Arbitration for the Union recognition policy grievance against Vancouver Shipyards commenced on October 2nd. The grievance was initiated when Vancouver Shipyards hired non-union employees to perform bargaining unit work on the Attessa IV project. The Union contends that Vancouver Shipyards schemed to perform the extensive refit and extension to Dennis Washington’s 100 meter yacht (Attessa IV) with non-union employees by setting up a company called Washington Yachting Group. This scheme to set up a non-union company and transfer work from the Union company to the non-union company is known as double breasting and is illegal in British Columbia. The Arbitrator has ordered the company to produce documents. The company has dragged its feet on the production of documents, and the Union is hopeful that the documents will support its allegations. The deadline for the production of documents is October 27th. The Arbitration will resume once the Polyparty Union has had an opportunity to review the documents. Employees hired by Washington Yachting Group should be represented and are encouraged to contact the various shipyard Unions in order to be informed of their rights, protections and benefits afforded by a Union collective agreement.
Brothers employed at Vancouver School Board will kick off their United Way campaign with a breakfast on November 17th. Many labour organizations including local 213 support the United Way. With the holiday season quickly approaching John would like to encourage all members to donate to the United Way, their local food bank, or a charity of their choice, and support individuals and families in need.
