Balwinder Khaira. Sisco ss ESI IG ae HOLDING THE LINE at Leyland Industries in Pitt Meadows, B.C. are Verna Rempel, Esther DeAmicis, and aS Haney Local Helps Plastic Workers Unionize As this issue goes to press, eighty strikers remain solidly determined to reach a first collective agreement with Leyland Industries in Pitt Meadows, BC. In a battle against a bizarre employer and B.C. courts, workers have remained steadfast in their demands for decent wages and work- ing conditions at the plastic container plant. Faced with crippling injunctions from the provincial Industrial Rela- tions Council and heavy fines from a Supreme Court Justice, the upstart unionists have maintained a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week picket line since Septem- ber 14, 1988. Leyland has posted security guards, hid cameras, and erected spotlights on the plant in a strike-breaking effort which has included scab herd- ing high school students in passenger vans with blacked out windows. An injunction limiting pickets to four in number with heavy fines for activity near the plant has tried to render the union actions ineffectual. But a boycott program and strike support from Local 1-367 have im- proved the chances of a settlement. “We couldn’t ask for better support either morally or otherwise,” said Sheila Funk, job steward at Leyland. “They (Local 1-367) even set up a Christmas Fund and Food Bank for us. The Vancouver and New Westmin- ster locals have helped us out too.” Efforts to organize the plant began in late 1985 with an unsuccessful attempt by the United Steelworkers of America to certify the member- ship. Subsequent efforts to interest other trade unions brought ‘poor results. In May of 1988 the workers con- tacted the Haney woodworkers local. As aresult, an early June certification vote passed with an 88% approval. Most of the striking workers are women of whom a near majority are single parents. The starting rate is $4.75/hr. with few opportunities for the women to train for better pay. Working conditions in the high pro- duction facility are reported as intol- erable. Toxic fumes from poor ventila- tion in the manufacture of PVC plastic containers has resulted in complaints of nausea and sinus problems. The strikers also make claims of a poor safety program and limited hear- ing protection. Leyland provides one pair of foam ear plugs per work week. Contract demands include a wage and benefit package which is livable. The members refuse to return to work unless plant mechanics, lead hands, and quality control personnel are included in the bargaining unit. Edmonton Plywood Plant Still Out As if Zeidler efforts to smash the union at Slave Lake weren’t enough, Local 1-207 members at the Edmon- ton plywood plant have been off the job since March, 1988. One hundred and fifty workers hit the bricks after refusing to take concessions which would destroy their bargaining unit. In January of 1986 the Edmonton workers accepted some limited con- cessions. Then in early 1988, Zeidler demanded some 40 additional conces- sions. The company wants to destroy any contract rights of casual employ- ees and make regular employees into casuals, without benefits, holiday pay, or a grievance procedure. In effect, Zeidler wants to completely gut the contract. IWA strikers are determined not to be steamrollered by this ruth- less employer. Lockout in Northern Ontario Local 1-2995 in Kapuskasing, On- tario reports that thirteen workers remain locked out since December 3, 1987. Employees at Mike’s Food Stores (Hearst) Ltd. remain solid in their contract demands despite an intransigent employer. Negotiations begun in late August of 1987, came to a standstill when the employer refused to recognize senior- ity for part time employees. Some part timers who worked there for a long time were getting less hours per week than junior employees. The company also demanded that the Long Term Disability Plan be- come governed entirely by the insur- ance carrier. Union membership re- jected the company’s final offer by more than 90%. The Hearst District Council recent- ly passed a resolution requesting that both parties resume bargaining as soon as possible. ORGANIZING PROGRAM ENDORSED Although the financial resources of the National office have been recently strained, the Organization Depart- ment has been active in its efforts to’ bring in new members. Through a series of basic training courses conducted by Organizational Director John Smithies, IWA- CANADA has been educating Busi- ness Agents and rank and file mem- bers on the ins and outs of organizing. “This organizing program is start- ing to take hold,” says Smithies. “Participation from Local members is the key to holding up our member- ship. We've got to organize at least 1,000 new members a year just to hold our own.” Technological changes, cut backs, and governmental assault on organiz- ing rights have slashed union mem- bership. According to Smithies, over- ievements of the Organizing Department have not been too good over the last 5 or 6 years due to the legislative barriers. At the most recent National Execu- tive Board, officers endorsed a pro- to establish organizing teams in ch Local. Local organizers are more familiar with working conditions and the labour relations climate in the areas they live. es The cost of organization activities (travel, accommodation, etc.) should drop by using Local organizers. The time consuming practice of establish- ing contacts is necessary for success- organizational drives. Legal aid from the National office will be forthcoming to those Locals in need. Since some are in poorer shape financially than others, finan- Organizational Director John Smithies cial aid during a campaign may be forthcoming. At present the National Union has five eae and one part-time or- ganizer(s). In Eastern Canada, Harold Sachs, out of the Toronto office and Rene Brixhe of Ottawa are experienced Oatigess eh aed away of vet Harol ‘awley Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan is well versed in most areas of Canada. Lyle Pona of Vancouver and Benny Lum of Duncan are BC. organizers who have been around the mills and logging crews. Most recently, Rick McCrae of Courtenay was hired on as a part- timer to help organize loggers and millworkers primarily on the B.C. Coast and Vancouver Island. CAMPAIGNS IN PROGRESS A report by the Organizing Depart- ment to the National Executive Board lists several certifications and ongo- ing efforts across Canada. Local 1-405, Cranbrook, B.C. Harold’s Lumber Manufacturing Ltd., Cranbrook, B.C. Vote: January 27, 1989 IWA: 28 _ No Union: 9 Certified January 31, 1989 Local 1-367, Maple Ridge, B.C. Elk Wood Specialties Ltd. Maple Ridge, B.C. Vote: February 1, 1989 IWA: 21 No Union: 14 Local 1-1000, Toronto, Ontario Bulk-Lift Canada Ltd. Hawkesbury, Ontario Employees: 42 Certified December 28, 1988 Local 1-71, Courtenay, B.C. Kitimat Booming Contractors Ltd. Kitimat, B.C. Vote: February 17, 1989 IWA:7 No Union: 4 Local 1-357, New Westminster, B.C. J.S. Squares and Rails 1 Spoiled Manufacturing Ltd. Langley, B.C. Employees: 18 Certified September 26, 1988 Local 1-85, Port Alberni, B.C. C & P Industrial Repairs Ltd. Port Alberni, B.C. Employees: 10 Certified September 22, 1988 Local 700, Toronto, Ontario Allin Cable Reels Ltd. Bowmanville, Ontario Employees: 42 Signed: 28 Going for automatic certification. Local 1-71, Courtenay, B.C. Wedeene River Sawmill Prince Rupert, B.C. Campaign started January 17, 1989 Local 1-71, Courtenay, B.C. Bayside Sawmill Ltd. Gibsons, B.C. Vote: November 17, 1988 IWA:17 No Union: 26 Efforts to organize the mill will continue Local 1-424, Prince George, B.C. C & C Wood Products Quesnel, B.C. Vote: March 1, 1989 IWA:30 NoUnion:22 1Spoiled Local 1-424, Prince George, B.C. Louisiana-Pacific Dawson Creek, B.C. Application for certification soon Local 2693, Thunder Bay, Ontario Attway Transport Ltd. Thunder Bay, Ontario Organizing efforts underway. LUMBERWORKER/MARCH, 1989/9