Convention 2008
Convention 2008 took place from April 13th to 17th. Delegates from across the country were sent to Ottawa to represent their local members and elect their National and Regional representatives. The London local sent 9 delegates to represent our members as well as our National Trustee. The following is a report of some of the changes that will affect us all.
Education was identified as a priority by the resolution that was adopted.
Education for our members, especially new hires, is in dire need. The delegates
across the county have expressed serious concerns about the attacks on our
members under Moya Greene. We need to fight back through organizing and
educating our members.
Our Ontario Regional office is extremely overburdened due to the increased
denial of claims and Canada Post’s attacks on our members. We were successful
in adopting a resolution that will provide the Ontario Region with one additional
Union Representative. This will help to alleviate the overburdening situation at
the Ontario Regional Office.
A resolution was adopted whereby the CUPW structure from the top down to the
local level will be reviewed. Recommendations to improve the structure may
result in improved efficiency at all levels of the union.
The resolution to raise union dues was passionately debated over two days. The
resolution was initially defeated by 4 votes but was brought back for review.
Moya Greene’s attacks on our members and our union have created extra
workload on the locals and regional offices. This resolution will provide additional
funds to the regions and locals to help combat the employer’s attacks.
This resolution also directs funds into the National Strike Fund ensuring we are in
a strong strike/negotiating position at the end of this collective agreement in 2011.
Some of these funds will be directed to educate our members on the dangers
that Moya Greene’s modernization plan poses. The Modern Post not only
threatens thousands of jobs but the remaining jobs will cause many injuries to our
members. We must be educated on how to deal with the Modern Post and insist
on participating in all technological changes to prevent injuries to our members.
Even though the review of this resolution resulted in it being adopted, several of
the London Local delegates including the newly elected President voted against
this dues increase. The new average rate will result in an additional $2.29 per
month for most members.
During the week of conventions the delegates participated in two demonstrations. Early Tuesday morning the delegates boarded buses that took them to Canada Post headquarters. Waving flags and carrying signs and making lots of noise, we sent a clear message to Canada Post that we are not happy with the way we are being treated and we are ready to fight back. Our message was to include workers rights in the Modern Post that they envision.
On Wednesday delegates used their lunch break to march to one of the offices of Manulife. Located several blocks from convention we again carried flags and posters and handed out information flyers to the public. The Police provided us an escort to and from the Manulife office, closing down several streets and ensuring our safety. We sent a message that was loud and clear telling Manulife to get out of our life and to stop harassing our members. Further information on these two demonstrations is available at our National website at www.cupw.ca.
On Thursday April 17th 2008 the delegates to Convention elected the National Executive Board who will represent us for the next three years. The results were as follows.
National President: Denis Lemelin
1st Vice President: Gayle Bossenberry
Secretary Treasurer: George Keuhnbaum
National Grievance Officer: Philippe Arbour
2nd Vice President Lynn Bue
3rd Vice President George Floresco
4th Vice President Donald Lafleur
The results of our Regional elections were as follows.
National Director: Gerry Deveau
REOO : Brenda Laslo
Grievance Officer: Wally Polischuck
1st Union Representative: Leon Bouvier
2nd Union Representative: Joe Kotska
3rd Union Representative: Jim Morris
4th Union Representative: Dave Stutt
1st Alternate UR: Tom Garbutt
2nd Alternate UR: Mark Platt
3rd Alternate UR: Shelly Silliers
National Women’s Committee: Olufunmilayo Olumade
1st Alternate: Sue Scott-Mallett
2nd Alternate: Judith Lodi
National Trustee: Rob Henry
1st Alternate: Donna Hardy
2nd Alternate: John Yates
National Disciplinary Committee: Mark Platt
Alternate: Tom Garbutt
National Appeal board: John VanDonk
Alternate: Rick Allen
Regional Disciplinary Committee:
1. Sister: Dawn Higgin
2. Brother: Shaka Thomas
3. John Vineux
1. Alternate Sister: Lori Nipard
2. Alternate Brother: Randy Drees
3. Alternate: Moe Hamilton
National Health and Safety Rep: Mary-Ellen McDermott
Alternate: George Thomaschewski
Congratulations to all Representatives
Dean Woronoski
Secretary Treasurer
London Local 566