CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE TERRACE STANDARD The Mail Bag Chin case facts laid out Dear Sir: As president of CUPE Local 2861 at the time ihe agreement was reached = regarding = Mr. Lavem Chinn, I would like to Share some facts with hose who have become involved in this matter: 4) Mr. Chinn approximatly 20 years 2g0, was placed by the Ministry of Social Services to work al Jack Cook School as a Custodian, Jack Cook School at the time was a school for band- icapped and/or special aceds stu- dents. 2} The schoo! board decided to move Mr. Chinn to Ihe grounds deparmment 3} At the time, Mr. Chinn did not work full timc. Mr. Chinn was able to be successful in the grounds/maintance dey ‘because the CUPE workers took (and continve to take) a great deal cf time to ensure thal he is taken to and from esch work site, and that he is given deiaited supervi- slon and assistance throughout the day. Social Scrvices also continucs to casurs that Mr. Chinn bas trans parlation to work. Bus line remains COASTAL BUS LINES will continue to opcuic the city's transit system for af least the next years, Council has accepted a BC ‘Transit recommendation ihe com- pany get the contract to operate city’s conventional, parast and HandyDART from Jan. 1, 1994 ta Dec. 31, 1997. “The conwact will also contain an option for a further year sub- ject to BC Transit and city ap- proval. . Only two dids were accepted for the contract, the other coming from Laidlaw Transit of Victoria. In its report on the bids, BC Transit concluded —Coasial’s ‘won Gul on price, opera- tonal plan and maintenance pro- cedures. ‘The Katimat-based company quoted $410,600 to min the ser- vice in 1994, three per cent lower than this year’s figure and 460,000 lowcr than Laidlaw. ‘The bigeest difference between the two bids was in the fixed costs for 1995 and 1996 with Coastal coming In at close to hat Laidlaw's figure. BC Transit estimated the dif- ference jn total costs over the full three years would be nearly $190,000. Apart from being more ¢cx- pensive, Laidlaw had also made their bid subject to it also obtain- ing whe bus conmacis in Dawson Cresk and Fort St. Joha, Catton River Glathing Corts Crifama Want A Home Party... But Have No Time? Drvp By ‘Canadian Women in Timber ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR fostaring: Crofts, Paintings, Clothing, Housewarua, Products, Jowelry, Xruae Ornaments and lots more Spee Twi Fashore Wakonetock Kamada Grats. Frew Farin Ewe Kids Oniy Hosted by: ackan | Worn nTraiies Wed. Now. 17 7200 - 10:60 pow Tannae May Hey Cad 4) In 3989. the secretary weasurer of the school board, Mr. Piersdorff, summoned the union to sign a letter of understanding regarding Mir, Chinn. The options were to sign or to have Mr, Chinn gone from the work site. The school board made it very cloar thal they would not pay a handicapped individual full pay far the position. The union sought advice as we felt there was an erosion of his rights by agreeing thal te would no: be a union member. The choice, however, was clear and the union, thinking it was helping Mr. Chinn, did sign the letter of understanding, 5) Thal letter - which has not been “liom up"? by the union - states clearly that the position was surplus lo tic requirements ‘of the school district. ‘The school board knew that the position was surplus to the 1e- quirements of the School disinct, ‘The school board knew that the union would have le spond when ite cutbacks ‘onk piace. We have just lust the equivalent of 3.5 custodial positions. 45 hours pet day — af a time when the board has a surplus in tie budget 5nd an inereased enrulimen! whick means increased funds. 6} ‘The union's proposais that Mr. Chinn become a uninn mem. ber of that he be placed uncer Ministry of Social Scrviccs direc tion never once implied that Mr. Chinn should be removed from the work place. That threat was made hy the school board. 7) Any personnel matter deati with by the school board is cussed and decided ai ** Camera” (privats) meetings. Mc. Chinn has suffered personal pain duc to the public scrutiny of his work life wher this mattst shoukd have been dealt with between the partics — with the same privacy and dignity thal any other em. pluyse would receive, Thal Mr, Chinn should be SANZ EE = MATTRESSES — =< + KITCHENETTES + SOFAS treated lesser tan any over om- ployee is unfitir, $8) Mr. King’s obligations as councillor have nothing to do with his responsibility as an er ployee, a union member, or an vlected official uf bis local. 9) Let us hope thal this cpisade will not hurt tie placement of special needs individuals in the community. Employers and workers alike, following this story, must see a public relations disaster if their commitments should have to change for any reason. 1c is unfortunate that the board made this a public issuc rather than dealing wilh it properly and the press and the public have, with pethaps the pest intcntions, caused Mr. Chinn such pain and suffering, withaut ever having all the facts, Bab Vevsey, Past president, CUPE Local 2861, Terrace, B.C. INTEREST CHARGES "EASY CHAIRS + LIVINGROOM SUITES * DINING ROOM *BEDROOM SUITES SUITES <_> ™5 + COFFEE TABLES W Hone Tate AF poedurtule B tution Mis h Thats, Bebees I rsesatgp colt yf Za ci pt fs uri ated apart The Terrace Standard, Wednasday. Novetber 3. 1992 What is motive Dear Sir The ongoing debate in yout poper regarding a School board