voted in 1999, 2001 and 2003 and voted it down. But what they don't tell you is that for at least one of those drives our employer hired a large number of part time associates just days before the vote, upon a return of a no vote, they were all let go or given no shifts so they would have to quit on their own. Another thing they don't mention is the shift premiums that they said they were going to offer, and the 24 hour day care that they were considering. They also mentioned gym memberships or a work out facility for associates. They pulled those little pearls out for the last unionization drive.
After reading this letter, one thing should stick in all of their minds. If the employer likes to listen to what the associates say, I would really like to meet the guy that suggested that they remove the computer reimbursement, or the one that said "hey lets not get a raise this year". "Lets have a lump sum payment instead so that we wont have to worry about those pesky pension contributions we wont be getting" I would really like to meet the associate they listened to for that one.
It also goes on to say that the union claims to have 40 % percent of cards signed. Well here is the thing, if they didn't have at least that many, the Labour Board would not have entertained a vote. So I don't think it is just a claim, I know its fact.
CAW Applies for Union Vote at Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino | Canadian Auto Workers | CAW
As I said earlier I hope they can pull this off this time,
By - Jack Profijt Many people have come to me lately and say "you need to get this or you need to get that at the bargaining table" or " you need to fight for this or that". I am beginning to think that our local is a little misguided on how the bargaining process works. So I will make an effort to enlighten you and clarify something. The negotiating team is just the voice of the bargaining unit. We are not the ones that do the fighting.
The people that do the fighting are the bargaining unit members. By electing me, and the five others on the negotiating team, you have chosen to use our voices, and our faces, to be used on your behalf in YOUR fight. The thing that we need to remember here is, we will get the collective agreement that we deserve based on the effort that is put in by you, the bargaining unit members. All of you want different things. If we are divided, things will stay the same, or get worse. If we are united, we can force change for the better to occur.
As I said earlier, the contract we get will be in direct relation to the amount of support from the members, it’s that simple. I realize with showing, or giving support there is a certain amount of risk involved. There is the risk of reprisals, in the form of lost shifts for part time or contract officers. There is risk for full time officers in the form of repeated posts. But there is a greater risk. If you do nothing, the risk is that things will remain the same or get worse. All of us have mortgages, all of us have homes and families and bills to pay. Nothing worth having is ever gained without risk or sacrifice.
The negotiating team is but a piece of much larger unit. We will do our part to get what we deserve, but it is also your time, to help yourselves, and your families.
I hope they can pull it off this time, lets hope the third time is the charm !!!!!!!
It would seem that the employer, insists on making this round of negotiation's about money. It is very ironic and a little coincidental that this whole thing wasn't brought to our attention a little sooner. They have been planning the responses to use since the negotiating team was elected and possibly before.
All of you must understand, with all the turmoil that is going on, every step that our employer takes is calculated and considered carefully. The decision making process that they follow goes all the way to the top. The battle here is for our hearts and minds, and they want to make it very clear who holds the purse strings to your financial well being.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the enemy, AFI International my already be on sight, and Monarch security services already does our mystery shops. In preparation for a labour dispute it would be very naive of us to think that they are not already preparing for such an eventuality as well. So watch what you say and to who you speak to, because it may not be a mystery shop.
We are all intelligent adults and and I think that all of us can see through this little smoke screen that they have thrown up. As I have said in earlier posts the escalation will be gradual and deliberately measured.
OPSEU -Well it seams apparent that the employer really doesn't like the fact that we have shown some solidarity. It seems that a memo has been issued that prohibits the carrying of a nickel in our badges. Well' it has caused the effect that was desired, the reaction from the employer was again overkill, and a little heavy handed. I said it once and I will say it again, you cant buy mobilization like this.
This memo is designed also to get a response from us, it is intended to distract us from our true objective, and that, is to move forward towards a solid agreement.
Interesting little side note. It is a little ironic that a Canadian symbol has found itself in the centre of or our little controversy. The beaver is a symbol of strength, tenacity, perseverance and determination.
By Jack Profijt It is no very often that we, as a local get to express our appreciation to our employer for a job well done. They have caused anger, fear , apprehension and stress. They have managed to sway the opinions of undecided members of our local, to do or die supporters of the union.
They have managed to create a rallying point for every member of this local. I want to thank them, for the incredible thought that must have gone into producing this clearly well thought out action. I want to thank them, for making the mobilization of our members that much easier.
Our Union Executive couldn't have planned, or asked for a better mobilization strategy. Our employer achieved this masterful feat of leadership and management, with the production of one single memo. More help like this and we wont need a mobilizing team. so from the bottom of my heart, thanks ...
By-Jack Profijt Today we got our first taste of what the employer has in store for our local. It is their wish to cause aggravation, to cause stress and discomfort. It is a clear sign of contempt and loathing for our local and the people in it.
Lets take a good look at this little stunt that was pulled today and see if we can get an idea of there game plan. It is common knowledge that there will be an interesting meeting at a provincial court house in the not to distant future, where many of them will have allot of questions to answer. Also there is another very large union breathing down there neck again, the prospect of the rest of the place being unionized cannot be a pleasant one for the powers that be. They have one department that is heading towards negotiations and hopefully, a solid new collective agreement. So right their we have a few fairly significant things that are taking up much of the Employers time. That is not to say that they are unprepared to fight conflict on multiple fronts, they are one of the biggest employers in the province, they have the resources. However historically speaking, a multi front conflict has proven to be disastrous for those that wish to wage such a conflict.
What is the purpose of there attack? well, lets take a look. The reason's that an opposing force would launch a first strike on an opponent are many. First and foremost it is to asses the defences of the defending party, it is to gather information and intelligence, they want to test or reaction. Second it is to cause panic and uncertainty. It is a diversion meant to hide the true objective of there planned attack. Third, it is intended to force the defending party to react in a manner that they had not anticipated and at a time and place that they didn't choose.
At first glance it would appear that the employer has the upper hand, but in reality, and again, historically speaking, that is not always the case. Usually the first strike on an unsuspecting opponent is made, because the opponent is seen as a real threat. Usually it is the weaker force that attacks the stronger, hopping that they can do enough damage to take them out of the fight early. Fortunately this line off attack, tends to galvanize the defenders and makes victory for the attacker that much more difficult, or impossible to archive.
On the up side, there method of attack is now clear. Now, we have the ability to plan a defence, and return the favour in kind.
Well the truce with the employer is over, they have seen fit to fire the first shot, in what I am sure will be a hard fight.
For those that don't know the employer has decided to role back our wages by .05 cents per hour. So lets put this into context, it works out to about 78.00 per year, multiply that by 250 officers at 40 hours, it works out to some were in the area of $20000. If we let them take it once, they will take it again. Also as I said to many of you yesterday be ready for the games that they play.
Also don't be fooled by this, it was no mistake, they don't really want the money, it is an effort to cause panic and distress and to make us loose focus on the task at hand, and that is, to get the deal done. One more thing, keep yourselves out of trouble and do your jobs, discipline is what will be the next step in their planned and orchestrated escalation of panic and stress.
Facebook | Message: Intent to Bargain
Hi There guys,
Just to let you know the Intent to Bargain has been sent to the employer. For those that don't know this is just a formal contact between the union and the employer, stating that they wish to bargain a new collective agreement. The notice asks for various pieces of info like pay rates, seniority levels, pension and benefit info that the union needs to better negotiate the agreement.
Demand setting meeting
Jan 7 2009 at the
Dunn St. Hose Brigade
building
Niagara Falls
times: 9 am, 1 p.m., 5 p.m.
bring your demands and bring your survey
