Linda Merk, Trailblazer, Reformer, Our Hero
Several months ago we reported the story of Lind Merk, former office manager of Ironworkers Local 771 in Regina Canada who was fired for being a whistleblower. Along with the office manager, four members of the local made complaints with the commercial crimes section of the Regina Police in October of 2001 and in November 2001 the office manager of the Ironworkers local was fired.
The members of the Ironworkers local expressed concerns about inappropriate billing, including Air Canada flights, car repairs for the business manager and rent cheques for the Local's president. As well the whistleblowers raised concerns about "double dipping", a term used when someone is paid twice for the same expense.
Merk brought a charge against Local 771 under s.74(1)(a) of Saskatchewan's Labour Standards Act, but Saskatchewan Provincial Court Judge Janet McMurtry found Local 771 not guilty.
Merk appealed the ruling to the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench which allowed the appeal and eventually convicted Ironworkers Local 771 of violating the Saskatchewan Labour Standards Act.
Judge Bell concluded that Linda Merk was discharged because she reported or proposed to report the unlawful activity of her supervisors to the Regina Police. The case was remitted to the trial judge for the sentencing of Ironworkers Local 771 and a ruling on the request by Linda Merk to be reinstated in her job.
The conviction of the Ironworkers Regina Local for misconduct is believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in Canada and a true triumph for reformers and especially for Linda Merk. If it were not for her integrity and determination there would never have been this milestone.
However Linda's journey is not over just yet. On January 22, 2003, the Ironworkers Union filed an application for leave to appeal to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. Once again, union members' dues will be used to make the bosses feel like bosses and to discourage members from exposing corruption.
Linda Merk, whether you realize it or not, you are a trailblazer, a true reformer and a hero in our eyes. Our blessings and best wishes are with you.