Local 2002 Convention inspires and engages delegates

May 13, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Over 200 delegates, observers and guests attended Local 2002 triennial convention at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin from May 10-12, 2011.

As per Local 2002 bylaws, convention is held every three years in order to receive a detailed accounting from the executive board of the conduct of the business and affairs of the local union and to vote on resolutions submitted from districts, the executive board, trustees and local committees.

President Jamie Ross told the leadership that a new chapter was beginning for the local. "I’d like to thank you for all of your hard work, long hours and commitment to work at your absolute best, often in difficult & turbulent times.”

At least one third of the delegates were attending convention for the first time. They were encouraged by Cheryl Robinson to share their ideas and opinions when debating the resolutions. "You are seeing democracy at work, and democracy is the cornerstone of the CAW,” she said.

Local 2002 were fortunate to have retired CAW National Representative Alex Keeney, an expert in constitutional affairs of the CAW to ensure that the correct procedures of convention were followed.

On the second day activists from the union political committee (UPC) gave informative talks on current issues that the committee is active in: Rita Reed spoke about the state of Medicare in Canada, Pam Taylor talked about free trade and violations of human rights in the Honduras, Tim Cheung discussed the CPP, Gilles Goguen explained the benefits of proportional representation and committee chairperson Darryl Draeger commented on the federal and provincial elections, urging members to get involved. "Every act of support, however small, will help to create democracy in our country.”

Throughout the convention, delegates were encouraged to share workplace experiences. The audience heard moving testimonials from executive board member Bill Wright and Manpreet Grewal, a health and safety officer from ASP.

Bill is currently laid off from Worldwide Flight Services. As a result of deregulation, WFS continues to lose contracts to new entrants that are paid minimum wage and has seen its workers cut from over 800 to only a handful. "I’ve learned a lot from the CAW and made many friends that I will miss, in particular district chairperson Milton Reid, a personal mentor and tireless campaigner for worker’s rights, "he said as his eyes filled with emotion.

The CAW became the bargaining agent for members at ASP on Dec 14, 2010. They perform security-related functions at various airport entrances at Pearson and Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. Manpreet, who was attending her first Local 2002 convention, told delegates that workers at ASP were very happy with their new union. "With our other union we never got training and our grievances were never even filed. Now, thanks to Ashley Watkins (Executive Assistant), Rita Reid (Vice President central region) and the CAW we are getting the help we need. "

Bob Chernecki, assistant to CAW National President Ken Lewenza, has been a union activist since he began work at a Chrysler auto plant in Windsor in 1966. He has held many elected positions, including chairperson of the Windsor minivan plant. In 1987 he was appointed to the national staff by Bob White.

"Bob is the most senior, experienced and toughest negotiator in our union.” said President Jamie Ross in her introduction. "He has a long, proud history of fighting back and we are proud to have him assigned to the airline sector.”

With 45 year of experience, Bob had a lot of sage advice and insights to share with the leadership as he spoke of the constant attacks on the rights of working people and the obscene compensations of company executives.

"Managers are putting the squeeze on workers everywhere, from ground handlers at WFS to paramedics at ORNGE, all to make the corporations more money,” he said.

He talked about the current bargaining battles with Air Canada. "The whole motive of the bargaining committee is to reach a collective agreement.  But if we don’t fight back (against concessions), we can’t win.  And make no mistake, we are going to fight and we are going to win.”

The delegates, representing 24 units across the country rose to their feet in support of their Air Canada brothers and sisters as they continue to fight for a fair deal.

"This convention has been fantastic and has really charged our batteries! Now we can bring that energy back to our workplaces,” commented District 301 delegate Lorrie Holden.