I am still the President

Over the last couple of weeks, especially since I have been off on vacation, there have been a number of different things said about who the president is, or if you even have one.

Initially I told many of you that it may come to pass that I may be removed as your President. I told you all this so there would be no surprises if this were to happen.  So, I will be clear, as far as OPSEU goes I am still the President of this local. Also, as far as the members go, I am still the president, by virtue of being elected. I have not been removed from that position despite the employers view to the contrary.

The employer was informed early on that union representation will remain intact, with regard to stewards. Until I am informed by OPSEU that I am no longer the President of this local I will continue  to act in that capacity regardless of what the employer thinks.

On a side note, I find it very ironic that our employer is using OPSEUS constitution to deny the members there right to be represented by their own President. In a way this actually puts the company and the union on the same side They are making a show of trying to abide by OPSEUS constitution.… how strange is that !!

Employee Communication

 

What follows is the text of what the employer intends to deliver to your homes. Take it for what it is and read it if you wish. The information in this letter is quite accurate and as stated in this letter it is your right to change unions. Even the employer recognizes this.

November 18, 2011

First Last Name

Address

Dear Name:

We understand that Local 278 was recently placed under Trusteeship by OPSEU and that there has been an internal process underway regarding union representation. We appreciate that there appears to be an effort to keep Security Officers informed and to involve them in this process. However, it is important to note that this internal process is not managed by the Ontario Labour Relations Board (“the Board”). Union Certification issued by the Board may only be amended by the Board in accordance with the Labour Relations Act.

It is our wish that all of our employees are informed about their legal rights and that decisions are basedon this knowledge. We have always said during certification campaigns that we see no reason for union representation, yet we respect our employees’ right to choose.

The Labour Relations Act provides two ways in which your existing representation rights may be altered:

1. Sections 7(4) and 63 provide that a “Displacement Application” or an “Application for Termination of Bargaining Rights” may be brought in the last 3 months of a Collective Agreement. These applications may be made by any union or group of employees where there is 40% support and, if properly filed, will lead to a secret ballot vote administered by the Board.

2. Section 68 of the Act allows the Board to confirm the decision of an existing trade union to “transfer" its rights in the last 3 months of a Collective Agreement. This process may or may not include a secret ballot vote at the discretion of the Board.

As your employer, we have no role in any decisions you may choose to make about how you wish to be represented, or by whom. We have a legal obligation, as long as you have a union representing you, to recognize that union as your exclusive representative and to deal with it on matters relating to your employment.

You may wish to visit www.olrb.gov.on.ca for the text of the Labour Relations Act, and review all the information provided by your Union and elected Executive. As appropriate under the Collective Agreement and the Labour Relations Act, we will try and answer questions that you may have.

We want to thank you in advance for your respectful behaviour and for respecting the rights of your coworkers during this discussion.

Changing Unions

Come out and make a choice for Change

There will be an opportunity for all of you to make a positive choice for
change.

* Where - Teamsters will be at The Royal Canadian Legion, 5603 spring
St, Niagara Falls ON,

* WHERE - CAW will be at the Casino Action Center 5546 Robinson St
Niagara Falls ON.

* When - Nov. 14th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

* Teamsters and CAW will make their representatives available to
discuss their respective union.

* There will be an opportunity to make your vote on Nov.14th , voting
will be held at the Spring Street Legion.

* The voting station will be available all day.

These meetings and vote are to set in motion our mission to displace OPSEU
and join a new Union. Before us we have two National Unions bidding for our
members. As we are a democratic society we, as a membership, will cast our
votes to select the Union that we will have on the displacement ballet to
replace OPSEU.

Each member will have an opportunity to meet with each Union to ask whatever
questions they may have and then cast their ballet on that same day.

The ballet box will be counted on or about 1900 hours on November 14th and
each Union will be advised of the outcome.

In the event there is equal number of votes for both Unions, the Presidents
ballet will have been sealed and segregated and used as the deciding vote.

The unions expressed reservations about appearing in the same location, so a
compromise was made and the unions were separated to their respective
locations.