Big Money Sues Employee and Takes on Union Drive Head On
According to the Winnipeg Free Press, Monday, December 9th, 2002 edition, George Tsouras, one of Manitoba's most prominent and successful restaurateurs is determined to keep his empire non union. Tsouras, who either as a majority owner or through his principal company, Branigan's Development Group, owns and operates 15 eateries and catering companies in Winnipeg, Brandon and the United States. He controls the majority of restaurants at the Forks Market in Winnipeg, and holds catering contracts at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the McPhillips Street Station casino in Winnipeg.
The battle between big money and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union began in November 2002 when the UFCW won automatic certification at Barba Yiannis after 65 per cent of employees filled out membership cards. At Branigan's, a certification vote was held, but the results of which are still not known pending hearings with the Manitoba Labour Board.
In the mean time, however Tsouras has fired one employee from the restaurant Barba Yiannis in October and proceeded to sue the employee. In the statement of claim, Tsouras alleges a confidential and proprietary list of employee names, addresses and phone numbers was taken by the former employee without permission. The suit goes on to allege the restaurant owners have evidence the list was provided to a third party. Tsouras has also told employees he will close Barba Yiannis restaurant Dec. 14,2002.
Tsouras also dismissed four employees during the union drive at Branigan's at the Forks Market. The UFCW has filed five claims of unfair labour practices against the restaurant owners. The claims stem from what the union says were unjust dismissals of five employees during the union drive.
The sad reality is that workers in Manitoba may have a pro labour government in the NDP, but the right to unionize is still a tough battle for workers especially when big business money has anything to do with it. Business always has an endless supply of money to fight unionization, but never enough to pay workers more in salaries and benefits.
Our heart and best wishes go out to the workers, fellow fallen comrades who fought gallantly for a better living. Lets hope that the UFCW 832 respects the employees efforts and stands up against the tyranny of big money and fights with all its might for the rights of the fired workers who were willing to put it all on the line.
Source from www.winnipegfreepress.com (registration required)
Correction Notice: We previously reported that G. Tsouras holds catering contracts at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. We are advised that George Tsouras does not own any part of Bridgeport at The Winnipeg Art Gallery...nor has he ever. Bridgeport at The Winnipeg Art Gallery, which holds exclusive rights to cater within the Winnipeg Art Gallery, is independently owned and operated by two partners. We apologize for any misunderstanding our error may have caused.