Getting Ready in Vancouver

Members at CEIU local 20944 are letting HRSDC Minister Joe Volpe know that his recent email to all staff did not go over well in view of the Treasury Board’s position in bargaining. Volpe’s claim that he is “…impressed by [our] enthusiasm and dedication for our programs and services…” was greeted immediately by members with calls of “Well, give us a decent raise then!”

Volpe states that he is looking forward to feedback from staff, and members plan to give him plenty of it.

According to local president Robert Strang, members think Volpe needs thousands of emails saying that nothing less than a fair deal will do. Members who want to contribute their thoughts to the minister can reach him at: Volpe.J@parl.gc.ca.

The local is actively preparing for the strike. Union visibility is high in the workplace and a lunchtime “picketing refresher” will be offered to limber-up members in advance of the strike call.

The local will be meeting for a question and answer session on strike activity and to watch the documentary video As Friend and Foe which looks at collective bargaining in the public sector. “The local did well in the last strike” says Strang, “and members are ready for this one too.”