- For immediate release (Toronto: 13 Feb 09) -
Time to Rebuild and Refocus
On February 11, 2009, Local 2002Leadership from across the country and CAW National representatives came together to strategize and addressthe many complex issues that the Local are currently facing.
“It is crucial that weharness the passionate energy that the membership hasarticulated and move forward,” said President Leslie Dias.
Ken Lewenza, CAW National President, summarized the intent of the meeting when he called on all leaders toMobilize, Organize and to Communicate.
Through feedback from the previous ratification meetings it was determined that there were disconnections in the CAW communication chain. An energetic workshop was held in order to identify roles and responsibilities within the leadership. Education and communication were identified as solid tools that will forge continuous links when conveying information to the membership.
It is imperative that members are kept informed in order to participate fully in upcoming bargaining surveys and proposal meetings. Lewis Gottheil, the Director of the CAW’s legal department clarified the bargaining process as per the federal labour code, discussing procedures and time lines: notice of bargaining (which is issued four 4 months prior to the expiry of the current collective agreement),conciliation, strike votes and notice of dispute
He also explained the legal ramifications of the sale of Aeroplan. There was concern and pledges of support from the Leadership for members of Aeroplan who are facing a great deal of undue stress and uncertainty. The CAW has demanded that Aeroplan move the date of commitment to the end of current collective agreement.
The five unions representing Air Canada workers (ACPA, CALDA, CAW, CUPE, and IAMAW)have been strategizing together for some time now on the pension funding issue, looking for the best possible solutions while minimizing the risk to our plans. There were detailed explanations of the letter the Unions sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) requesting that they utilize their mandate of protecting the rights and interests of federal private pension plan members, to fund Air Canada’s pension plan, before being permitted to wind-up the holding company.
“Workers in the airline industry are facingincredible challenges. I am impressed by the passion and creativity that the leadership has articulated,” said Assistant to the CAW National President, Peggy Nash.
In conclusion, Local 2002 President, Leslie Dias remarked, “It was immensely gratifying to see the level of commitment and solidarity thatwasdemonstrated at the meeting.I have every confidence that as this momentum continues to build,in workplaces across the country; our success will continue to grow.”
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