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 What does union membership really mean? (May 2007) By Gary Kroeker, Business Manager If you ask a number of people what belonging to a union means to them, you’ll probably get a different answer from each: • someone to represent me • a sense of belonging and support • training programs that provide more opportunities and advancement • participation in the decision-making process • support for my family that comes from a good benefit package • giving back to the community through volunteer work and charity • a secure future • retirement with dignity You may be able to add ideas of your own. What is most important to you about your membership in the Operating Engineers Local 115? If you have children or grandchildren, what kind of workplace and world do you want for them? Employers have a responsibility to their shareholders and give priority to their bottom lines. Rarely do they voluntarily offer improvements to workers’ and their families’ lives. Local 115 members are well aware that we would not be enjoying eight-hour workdays, weekends, overtime pay or pensions without the efforts and determination of activists in bona fide trade unions. Unfortunately, with union membership declining throughout North America there are many people who don’t receive these benefits. Only 30% of working people in B.C. have taken advantage of the benefits of belonging to a union. And some union members take those benefits for granted and have no idea of the sacrifices and struggles it took to achieve these protections and social programs. Added to this, we have CLAC (the Christian Labour Association of Canada) signing deals with employers that sell their members short and steadily erode what workers have fought hard to achieve over many decades. CLAC willingly undercuts long-standing and hard-fought gains related to wages, benefits and job security. It accepts little responsibility for the future of its members. It’s taking advantage of the skilled trades shortage and employment situation at the moment. There seems to be no long-term vision. Concern for the workers who keep the organization running is almost non-existent. We’ve recently learned that a conference of non-union contractos is scheduled for this spring. It is being sponsored by CLAC and Great West Life and will be well attended by members of the Independent (read non-union) Contractors’ and Businesses’ Association. Premier Gordon Campbell is the keynote speaker. It’s clear where CLAC’s allegiances lie. Organized labour’s efforts are hampered by the current provincial government’s changes to the Labour Code and actions of the Labour Relations Board. (See Pg. 5) That 10-day window between signing a union card and then being required to confirm that decision through a secret ballot really tips the balance in favour of employers. There have been too many cases where support to join a union has been reversed by the time the votes are counted. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that 10 days provides a lot of time for dirty (but effective) employer tricks. Delays and decisions of the Labour Relations Board are making the situation even worse. Union organizing has always been a challenge. We’re used to that and we remain committed and undaunted. Members of Local 115 are very fortunate. A large percentage of our members have never been on a picket line. This is due to the fact that we maintain our integrity and professional approach to issues. We have established a respectful relationship with our employers and the need to utilize the threat of a dispute isn’t necessary in a majority of instances. Of course we want our signatory contractors to remain economically viable. In turn, we want a share of their success. I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of Kendall Boyd and Brother Howard Dempster Jr. on a recent organizing drive—They clearly understand the benefits of belonging to a union and the need for a union to grow in order to provide opportunities for skills training and secure futures for its members. This is the year to increase our membership and our market share. Each one of you has a vital role to play in our organizing efforts. I’m asking you to set a personal goal to sign up two new members over the next seven months. So, when you’re on a job site, look around for qualified non-union workers who are doing similar work. They may be taking your jobs in the future. Go up to them, talk to them about the benefits of belonging to Local 115 and offer to sponsor them to become members of your Local Union. Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you. |
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