We have not received the information packages yet? Least I haven't. 
local 1518 Strike fund assessment
We are being asked to vote to accept automatic strike fund assessments in preparation for a strike against Safeway and Overwaitea in 2003. We were also told that the interest on the funds collected would not be added into the strike fund. I think this is totally unacceptable and will vote no just for this reason alone. 
we haven't received the package either,but the question about the interest was raised at our union meeting the other night and the member was told that the interest earned on the extra assessment would not be put into the strike fund. I feel that if they want us to give to a strike fund than all the money earned without exception should be put into the fund 
That is an incredible point. What reason did they give for that not being the case?
Was this important meeting chaired by an 'elected' representative or a paid M.R.?
They've had almost 4 years to prepair for 2003. Why did they wait until now to address the strike fund? They boasted 1 million was a lot of money and they didn't even touch it in '96, what's changed? I have a theory...
These idiots sold their souls to be the biggest private sector union in B.C. and now their really behind the 8 ball. They know they can't win a strike with the interior (remember last summer with the three Island stores and Nelson?)Besides, both employers can survive indefinately with the lower mainland stores alone.
That means they will have to choose zone #1 to bargain. A zone where the clerk II's out number the pre-rads. I find that to be the ultimate irony. Anyone remember the saying what goes around comes around ?
These are the same people that were sold out in '97/98 by both the UFCW and the pre-rads.
quote:
they'll only work evenings and weekends remember?
(ya right) Picture this...
Safeway: we're prepaired to give the clerks II's a new pay scale, a raise every 1500 hrs up to $15. In exchange you give up the ATO's and/or $5 off the top rate. Don't like? then walk the pavement until hell freezes over we can still survive with our remaining stores.
Not only will the pre-rads take a pay cut but by rights so will union staff and officers who's pay is a % of the top posted rate. With this in mind isn't it fair to say this is why they're coming to you now? They realize their partner the employer is out for blood and they want you to save them? I love irony, I believe in Charma. This should be very interesting. 
Well, you know the old saying, "Still water runs deep," but "Babbling Brookes are very shallow."
If you think about it, all the poopy stuff was done before the MFD came on the scene. If the MFD hadn't come along, no one would have been the wiser.
The Power Source knows a lot, and that's not good for the Machine or the Machine Heads. To top it off, Safeway has created a CA that is comparable to Wal-Mart--near minimum wages and no benefits.(And all you trolls, don't even go there. The top rates are window dressing. They aren't real except to figure Machine Head pay rates. You know that and I know that.)
The Machine Heads have figured out that Safeway doesn't need the UFCW anymore, and they know the Power Source despises them and their high-paid butt kissers, so they are now left in a quandry.
They've split the bargaining unit; they've agreed to a bargaining process from outer space or the depths of hell (you pick) and they have a Power Source that's on to them.
Yeh, Local 1518 is the biggest, but the question is the biggest...?
quote:
Originally posted by weiser:
"Still water runs deep," but "Babbling Brookes are very shallow."
God you crack me up weiser
Received my ballot in the mail yesterday, made my mark and sent it on it's way. Now after hearing that the interest from this assessment won't be included in the strike fund, I definitely know I marked it the right way.
There, siggy...ya happy now?? I posted somethin'.
quote:
There, siggy...ya happy now
www.ufcw1518.com Sounds like a squeak in the 'dues wheel'!
quote:
Nov. 29, 2001
What Is The Temporary Dues Assessment All About?
It seems that a number of members have questions regarding the proposed TEMPORARY DUES ASSESSMENT and how it will work. Below are the basic facts about the temporary dues assessment.
As outlined in President Brooke Sundin's letter of October 29, 2001, if there is no dispute, all temporary dues assessment monies will be returned to members.
Increasing the Strike Fund through a temporary dues assessment prior to a potential strike is simply good financial planning, and is done by all unions.
The amount of the temporary dues assessment, and the length of time it is in place, is based on a formula. Local 1518 gauges its temporary assessment on the projected length of a strike of six weeks and the amount of money it will need to finance that strike. Our formula for the temporary dues assessment is based on a percentage, and therefore fair to all union members because it is directly proportionate to the wages they earn.
Between now and when the dispute occurs, we are assessing 1% of gross wages. Whenever the labour dispute commences, the members who continue to be employed will begin to pay a total of 10% of gross wages to those members who are on strike and fighting for a new Collective Agreement on the picket line.
Should the strike or lockout last longer than six weeks we will assess those that are still at work an additional 10% of gross wages for a total of 20% deducted for the duration of the dispute.
The goal of the Union is to negotiate a settlement of the new Collective Agreement without a strike! If that happens all of the temporary assessment will be returned to the members. A separate accounting of the temporary assessment will be kept to facilitate that return.
If, for example, the strike were to only run three weeks instead of the calculated six weeks, then the members paying the assessment will have the pro rated amount, (the amount left over from financing the strike) they paid into the fund returned to them!
The temporary dues assessment is income tax deductible in the same way regular dues are.
*The amount of the temporary dues assessment, and the length of time it is in place, is based on a formula. Local 1518 gauges its temporary assessment on the projected length of a strike of six weeks and the amount of money it will need to finance that strike.*
Formula? (%1 x ?members x how many paychecks 'dey get divided by pittance strike pay = 6 weeks?
K! .. Now the employers know ..
1. we don't have adequate strike fund
2. we are trying to build one starting 2003
and ...
3. When we do we will be good for 6 weeks .. 
[ 11-30-2001: Message edited by: siggy ]
Maybe one of the Trolls could help me out with this one:
$8 X 16 hours = $128 per week X 1% = $1.28 per week X 60 weeks = $76.80
$128 X 10% = $12.80 per week X 6 weeks = $76.80
$128 X 20% = $25.60 per week X 6 weeks = $153.60 X 7000 striking members = $1,075,200
It looks like all the money could be gone after the first six weeks, so where's the million or so coming from after the initial six weeks?
Is that why the UFCW and the companies agreed to split the bargaining unit. With a split bargaining unit, the union saves a whole whack of dough in strike pay and the company gets to continue operating.
I think we need someone from the machine to 'splain the math on how long the assessment cash will last; whether it is on top of the "massive" amounts of strike pay from the International (Tell the folks at home how much the International pays) and what the bright idea is behind splitting the bargaining unit and only letting half of it strike at any one time.
Over to you machine heads....
First of all, splitting the bargaining unit could have been done anyway without agreeing to put it in writing. Perhaps the employer would lock out the rest of the Province but then that's their choice. That aside if the employer has any brains at all they'll dig their heels in and prepair for a 12 week strike. How do they do that? Well there are a number of things they can do. A few things might be too...
1: slash hrs in the zone the UFCW choses to negotiate for, limiting the cash flow of part time employees.
2: step up suspensions, management working stock, rack jobbers, salesman stocking etc. Who cares if the grievences build up because they can agree to wipe the slate clean when they sign the new CBA.
2: SOF and Safeway could pool their resourses again and jointly kick the UFCW's ass.
Having these CBA's run out at the same time is perhaps even more stupid than zone 1&2. They have the same customer base, same demographics. Instead of pitting one against the other and taking on one at a time these idiots not only split their union but they also picked a fight with two opponents.
And what of the money should there not be a strike at all? Why the hell would you return it to the members? They've just admitted their strike fund is inadequate why not build it up and invest it (through a firm that actually knows what the hell it's doing and NOT IF PROPCO) 1518 will have a war chest in later years that truely does scare the hell out of employers. What, are members supposed to feel Sundin is Robin Hood? What's he gonna do, figure out a fomula to return the interest as well? or is that for fancy trips to pay off his supporters? The incompetence of this unions administration just blows me away.
Brooke has no intention of either returning the interest if no strike or putting it into the strike fund. Our Rep would not tell us where the interest will be going
Did any one else notice that the fine print on the ballot did not say anything about returning the dues asssessment if there is no strike. Does that mean that he can just say " sorry were made a mistake and are not returning the money"
I would have no problem with an assessment that along with all the interest, is going to support members on strike. However, the way this assessement has been presented to us leaves me no choice except to vote no !! vote no
By the way I heard that there is a big meeting going on in Vanc. Maybe they clued in that the members are finally on to them
Just a suggestion, how about all the SWY and OWF posters here talk it up to their co-workers to start asking the heads about the interest. Maybe that is one way to get a commitment from them to add it into the strike fund
I think you are owed some explanations. It's bad enough that the exec has tipped its hand to management (we're good for 6 weeks, max) but to take members' assessments and not even tell them where the interest is going, is pretty reprehensible. Keep pressing them for answers - and by all means, vote "no".
Here's something else you may want to put to your union leaders: In some unions, it's the practice that when the members are on strike, the local executives and other leaders don't get paid their salaries for the duration of the strike but, instead, get the same strike pay as the lowest-paid members who are pounding the pavement. Why not suggest this to your local execs? It's a good way of rallying support and showing that they're not just in it for a free ride.
quote:
there is a big meeting going on in Vanc
Are you referring to the Fed Convention that took place last week, or is there yet another troughing going on somewhere special?
As for the dues assessment?
Is there a point in throwing good money out?
If a strike would get positive results .. well no problem!
But according to all the machinehead sources, the employers are not about to give up it's stranglehold on the machine, and six weeks *rainy day* money will not go far 'gainst employers who are still making profits.
For the Power Source to go out on strike to maintain minimum wages just makes no sense!
What it does make is people 6 weeks behind in their payments!
The giant is awake!!!
Apparently this *DUES ASSESSMENT* thingy isn't in the bag yet! The machine has sent out the troups, M.R.'s and M.R. wannabes, to blitz the Power Source and sing the praises of the following memo.
Now I'm not sure how long the machine is doing the blitz or how much the blitz is going to cost the Power Source .. but half a brain could figure out the Power Source is quite capable of making the decision as to whether or not they want the dues assessment. It is also possible they could do it without the added cost of this little hand delivered memo (rhetoric included)!
quote:
Nov. 29, 2001
What Is The Temporary Dues Assessment All About?
It seems that a number of members have questions regarding the proposed TEMPORARY DUES ASSESSMENT and how it will work. Below are the basic facts about the temporary dues assessment.
As outlined in President Brooke Sundin's letter of October 29, 2001, if there is no dispute, all temporary dues assessment monies will be returned to members.
Increasing the Strike Fund through a temporary dues assessment prior to a potential strike is simply good financial planning, and is done by all unions.
The amount of the temporary dues assessment, and the length of time it is in place, is based on a formula. Local 1518 gauges its temporary assessment on the projected length of a strike of six weeks and the amount of money it will need to finance that strike. Our formula for the temporary dues assessment is based on a percentage, and therefore fair to all union members because it is directly proportionate to the wages they earn.
Between now and when the dispute occurs, we are assessing 1% of gross wages. Whenever the labour dispute commences, the members who continue to be employed will begin to pay a total of 10% of gross wages to those members who are on strike and fighting for a new Collective Agreement on the picket line.
Should the strike or lockout last longer than six weeks we will assess those that are still at work an additional 10% of gross wages for a total of 20% deducted for the duration of the dispute.
The goal of the Union is to negotiate a settlement of the new Collective Agreement without a strike! If that happens all of the temporary assessment will be returned to the members. A separate accounting of the temporary assessment will be kept to facilitate that return.
If, for example, the strike were to only run three weeks instead of the calculated six weeks, then the members paying the assessment will have the pro rated amount, (the amount left over from financing the strike) they paid into the fund returned to them!
The temporary dues assessment is income tax deductible in the same way regular dues are.
It would appear that the possibility of a dues assessment has not been received with open arms.(go figure)
The Source has been heard to say: "I am not going to give you a % of my paycheck while you are making $70K"
(Memo can be found @ufcw 1518.)
To add to 'dat.
It also appears for the first time in machine history the ballot participation is going thru the roof instead of the garbage.
This is one ballot the Power Source is filling out & getting back ASAP. (could explain the machine panic)
No sign of apathy this vote!
Fe Fi Fo Fum!
Oh what the hell! ..
why should the members pay for it? The UFCW's own stupidity and greed got everyone in this mess, the International should have to penny up the dough. They gave us nothing in '98 so why should we give anything back now. What happened to that contract ensureing job security? The UFCW should also take it from all those use less BA's getting 70K a year. They only got the job for suck holing so pay boys and girls. If they want to keep their cushy job they'd better.
You know, it wouldn't be so bad if Local 1518 didn't piss away money on race cars and community projects to lure people into a union that can't even afford pay a decent strike pay.
Charity begins at home Brookie. How much money does Local 1518 give to charity while its members can't afford a strike. How much is given per member to the CLC, BC Fed and distrct labour councils?
If Brooke showed up at the office at 8:30 a.m. and Stayed until at least 5:00 p.m. five days a week, we could save probably $150,000 in wages and benefits for an executive assistant. If the Secretary Treasurer Ivan showed up at 8:30 a.m. and stayed until at least 5:00 p.m., we could probaly dump a BA or two for a saving of at least $100,000. How much might we save if we dumped the education director--perhaps another $150,000? How much could we save with cheaper lease cars? How much could we save if all out of province air travel was halted for four or five years? Is there really anything that goes on outside of BC that would truly affect Local 1518 if no one went? How about stopping the hotel rooms for anyone who lives within a 75-minute drive of New Westminster.
There's lots of ways to find money to build a strike fund.
In fact I heard that there is or used to be a "special" strike fund that Canadian locals could chip into that would give extra benefits to UFCW strikers.
The Local 1518 dues are high enough to fund lots of things that would directly benefit the Power Source rather than the M.R.s and Machine Heads.
quote:
all those use less BA's getting 70K a year
In the last 5 wks the M.R.'s have been used to leaflet Safeways and now they are out there hand delivering memos.
Would it not have been more cost effective to have mailed the memo out with the *dues assessment package*?
better yet, the internet is cheapest of all. Stewards can always download info or B.A.'s could post it on the boards. Propane cars would save a fortune in fuel costs. Besides, those cars and trucks should never be filled on the members tab unless it's for work purposes only. These guys get 70K and up yet they still charge the members for their personal fuel costs? That's a bunch of bull. Take the money off the top first, cut staff pay during a strike and get rid of people who arn't really needed. John Autin isn't a B.A. yet he's out doing the job? that's rediculous. He's not alone and I don't mean to single him out but face facts, UFCW hacks and taodies having been living high on the members hog long enough. It's they who should penny up the dough, not members who barely get by now.
I want to know why the machine doesn't just drop the assessment and get the strike fund money from Mike and the National machine? The other place we send our dues.
If the Local machine has been errant in it's responsibility and not managed the dues appropriately enough to support a strike (and the Power Source) then the onus should be on the National, not the underpaid Power Source!
That's a great idea. Here's a slogan:
Hey Mike, show us the money!"
I've been wondering for a while now why the local exec's decided that if they had to return the assessment money to the members they would not return the interest. I really couldn't fathom this: if you return the members' money, why wouldn't you return the interest?
Here's my guess. This is pretty sickening but it wouldn't surprise me if it were true:
Machine head #1: OK, OK, so if there isn't gonna be a strike, we gotta give back the money. But what about the interest?
Machine head #2: Well, we gotta return the money because it came off the members' checks but there wasn't any interest on their checks was there?
Machine head #3: Yeah, yeah but aren't they gonna say "if you hadn't taken it from us, we'd have it in the bank, earning interest?"
Machine head #4: Give yer head a shake pal, their money wouldn't sit in the bank long enough to make any interest. They blow it all on stuff like rent and food.
Machine head #5: Hey that's right. So why the hell should they get it now. No sense letting them get rich off this. Plus we could use the extra change. There's more trips comin' up this year. Let's go tell the boss. We done good!
Sorry, maybe I'm just cynical but I can imagine this sort of scenario playing out.
How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
[ 12-04-2001: Message edited by: remote viewer ]
quote:
How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Is that Light Bulb Hawaii or Light Bulb Florida?
any one know how many executive board members are being paid a weeks salary this week to run around promoting the dues assessment.
quote:
Originally posted by siggy:
[QUOTE]How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Is that Light Bulb Hawaii or Light Bulb Florida?[/QUOTE]
If it's a Hawaii or Florida light bulb, the answer would be:
As many as Executive Class will hold.
quote:
How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
quote:
Is that Light Bulb Hawaii or Light Bulb Florida?
I was thinkin' that it depends on where dey go as to how many gets to go and screw around wit dem.
[ 12-04-2001: Message edited by: siggy ]
I know how many it takes to screw the Power Source in Canada: All of them.
Now how many would it take to screw in a light bulb?
Hmmm... That's a tough one. Do you really think you could fit at least two of the buggers in a light bulb? If they were going to screw in a light bulb there'd have to be at least two of them. I guess from what you're saying is that these 'tards will screw anywhere and anybody.
Gee, that's really not good for Canadian society--don't ya' think?
Getting back on track!!! 
quote:
Hey Mike, show us the money
quote:
Dec. 3, 2001
Leafleting Campaign Begins In Support Of Extra Foods Members
This brings the machine's leafletting programs to THREE
1. Safeway (re contract violations).
2. Province wide blitz (re dues_assessment) and now
3. Extra foods (re whatever)!
(how many people does this take? how much does this cost?)
The dues assessment issue keeps getting pushed up to the top of the *Hot Topics*
Another *Hot Topic* has the machine bashing the government, afraid the government is about to legislate away the *fair* wage the machine is so famous for.
Gordon Campbell .. be afraid .. the Paper Tiger is looking for you!
quote:
Dec. 5, 2001
Campbell Government Preparing To Gut Local 1518 Health Care Agreement
After years of negotiating collective agreements that slowly moved thousands of Home Health Care workers from minimum wage jobs to jobs that pay a fair wage the Campbell Liberals are preparing to take it all away.
Even though Gordon Campbell told health care workers prior to the election that he would not break contracts negotiated with health care workers he is now preparing to do exactly that. Legislation is expected to be introduced in the New Year that will undo decades free collective bargaining. According to sources in Victoria the only concern the government has is can they do it legally. The other outstanding question is how badly the Liberals plan to gut the agreements."What our health care members have to understand", says Local 1518 President Brooke Sundin, "is that while the media will dump the blame for this outrageous attack on our members at the feet of Gordon Campbell it is the Liberal MLAs in communities all across the province who are ultimately responsible. It is those MLAs who will vote in the Legislature to take away the wages and benefits of our members."
The Liberals are keeping secret precisely what they have planned, but speculation is they will legislate away the equity payments, improved benefits and reduce or eliminate wage increases scheduled to come into effect in the second and third years of the agreement.
"Our Union will fight this attack from the government the best we can but the overwhelming majority held by the Liberals will make any fight very difficult", says Sundin
[ 12-05-2001: Message edited by: siggy ]
the answer is none cause the lazy buggers can use our money to pay one of their relatives to do it for them. first these jerk steal an election, then they wasts 100k on an msr program that got us nothing. they take trips to exotic destinations, wasts a whole bunch of cash fighting to keep their phony ballots from being examined. give jerks like danny willians 13k to go around the stores with jack allard(the guy eats $250 a day did ya know) they get 1k for cloths and god knows what else. fancy cars and trucks, great big pay checks. they appoint Ivan limpright to a spot that should have went to a vote instead of that little shit, appoint whomever they damn well please to the executive board instead of a vote, make their buddies agents and give them the big bucks,and they tell us we still have to swallow when the company digs their heels in. now they want us to give them even more money to cover up their mess. F*****U
I'd rather quit.
Has everyone forgotten something??? You can complain, fight and even vote but don't you remember the last election?? I happen to know some people who tried to take them to court over it but... let's cut to it... IF THE UFCW WANTS DUES INCREASED IT WILL BE VOTED THAT WAY... PERIOD...END OF DISCUSSION.
to hell with taking them to court
that's the machine heads' turf
THE POWER SOURCE shouldn't waste its time hangin in the dumpster
lets take the fight to our turf
and shame them into funding a strike like they should
it's the least they can do for us
HEY MIKE SHOW US THE MONEY
I'm with Rad Girl. Can't change the past but we can certainly make sure history does not repeat itself. The machines have enough of our dues money to fund a beauty of a strike. We just have to get it back from the machines that are pissing it away.
HEY MIKE SHOW US THE MONEY
Just reading over Brooke Sundin's letter to the members regarding the dues assessment.
he stated " The executive board passed this motion unanimously" would they dare to do anything less? I think not !!
quote:
The executive board passed this motion unanimously
Yeah! I was surprised too eh!
You guys really must be Morons... Do you REALLY think that this vote won't be fixed...Save your breath and keyboard as you don't have a hope...
That kind of thinking will guarantee the union bureaucrats get their way. Talking about the problems is the first step in finding solutions.
I don't think workers who want things to change and want to express their views are morons, nor do they deserve these kinds of bush-league insults. Indeed, if things are ever to improve for them, it will be through their own efforts, not those of union bureaucrats or people who like to sit on the sidelines throwing rocks.
You are free to think whatever you like, but if you have nothing to contribute to the discussion that's taking place in this thread, maybe you ought to save your breath and keyboard.
quote:
You guys really must be Morons... Do you REALLY think that this vote won't be fixed...Save your breath and keyboard as you don't have a hope...
I think I can relate to the frustration Dues Payer is expressing.
Each time the Power Source have stood strong, the machine results never seem to reflect the hum in the workplaces.
I don't think dues_payer really belives the morons bit. Dues_payer wouldn't visit this site if all was hopeless.
If it was really hopeless, you wouldn't see the machine heads running about as they are. This site has made a huge difference in how the machine heads listen to the Power Source and how the machine heads think of themselves.
This site if very effective and change will come. This site is only the beginning.
Actually I agree with Dues payer that the UFCW is more than capable of stuffing the ballots and rigging this vote. I even believe that's what they're going to do. But I would still vote, and I would still vote NO.
Most of the people I've talked to in the past few days told me they're voting NO and so are there co-workers. People are fed up. If this vote comes out in in favour of a dues increase I think you know damn well it was rigged and I think you should all raise holly hell if that happens. March down to the union hall and picket the UFCW. It's your building, take it over. Civil disobedience works. The bad press the UFCW will get just might finally expose them for what I think they truely are.
If your not willing to fight for what's yours and what's right than I'm affraid dues payer is correct, you are morrons. I'll say this, if you want to launch a sit in on the UFCW I'll be there with bells on. If you don't, then ask yourself why? Why would you "swallow" once again. Why would you let these parasites take even more form you? and how many more times are you going to look the other way?
quote:
How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Which hotel??
I heard a nasty rumour the increase has already been set in motion vote or not. Wouldn't be the first time the UFCW put on a play with the outcome already determined. Right Giblets?
quote:
How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
That depends!!
Who's paying for the lightbulb?
God I'm on a roll!!
quote:
How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
None .. they like to keep people in the dark!!
quote:
How many machine heads does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Hundreds!
One to hold the lightbulb and the rest to turn the Bermuda Southampton resort!
Is there any way to be able to have an independent count done on the ballots as there is nothing to stop them from saying it passed if the union heads are the only one counting. Maybe some of the people down south should be offering their services to help count the ballots .
Don't put your money on the guys who rubber stamp the Canadian election appeal decisions. The oval wheel was perfected down south, Canadians machine heads have merely learned to ride it.
Well it's not over yet! Though everyone thought Dec.12th was the deadline, it appears to have been extended and the deadline for the dues assessment vote is now Dec 30th. (though I was assured it had always been Dec 30th.)
The machine has sent in the troops not once but 3 times to blitz the stores regarding the dues assessment.
The third blitz has a different message than the first two. Here is the new message
quote:
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
ABOUT THE TEMPORARY DUES ASSESSMENT
DOES LOCAL 1518 HAVE A STRIKE FUND?
Yes! Like most unions, Local 1518 has an ongoing Strike Fund.WHY ISN'T EACH MEMBER RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN FINANCIAL WELL-BEING DURING A STRIKE/LOCK-OUT?
Each member paying 1% of their gross wages into the temporary assessment provides them
with a much larger pool of money to draw upon during a strike/lock-out than what they can save on their own.
Contributions to the temporary assessment are deductible for income tax purposes.Members who are not on strike or locked-out and continue to earn a large portion of their
wages will benefit directly from the effort of those on strike or locked-out.
Therefore it is only fair that those who remain working should continue to pay into the assessment to support those who are fighting on the picket lines for you in stopping concession and rollback demands.WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INTEREST EARNED ON THE MONEY HELD IN THE TEMPORARY ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT IF THERE IS NO STRIKE/LOCK-OUT?
Any interest earned on the temporary assessment is paid back to the members on a pro-rated basis.
WHY WILL THE TEMPORARY ASSESSMENT BE INCREASED TO 10% AND 20%'2
The temporary assessment will be increased on the following basis:
•If a strike or lock-out begins, the Strike Fund will be depleted at a rapid rate and
additional money will be required to meet the needs of those members on the picket line.
•Because a large portion of the membership will be on strike or locked out they will have stopped paying the temporary 1% assessment into the Strike Fund, therefore, money will be coming out of the Strike Fund faster than it is going in. It may be necessary to increase the amount that those members still working pay into the assessment in order to meet the needs of those on the picket line. For those continuing to work, the increase of the temporary assessment to 10% of gross wages will mean they will continue to earn 90% of their wages while those on the picket line will be receiving only picket pay and monies from the temporary assessment! The temporary assessment will increase to 10% for those still working at the start of a strike/lock-out.
•Should the strikeaock-out continue for six weeks, it may be necessary to increase the
assessment for those still working to 20%. This means that those still working will still be receiving 80% of their wages.
•in addition to its own Strike Fund, Local 1518 will also draw on the National and
international UFCW Strike Funds. We can also expect assistance from other UFCW locals
in Canada and the U.S., and from other Unions in British Columbia. The membership vote on the Temporary Strike Fund Assessment goes beyond just approving the implementation of the assessment. The management of both Canada Safeway and Overwaitea/Save-On will use the outcome of the vote to help them determine just how hard Local 1518 members are prepared to fight against concessions and roll-backs in the 2003 negotiations! We need to send them a strong message now!FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE PREPARATIONS FOR BARGAINING 2003, VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.UFCW1518.COM
wr USWA 2952
issued by UFCW Local 15 18
Brooke Sundin, President
Ivan Limpright, Secretary Treasurer
[ 12-13-2001: Message edited by: siggy ]
[ 12-13-2001: Message edited by: siggy ]
I think their ass is sucking wind and they know it. What's more I think they know the members know it too. They have the unmitigated gaul to ask...Why shouldn't each member pay for their own strike??? because they already have!with the big wages and benefits they pay to lazy bureaucrats who stab them in the back any time the unions promised more dues paying members through employer expansion or voluntary recognition. And with the year round fancy trips and first class accomidations the members can't even afford for themselves. And much much more.
The UFCW fat cats have spent the members money like a bunch of drunken sailors. Now they want the members to finance a strike that wouldn't be neccessary if these same union toadies hadn't been foolish, greedy and short sighted back in '97/'98.
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The fat man's busy dancing while the poor man pay's the band...lord have mercy on the workin' man
Greedy short sighted UFCW hacks got the members into this mess and they should pony up the cash to get them out. A bunch of people earning no better than min. wage shouldn't have to support a strike just so greedy union bureaucrats can keep their fancy cars, fancy cloths and 70K-150K a year paychecks intact.It's high time they shared the burden of a strike with the rest of their members instead of always trying to pass the buck.
Why all the references to members who continue working? I thought the objective of a strike was to get everybody out on the picket line and shut the employer down? Have the machine heads accepted scabbing as just another "industry standard" or, worse, have they committed to maintain certain minimum staffing levels during a strike?
What's the reference to "USWA 2952"? Are the Steelworkers involved in this somehow?
It sounds to me like the vote isn't going their way.
Hey Mike, show us the money!
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"USWA 2952"? Are the Steelworkers involved in this somehow?
The UFCW 1518 M.R.'s belong to the Steelworkers.
[ 12-14-2001: Message edited by: siggy ]
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I think their ass is sucking wind and they know it. What's more I think they know the members know it too.
Ain't it the truth.
You have to appreciate the jocularity here though .
A one day poll, however many Source work on a given day, %100 voted NO. All eager to talk about their mislike of the whole assessment thing. Junior/clerks, the Power Source the machine worked soooo very hard to get_on_side, are the ones most against having their paycheck gouged any more.
After losing a ballot, a member requested a replacement. She was told by the canvassing wannabe .. 'oh no, this is just like a federal election' The wannabe must have been referring to the cost of this campaign when she likened it to the Fed election.
How brave of the son-a-ma-bs to admit that they bargained a contract that leaves half of the Power Source working and lets the employer continue to operate half of it's stores.
Gee, we wouldn't want to cut off too much of the employer's revenue, now would we?
Are you serious? The UFCW actually bargained a provision into their agreement allows the employer to require union members to work during a strike? Unbelievable! No wonder they can't squeeze anything out of the employer. These guys have done everything with their bargaining power except use it to help the members.
That coupled with some dorky rule that the UFCW has to tell the employer which half of the operation will do the bargaining and what half will have to live with the results is supremely bizarre.
And the Power Source has to put in their bargaining proposals over a year in advance. That's even more bizarre. Consider that if in the final year of the CA something really big happens that the CA just doesn't address or can't fix the Power Source can't put in proposals to deal with any problem less than a year old.
What's really sick, is that all the machine heads from all the other unions think these guys are kings. Is it brain rot or just corruption is as corruption does.
Remote I didn't realize you were unclear about what's happening here in BC. For everyone else that's out of Province or out of the know this is what the UFCW did on'97/'98 that had me vote NO after page one...
The Lower mainland from Hope to whisler is now forever considered Zone #1. The Island and BC Interior is considered Zone #2.
The union may choose to bargain for either zone 1 or 2 and must inform the employer one year in advance of what zone they intened to nogotiate for. Only the members in the effected zone may vote on the contract proposals with the results binding for both zones. The union is prohibited from conducting strike action in both zones at the same time.
You see it's bad enough the UFCW supports discrimination in the work place by allowing multi tiered wage structures that pay employees different wages for the same work based on a hire date. They also bargained away a members right to vote on their contract. If they choose to negotiate for zone #1 ( they almost have too it's the big money maker for the employer) people in zone #2 will not have any say what so ever in how the contract turns out. They won't be able to vote, strike or walk out. And they will have to live with what's bargained by zone #1 members, and visa versa.
How ANY person could in any way support this is baffles me. It's wrong, and it's as undemocratic as it can be. Why on earth would anyone want to belong to a union that won't even let them vote on their contract? or who seems to believe it can stuff the ballot box when the mood suits them? Then on top of that expects them to fork over as much as 25% of their paycheck for a strike they can't participate in.
The open period is over this year but people really have to wake up and start thinking about their future. Wouldn't it be far better to form your own union and get rid of the UFCW, even if it means short term pain for long term gain? If not, then be prepaired to loose EVERYTHING, because for the leadership of the UFCW that's precisely what their prepaired to offer in exchange for the protection of the top posted rate and employer pension contributions. Your way of life and standard of living is an after thought at best.
You know something else? these guys boasted about how they had a million bucks in the strike fund and that they didn't even touch it back in '96. That was a 6 week strike and everybody was out on the picket line. Now only half, if that, will be out and they suddenly don't have enough cash???????????
What's changed this time around Brooke? That stunt you pulled in '96 catching up to ya and hurting the members?? I guess the local finally paid the International back for that but now Washington's cut the funds eh? Fess up
4 yrs ago the strike fund was fine, now it's not, what happened Brooke? Where did you get the cash for all the fancy trips from? Our strike fund? How much is left, anything?
IF these a**holes want a dues increase then they should open the check registry and show us all why. If not, go to hell Brooke.
[ 12-14-2001: Message edited by: slek ]
Dues assessment defeated
A temporary union dues assessment proposed late last year by UFCW Local 1518 has been rejected by 70% of members who cast ballots according to a report on Local 1518's official web site, http://www.ufcw1518.com/news/overwaitea-safeway-news/012102-dues.html The assessment would have imposed an additional 1% in union dues on workers at BC Safeway and Overwaitea stores to fund a possible strike or lock out in 2003, became controversial. Some members questioned why it was necessary in the first place or why additional funding, if needed for a strike, couldn't be made available from the UFCW national office. Local 1518's message expresses hope that the employers don't take this turn of events the wrong way.
"We hope that the employers will not interpret the rejection as an indication that the members may not be committed to defending the collective agreement or winning wage and benefit increases in the future."
One member who voted against the proposal suggests the UFCW advise the employers that it has now received a clear mandate from its members: To use the full resources of the union, at the local and national level, to defend their collective agreement and secure respectable improvements to wages, benefits and working conditions.
[ 01-22-2002: Message edited by: news ]
Building up the strike fund is important. What belt-tightening measures are the Local 1518 Machine Heads going to take to redirect money into the strike fund?
Hey, how about using the Education and Training fund. We could use it to teach Safeway and Overwaitea a lesson.
The Local 1518 machine bargains away our power to stike by allowing 1/2 the bargaining unit to work while the other half strikes, and then tells us that a strike fund is the key to success. Give me a break!
A strong collecive agreement is a key to success. I wonder is the agreement dies with a strike? If the agreement dies with a strike, then the 1/2 rule dies too. Am I right?
Hey Brook, I think I asked a couple of questions that need answers. Could you have Tom boy write a blurb for this thread. We'd like to hear from you.
70%? wow. I'd say that's a non confidence vote if I ever seen one. The wild card in all of this is that whole arbitration thing at 832. Could this be a sign 1518 is headed in the same direction? I can see it now...
UFCW; by turning down the dues assesment our members made it clear they were not prepaired to invest in a prolonged strike action. Unfortunately the employers took this as a sign our members were not willing to defend their contract and began to prepair for a long labour dispute to starve our members out. We felt that given this turn of events, arbitration was the best alternative to protect the wages and standard of living we feel our members deserve.
Then what ever happens can be blamed on the big bad arbitrator and the members unwillingness to accept the dues assesment. (not to mention the MFD, Conrad Black, HJF and the boogy man) which in the UFCW's mind is really all one and the same. Oh what tangled webs we weave...
How interesting. Brooke says there's not enough money in the strike fund for Local 1518 members but he seems to have found some for Local 175 members:
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Dear Brother Hanley,
Please pass along our best wishes and solidarity to your members on strike in Thunder Bay.
We are all aware that your success will directly benefit our members who work for Safeway.
I have enclosed a cheque for $1,000 for now, but do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything we can do to help including pressuring the employer here in B.C. money, staff, etc.,
In Solidarity
Brooke Sundin
President Local 1518
[ 01-22-2002: Message edited by: weiser ]
Well I certainly am glad to hear that the assessment was turned down.
Does anyone know how much is in the strike fund or is that another secret that the union won't tell us because they don't want the companies to know? Keeping secrets from the employers sure gives them an opportunity to keep all the members in the dark about a lot of things.
Brooke never did respond to the question put to him about why the interest was not going into the strike fund. That tells me that he regards the membership as insignificant and that he does not have to answer questions from the members.
If they want a suggestion on saving a few bucks for the strike fund, How about using video conferencing for the executive board meetings instead of sending them to Vancouver, putting them up at the Bayshore, paying for all the booze, good food and their wages .
I'm looking at the rejection of the dues assessment in a different manner. I believe the union knew this wasn't going to pass and that Brooke can use this as an excuse for saying we are in a weak bargaining position and that the membership will have to take whatever the companies offer. This let's Brooke off the hook by saying we can't afford a long drawn out strike and that we should accept what's on the table and that this was of our own making.
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This let's Brooke off the hook by saying we can't afford a long drawn out strike and that we should accept what's on the table and that this was of our own making.
That's not the issue though (and if Brooke had any sense he wouldn't even attempt saying that), the issue is "why can't we afford it?" - "Where is all the money??".
How many members in BC alone? 35,000? 45,000? More? Multiply that by $11 a week * 52 weeks a year. There is NO reason they shouldn't have the money.
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With 38,000 members employed in a variety of industries across the province, UFCW is now the largest private sector affiliate to the BC Federation of Labour," says Local 1518 President Brooke Sundin. "Given that every large industrial union is affiliated to the Federation, it looks like we're the largest private sector union in the province," he added.
Looks like the machine gets plenty of dues already .. looks like the machine gets plenty of dues already ..