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Author Topic: Joining a union
Kinetix
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5296

posted 03 May 2004 11:34 PM      Profile for Kinetix     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Employees of a call centre of a majour credit card issuer are talking about unionizing. They have a centre in London and a centre in Toronto.

What union should they join and why? and HOW?


From: Montréal, Québec | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777

posted 03 May 2004 11:45 PM      Profile for radiorahim     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I understand the CEP has organized call centre workers...you might want to contact them at CEP or I believe the CAW has done some organizing in the banksCAW.

Organizing tends to be pretty much a "clandestine" affair. You've pretty much got to have just about everyone signed up before the employer knows about it and has a chance to interfere.

Union organizing is supposed to be a legally protected activity, but in reality its not...especially "post Mike Harris".

Of course if you are working directly for a bank, then you might be in federal jurisdiction (Canada Labour Code) rather than provincial (Ontario Labour Relations Act).

That's something that a union can help you out with.

[ 03 May 2004: Message edited by: radiorahim ]


From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged
vickyinottawa
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 350

posted 04 May 2004 12:43 AM      Profile for vickyinottawa   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
A great primer on organizing is Mary Cornish and Lynn Spinks' book Organizing Unions. It was published pre-Harris, so the legislation it refers to is dated, but the principles are the same. It walks you through all the steps.
From: lost in the supermarket | Registered: Apr 2001  |  IP: Logged
Privateer
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3446

posted 04 May 2004 10:53 AM      Profile for Privateer     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I work in a bank call centre and have seen two attempts at organizing in the three years I've worked there. The first one was CAW, and the second was - believe it or not - CUPW. Being associated with "radical" letter carriers hurt the second drive, I believe.

In the end, attrition forced our employer to do what the drives couldn't do. Last year, my pay was raised 25%. I'd like to believe it was fear of the unions but it was really co-workers voting with their feet...and more threatening to do so. Though I still believe adding the threat of unionization into the mix did have some positive effect.

What I found remarkable, sadly, was the knee-jerk anti-union, pro-company attitude of some of my co-workers. Such are the kinds of people who might choose to work in finance, in many cases. On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised to see a few others openly and brazenly talk union within earshot of supervisors. But the broad mass of my co-workers never said anything either way.

I wish I could offer more in terms of advice, but we failed twice.


From: Haligonia | Registered: Dec 2002  |  IP: Logged
bctgm organizer
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Babbler # 5666

posted 19 May 2004 02:22 PM      Profile for bctgm organizer     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Joining a Union is not something to be taken lightly.First you need to know the reasons you and fellow workers want a union as well as what obstacles you will run up against from your employer. Talking to a good organizer will help you immensely. In Ontario you now need at least 40 % of the workforce to sign union authorization cards before an application to the Ontario Labour Relations Board(OLRB)can be made. After the application has been verified then a vote will take place in your workplace within 5 working days. This vote is secret and done under the supervision of the OLRB. Choosing a Union to represent you and your interests as well as that of your co workers is very important. You want to have a working relationship and that can only be possible if the lines of communication are open and honest. You are paying dues so you need to have service from your rep(s) as well as access to legal services etc. You also need to know that the union is you and the workers that are paying the dues not the other way around so you need to be see your reps whenever the situation warrants it. As a former post says Mary Cornish and Lynn Spinks wrote a great book about joining a union, unfortunately parts are outdated here in Ontario. If you would like any more info please post, I will help you in any way and do the right thing and have your voice heard and be treated with dignaty and respect.
BCTGM Organizer

From: cambridge | Registered: May 2004  |  IP: Logged
radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777

posted 19 May 2004 05:32 PM      Profile for radiorahim     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
One thing I found in my years of union involvement is that often its the "loudmouths" who are the folks who tend to sell you down the river to management and its those so-called "quiet" folks who often pleasantly surprise you by being your strongest supporters.
From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged
scooter
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Babbler # 5548

posted 19 May 2004 06:14 PM      Profile for scooter     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Be very careful in picking a union.

I've seen instances where a good union executive and enlightened company management have joined to create a great work environment through good times and bad.

I would instantly distrust anyone with extreme opinions for or against unions.


From: High River | Registered: Apr 2004  |  IP: Logged
beverly
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5064

posted 19 May 2004 06:26 PM      Profile for beverly     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
I would instantly distrust anyone with extreme opinions for or against unions.

Then they should join kuba's union for kall centre employees (Kukce). Its very simple really, just deposit money in envelope mail to me.

Sorry, I guess I do have feelings about unions, esp. the one who took my dues but then informed me that I wasn't really entitled to bumping or any of the perks of membership, because I was in this wierd contract hinterland, where I wasn't really a member. It was all very disturbing.

Although, normally I do support unions. Although I am having very mixed feelings about the HEU right now too.

OK so I'm generally confused. Does that mean I too can be a union boss. Kuba Hoffman does have a ring.


From: In my Apartment!!!! | Registered: Feb 2004  |  IP: Logged
radiorahim
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Babbler # 2777

posted 20 May 2004 12:24 AM      Profile for radiorahim     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Sorry, I guess I do have feelings about unions, esp. the one who took my dues but then informed me that I wasn't really entitled to bumping or any of the perks of membership, because I was in this wierd contract hinterland, where I wasn't really a member. It was all very disturbing.

Being a unionized contract worker can be a bit frustrating. The collective agreement does cover you in terms of wages, hours of work, access to the grievance procedure (something that non-union workers don't have!). But, depending on the collective agreement you will probably not be entitled to all of the provisions that a full-time worker would be entitled to.

There's always the "hope" that you'll have your contract renewed coupled with the "fear" that if you raise a stink about issues you won't have your contract renewed.

And its hard for temps to put forward their issues inside the union...because...well they're temps...here today and gone tomorrow. Putting forward your issues inside a union takes time and you may have to develop an internal education campaign. By then you're looking for your next job.

With so much of the workforce being "contingent", it is something that the labour movement needs to develop an effective strategy to deal with.

But, maybe before your contract is up something to start with would be to write an article for your local union newsletter about temp issues.

Campbell isn't going to be there forever and sooner or later the current collective agreement is going to expire.

[ 20 May 2004: Message edited by: radiorahim ]


From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged
rabblelover
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posted 20 May 2004 12:04 PM      Profile for rabblelover     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I suggest you contact the undisputable genius Buzz Hargrove at CAW. Seeing what he is doing in the news regarding Air Canada leaves me to beleive that he is the only man for the job. Things apparently were coming together for all parties until he joined in for the photo op and sound bites.

Mr Spotlight (Buzz) is an idiot. Do yourselves a favour and research which union to pick, don't hop into bed with the first one that comes along or sounds interested in your shop.! They all want your membership and many only for the fees.

Good Luck !!


From: Yorkton | Registered: Apr 2004  |  IP: Logged
beverly
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Babbler # 5064

posted 20 May 2004 12:06 PM      Profile for beverly     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Campbell isn't going to be there forever and sooner or later the current collective agreement is going to expire.

Sorry - that was a past life experience. I was laid off by Glen Clark.


From: In my Apartment!!!! | Registered: Feb 2004  |  IP: Logged
bctgm organizer
recent-rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5666

posted 20 May 2004 07:43 PM      Profile for bctgm organizer     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I won't get into knocking other unions but there are differences amongst us all. As I have said before what good is the name or local numbers of a union if you do not get any service? Union survival is based on numbers however the more members you have does not guarantee a better or stronger union.
Bakery Confectionery Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union(BCTGM) Organizer

From: cambridge | Registered: May 2004  |  IP: Logged

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