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 Recent events point to the importance of unions (May 2007) By Brian Cochrane, Assistant Business Manager This is shaping up to be a good year. Most of our members are enjoying full employment and there are many scheduled projects on the books. We finished negotiating the Bilfinger Berger wage and benefit re-opener. This will give some stability to our members working on the two large Bilfinger projects. The Golden Ears Bridge in Maple Ridge and the Twin Tunnel Project in North Vancouver have provided many jobs for members living locally. It has been a challenge to make this agreement work within our existing Building Trades Council structure. We inherited this agreement from the Christian Labour Association when the workers elected to come over to a real union. One of the most important changes to this agreement made in these negotiations was that all new employees with Bilfinger will get the opportunity to participate in the OE Pension Plan. Our pension plan ensures that retired members can maintain a lifestyle with some dignity and cash flow, It is one of the things that sets us apart from the substandard agreements being offered out there. The value of an OE pension B.C. is one of the most expensive places to live in this country. People can’t afford to put off saving for retirement. Access to an OE pension gives our members steady contributions into plans that will support them in the future. The OE Pension Plan is truly something to be proud of. Every year it distributes over $30 million to retired Operating Engineers. We are one of the few organizations that also provide retirees with access to medical benefits. Sponsorship leaves no doubt Our organizers have been very busy with several organizing campaigns against CLAC so far this year. In May, the merit shop (non-union) contractors, known for their pro-business/anti-union position on many issues, will be holding their annual conference in Victoria. It was no surprise to us when we noticed that the Christian Labour Association and large management law firms are among the main sponsors of the event. The CLAC says it’s a “Canadian union with a difference.” Well, we agree. It doesn’t act much like a union. Its agreements often sell out Canadian workers for 20% less that building tradespeople receive and it encourages the abuse of the foreign worker program at the expense of Canadian workers. Our membership must be aware of these issues. CLAC’s activities are bad for our industry and the members of real unions. If you have access to the Internet, take a few minutes to look at the website www.thetruthaboutclac.ca Why unions remain important today This story comes from Fort St. John. A worker was in an accident which could have easily killed him. A few hours later, his boss showed up at his home with a 40 oz. bottle of whiskey and $600 cash. His boss then asked him to not see a doctor or report the incident. The worker agreed but had to take a few days off because of his injuries. The boss paid him a little more cash. A few days later, however, the worker was fired. It is hard to believe, but incidents like this still occur. Real unions maintain a balance with employers and are there to help workers so they aren’t intimidated. This story really hits home as we head into the busy season. The pressure to get the job done should never compromise safety or the hard-fought regulations that are enforced through WorkSafeBC (WCB). To close, and on behalf of all our members, I would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of Brother Arne Knudsen. Arne passed away in March. At 97 years of age, Arne saw more changes in this world than we can possibly imagine. He was truly a great man with a colourful history and a strong belief in helping others (see Pg. 6). He was a proud member of Local 115 and will be missed by all who knew him. Live better. Work union. |
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