It has been brought to the attention of the L21 Executive that some of the Union Notices for the upcoming Contract Ratification vote have been defaced or taken down, and that rumours have been deliberately and maliciously spread ahead of the vote.
As no sitting commitee member has divulged the terms of this round of bargaining I would warn that these rumours are groundless and encourage anyone concerned about the upcoming contract to attend the March 22 Ratification meeting and let your voice be heard, as every change to the contract will be gone over at length ahead of the vote.
However, I will warn those who have taken down or vandalized the Union Ratification Notices, that this is a serious concern and interferes with other members right to stay informed and to participate.
If you have geniune concerns about this round of bargaining; the appropriate thing to due is attend the Ratification Vote.
Cupe National Equality Statement:
Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen our union. As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin. Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a union.
Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society and in our union. CUPE’s policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality. Members, staff and elected officers must be mindful that all persons deserve dignity, equality and respect.
