November 1, 2007 at 12:00 AM
YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE - WHY SO
CONTROVERSIAL?
With the recent decision by the Canada Industrial
Relations Board (CIRB) that a sale of business has occurred (as correctly
predicted by the CAW) some GTAA employees are asking us when they will be able
to vote on which union will now represent them and what the process is moving
forward.
The CIRB will now conduct a bargaining unit
review to determine if there will be a single all-employee bargaining unit at
the GTAA or, alternately, several bargaining units that make labour relations
sense. In their decision the CIRB has ordered the three parties (CAW, PSAC and
GTAA) to try to come to an agreement voluntarily. Barring an agreement of the
parties, the CIRB will determine the final outcome. The Board has scheduled a
meeting for December 21, 2007.
We must emphasize that should the Board find that
one unit is appropriate, there is no guarantee that the employees will have a
say in determining which union will best serve their interests.
The Board has the power to:
- Determine which union will be the
bargaining agent - with or without a representation vote.
- Decide which collective agreement is in
force with respect to the intermingled workforce.
The CAW believes in the fundamental right of
workers to choose their own destiny. If the Board determines that there should
be one sole bargaining unit at the GTAA, then your right to vote should not be
so controversial. It should not be viewed as divisive or shameful; it should not
be met with defensiveness or fear. Your voice should be encouraged and your
decision should be respected.
Opponents are trying to confuse the issue. The
online petition is not about which union will ultimately represent you, it is
about your fundamental right for you to decide yourselves. We are very surprised
by PSAC's position. The democratic and right thing to do is to hold a vote and
let you, the affected workers, decide. That's the CAW way.
Momentum is growing day by day as more of your
co-workers and PSAC members agree with their right to to vote. Barbeques do not
replace democracy. You can help make a difference by getting involved and
sending a clear message to PSAC and to the GTAA who are arm in arm in trying to
deny you the right to vote.
- Sign the online petition (www.caw2002tca.ca)
demanding your right to vote.
- Speak to your co-workers and encourage
them to speak out as well.
- Speak to PSAC members about their right
to vote.
In closing we want to thank you for your patience
and ongoing support. At times the process can seem like it is crawling along but
we have to respect and abide by the timetable outlined by the CIRB. We will be
diligent in our efforts to ensure that the workers at the GTAA have a voice and
have their voice is heard loud and clear.
In solidarity,
Leslie Dias
President, CAW Local 2002