Separating union myth from fact—Union-O course


Students taking training courses and new members to the Operating Engineers Local 115 get a little help separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding how unions function.

Member Rep Lee Loftus has been teaching Union Orientation (or Union-O as members call it) for six years and he encourages class participation. He’s done presentations to high school students, Aboriginal groups and new members. “It’s different for each class,” he said.

Core components include history of the labour movement in Canada. As far back as 1812, skilled tradespeople were organized. “Unions developed because of loss of life and injuries,” he said. “Workers rallied together because there was no compensation for families.” They also organized to protect their craft.

Excavator and crane students at a recent presentation volunteered that, because of recent changes in the B.C. Labour Code, employment standards and safety regulations, unions are needed now more than ever.

Belonging to Local 115 means influence at every level of government, Loftus said. “When you’re in the labour movement, you can participate at many different levels. The operating engineers are one of the more active organizations. We’re well respected and known to be progressive and active.

“And we offer flexibility when it’s required. We’re not interested in putting companies out of business…That’s dogma spread by some members of the business community.”
On the other hand, intimidation does take place on some work sites. “The union provides a buffer,” he said. The collective agreement is simply a contract that sets out the expectations of the employer and employees..

He also stressed that the focus of Local 115 is on organizing. Members are expected to participate and provide input. “The union facilitates and guides, but the members make the decisions to ensure democracy.”

He went into detail on all the benefits of membership in Local 115: better pensions and health benefits, effective training programs and advocates to help work through red tape.

He also spent considerable time on ethical issues. “You don’t quit your employer,” he said. “You try to work it out. Don’t cut deals. Be honest. We have to take care of everyone; it’s not just about one person.”

Everyone is responsible
All key parties have roles and responsibilities, said Member Rep Lee Loftus.
Employers should:
• provide safe work environments
• offer effective training regarding equipment and work environments
• respect workers
• provide “a day’s pay for a day’s work”

The union should:
• provide representation when it’s requested
• provide the best information available about training, safety, the collective agreement, etc.
• lobby regulatory bodies and governments on the members’ behalf
• ensure democracy in the workplace and all union business

Members should:
• show up to work on time
• respect coworkers and supervisors
• protect their employers from loss (speak up if they see a problem)
• advance their employer’s interests (promote the work they do)
• provide “a day’s work for a day’s pay”