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Topic: Joining a union
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radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777
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posted 03 May 2004 11:45 PM
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
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Privateer
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3446
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posted 04 May 2004 10:53 AM
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
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beverly
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5064
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posted 19 May 2004 06:26 PM
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
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radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777
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posted 20 May 2004 12:24 AM
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
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