CUPE 3903: Striking to Win in an “Economic Crisis”

by Dhruv Jain
Basics Issue #12 (Jan/Feb 2009)

In recent months because of the “economic crisis”, unions have increasingly become the targets of public anger. Indeed, many of the successes that have been gained through collective action and solidarity have been postponed or clawed back under the guise of an “economic crisis” which seems to disproportionately effect working peoples and not their bosses. These of course are the bosses who, during the good times, were more than willing to help themselves to the extraordinary profits. Yet, it always seems that when the bad times roll around they are not to be seen and it is the working peoples who have to save the economic system.

It is in this context that an eleven-week strike has embattled York University. The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3903 (CUPE 3903), representing approximately 3400 Teaching Assistants, Contract Faculty, Graduate Assistants and Research Assistants has been striking for basic economic rights like job security, a poverty wage, etc. Often, York University, especially its public face in the context of the economic crisis, President Mamdouh Shoukri, has argued that due to the economic crisis such economic rights are not economically feasible and that everyone must “tighten their belts”. Yet, at the same time York University continues to give significant pay increases to their top administrative posts including President Shoukri. It continues to allocate $200 million dollars to events concerning the York University’s 50th anniversary. Furthermore, York University continues to have a surplus to the amount of $140 million dollars. CUPE 3903 has consistently argued that the problem is not the economic feasibility of the demands but rather, the economic priorities that York University prefers to keep. Thus, the University prefers to give 45 of the highest paid administrative officials 15% wage increases amounting to $9.6 million dollars rather, than provide 3400 workers a 4% wage increase.

The CUPE 3903 strike is an example of workers unwilling to accept the rhetoric of the very same economic gurus that repeatedly denied that such an “economic crisis” was looming. It is speaking out against the get-rich schemes of employers that are using this “economic crisis” to their benefit. They are marching in the cold in defiance of “economic trends” and are demanding their fair share of the pie. They are striking to win.

On the first day back on strike in the new year, 3903 members and supporters reoccupy the 9th Floor of Ross Building outside YU President Shoukri’s office, refusing to leave until Shoukri agrees to participate in a public forum dealing with the strike issues.

Toronto’s Unknown Strike: Korex Soap Workers Fight for Basic Rights

by Thomas Saczkowski & Farshad Azadian
Basics Issue #12 (Jan/Feb 2009)

The Korex soap factory just minutes east of the Esplanade community has been the site of Toronto’s least known labour strike for more than six months.

On June 2, 2008 110 skilled workers of the Korex factory in Toronto began a strike because of labour issues with the Pensler Capital Corporation. Sandford Pensler, the owner of the corporation, purchased the soap manufacturing plant in 2001 from Unilever. ”The management wanted to do away with the collective agreement, they wanted to make us into part time workers with no job security. They cut wages, seniority benefits, and the right to grieve” said Bill McLachlan, the union’s Chief Steward

Since the strike began only 3 workers have crossed the lines to work under the new conditions. With only 3 “scabs”, the remaining 107 workers have held the picket lines at the entrance of the plant 24 hours a day 7 days a week since June 2008. “We still have good morale and we are strong and we are accomplishing something with still having a 107 committed people out here even on New Years Day and Christmas.” said Mclachlan.

Over the past 8 months the strikers have created a unique environment for themselves. A self-constructed building provides most of the basic necessities for the workers on the line. The Pensler Corporation has gone to various extents to close down the picket lines by placing injunctions on the executive council, and cutting the hydro to their building. Even with the Pensler Corporation refusing to negotiate with the union, these strong and courageous workers have proved that they are willing to fight to the very end for their very modest demands.

Meanwhile, there have been safety concerns around the operation of the dangerous chemical plant by untrained scab labourers. Workers at the plant say that at least one year of training is required to be able to run the plant effectively. In response to concerns about the safety of the plant Angus Mortson a striking worker says “ if that place goes, it takes out the whole block with it” This exhibits that the bosses are putting the well-being of near-by communities, such as the Esplanade, at unnecessary risk. The management’s greed and refusal to give their workers the status quo has caused a volatile situation for the surrounding community.

CUPE 3903 Strikes

The Red and Black Star Shines Brightly in the Night as CUPE 3903 Goes On Strike
by Dhruv Jain Basics #11 (November 2008)

At 10.39 pm on November 5th 2008 a cheer erupted in Curtis Hall I at York University as the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3903 in consultation with its members decided to go on strike. The membership voted, in a demonstration of union democracy at a ‘Special Consultative General Membership Meeting’, 71.7% to recommend to the Union’s Bargaining Team and Executive that they reject the ‘final offer’ of the Employer. The Executive and the Bargaining Team accepted the recommendation of the membership unanimously.

CUPE 3903 represents approximately 3,350 members who work as Teaching Assistants (TA’s), Contract Faculty, Graduate Assistants (GA’s) and Research Assistants (RA’s). The Union last went on strike in 2000-2001 when York University attempted to make the Union concede the tuition rebates it had won in previous rounds of bargaining. The long strike was finally won by the Union after 76 days, the longest strike in the education sector. Picket lines will go up at both the Keele and Glendon Campuses at 7 am and come down at 7 pm starting 12.01 am November 6th, 2008.

The Union is striking this time over poverty wages for its workers; better job security for contract faculty; increases to funds that reflect the increases in membership in the last several years; and a 2-year contract. York University for its part has been unwilling to move on any of the demands seriously and has offered wage increases over 3 years that fall far below the projected inflation rates in the next 2 years. Furthermore, the University has refused to give better job security despite the fact that the York University Faculty Association (YUFA) and CUPE 3903 have agreed upon an outline for a proposal. The University’s counter-proposals regarding funds available to members were considered insulting by nearly all in the room, including a paltry $1500 dollar increase for childcare. And the cherry on the top of this cake is the University’s refusal to accept a 2-year contract that would allow CUPE 3903 to bargain in 2010 as has been mandated by the Ontario University Workers Coordinating Committee, a sub-committee of CUPE Ontario, so that all education sector locals will be able to engage in ‘coordinated bargaining’. The University has similarly brushed other demands such as serious movement on tuition rates, health benefits, and smaller class sizes. The University claims that the demands of the Union are “unreasonable” despite the fact that the same University has been willing to give 15.6% wage increases to their own corporate bigwigs.

The ball is now in York University’s court to actually make a deal that the Union could seriously consider. As tired and sleepy CUPE 3903 members boarded the 196 Rocket from York University to Downsview Station, past midnight, they sang loudly, clearly, energetically and enthusiastically, “We’ll go all the way!” And they sang it once more on the long subway ride home.

Day 1 of the strike at CUPE 3903's opening rally, 9:00am at the York Boulevard and Keele entrance, Nov 6, 2008. Over 300 people were in attendance at this entrance alone, with a presence of other supporting unions, including the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and other CUPE locals.

The TTC Strike, Back To Work Legislation, and What it Means for Workers

Paulina V.
Basics Issue #9 (May 2008)

On May First 1886, more than 400,000 workers in Chicago held a demonstration during a nation wde labour strike. They were demanding an 8-hour workday and although this was a struggle that resulted in the deaths of several labour activists and leaders it lead to the eventual adoption of the 8-hour workday. From this point on, the First of May would be recognized as International Workers Day in celebration of the rights, struggles and victories of everyday workers.

International Workers Day marks the importance of workers’ fundamental right to hold demonstrations, protests and to go on strike to demand safety, higher wages, union recognition and, ultimately, justice. The purpose of striking is not only to give workers a unified voice, but also to establish social and economic equality between workers and employers. Throughout history, strikes have been a symbol of workers’ collective strength and commitment to justice.

On April 25th when the TTC’s 9,000 strong workforce rejected the contract under negotiation and overwhelmingly voted to strike, thousands of riders were left stranded and frustrated at everything ranging from fare costs, route frequency, dirty subway stations and a supposedly greedy workforce. Premier Dalton McGuinty and Mayor David Miller reacted quickly and called an emergency session of the legislature-at which time Back-To-Work legislation was passed bringing an abrupt end to the 2 day strike.

So why do transit fares seems to rise so often and why do riders feel like they are getting ripped off? Under Mike Harris’ Conservative government of the 1990s the TTC budget, which used to receive 50% of its operating costs from the province of Ontario, was slashed leaving behind an aging and severely under-funded public transit system. Thus while the city of Toronto continues to grow and with it demands for a better transit system, inadequate funding from all levels of government have left the TTC crippled and unable to respond to riders’ needs.

As workers struggling to keep up with the ever-rising cost of living and poor working conditions, the recent TTC strike invites us to reflect on some of the key issues at stake during the demonstrations held leading up to and following the first International Workers Day. If the province refuses to provide adequate funding for public transportation at the same time that it beefs up the police’s operating budget with millions of additional dollars, what message is government sending to transit users who must pick up the tab? If 400 TTC managers earn more than $100,000/per year, who really holds power within the TTC? If workers’ right to strike can be so easily overruled without challenge from any of the main political parties, who can workers rely on to represent their interests? And if the mainstream media and politicians alike purposely and aggressively pit the public against a workforce who has a legitimate claim to better working conditions why do we so easily accept this antagonism when neither politicians nor the media represent our interests?

Preventing employees’ ability to strike over labour relation issues undermines the democratic rights of workers. Strikes are not only a key means for achieving economic justice but strikes also provide an opportunity for all workers to stand beside and support their brothers and sisters struggling for better conditions. Forcing workers to end their strike and stripping them of their right to strike on the basis that they provide an essential service isn’t justifiable and it sets a dangerous precedent that erodes the rights of ALL workers, not just those involved in the dispute.

If more than 1.5 million of us ride the TTC every weekday to get home, to school and to work, we should look for ways to build alliances with the 9,000 TTC drivers and maintenance staff that make this possble rather than divert our frustrations at them. If politicians and mainstream media are so invested in pushing an antagonism between TTC workers and the general public where there isn’t one, why should we buy it? We shouldn’t. We should work together to demand a healthy public transportation system that is well funded, well run and well supported. ∗

Crispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran (1933-2008): Glorious Hero of the Filipino People

Filipinos around the world are mourning the death Crispin 'Ka Bel'”
Beltran. A veteran organizer and people's leader, Beltran died on
May 20 of head injuries sustained after falling from the roof of his
home in Bulacan. He was 75.

A long time trade union leader, Beltran was chairman of the Kilusang
Mayo Uno (“May First Movement”) until he was elected to the
Philippine Congress as a representative of Anakpawis Party-list. He
was a prominent leader in the opposition movement against the corrupt and
brutal rule of current president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Beltran was a political prisoner during the Martial Law era of
fascist dictator Ferdinand Marcos. He was again detained by the
Arroyo regime under false criminal charges of rebellion and held
prisoner for more than a year in a hospital prison.

"“I am innocent of the rebellion charge against me",” he said upon
his release. “"It’s neither a sin nor against the law to speak against
graft and corruption and the killing of hundreds of innocent civilians."

Unions, progressive parties, and peoples organizations are paying
tribute to Crispin Beltran and his more than 50-year commitment as an
activist.

"While Ka Bel didn't get his wish that he die in the streets fighting
against tyranny and exploitation, he did not die in vain," said Elmer
Labog of Kilusang Mayo Uno. "His whole life offered in the service of
the Filipino people and other struggling people in the world makes
him a hero no less."

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) hailed his
contributions to journalistic freedom. "Mr. Beltran was a tireless
leader, advocate and ally of workers, including those in mass media.
He was a fighter for press freedom and the right to free expression"
the NUJP said in a statement.

Bayan Muna, a progressive party-list, called his death “an irreparable
loss not only to the working-class movement but to every Filipino
yearning for genuine social change. He was a tower of a man, a pillar
of strength for the progressive people's movement.”

Up until the end, Beltran remained a man of the people. In a
Congress dominated by millionaires, Beltran died still the poorest
member of the House of Representatives, with a net worth of only
50,000 pesos (CAN $1,149).

CAW/Magna Deal: A Historic Sell-Out

Deal between union and company may increase wages, but at what cost?

The continued existence of independent and democratic workers’ unions, the traditional form of workers organized power, has been thrown into question as a result of the recent deal struck between the Canadian Autoworkers (CAW) and Magna International. The so-called “Framework for Fairness” as announced by CAW President Buzz Hargrove and Frank Stronach, CEO of Magna, strips away many of the rights that working people have fought for centuries to achieve.
The “Framework for Fairness” eliminates shop stewards - union members democratically elected by their coworkers to represent them in their dealings with management. In their place are “employee advocates,” who are assessed by a “fairness committee” made up of equal numbers of representatives from management and labour. Rank and file workers can not vote on these positions, taking away their right to elect their own representatives. Even worse, these so-called “employee advocates” are prohibited from viewing themselves as representatives of the union or employees.
According to the new deal, workers are even denied the right to directly elect the leaders of their own local union. Without independent, democratic representation in the workplace, workers’ interests are kept in line with bosses’ priorities. The obvious result is a silencing of workers’ voices and a rebirth of the company union controlled and infiltrated by management, that workers fought tirelessly against in the 1920s and finally eliminated in the 1930s. The removal of shop stewards has huge implications for building any sort of authentic workers movement and mobilizing the membership which is the real source of union power.
Arguably, the most shocking and disturbing element of the CAW/Magna agreement is that it permanently gives up the right to strike. The possibility of removing one’s labour is the one single bargaining chip that workers have in their dealings with management and is the source of workers’ power. Without the right to strike, workers are completely vulnerable to the whims of management and have no grounds on which to take a stand, weakening their position in an already unequal relationship. One thing we can be sure of is that workers in all sectors of the economy will face tougher negotiations at the bargaining table as the CAW/Magna deal has set a precedent that this is acceptable practice.
As working people, it is time to ask ourselves what kind of representation we want in the workplace and whether today’s unions are fulfilling their obligations to us. Unions are made up of workers and therefore, belong to us. In an economic climate where workers are up against multinational corporations and low-paid, part-time, temporary employment has become normal, independent organizations for workers is more important than ever. We must demanding accountability from our union leadership and reject leaders who fail to fight for our interests and sell us out to the bosses. Making concessions to management and sacrificing hard-won rights for workers is a dangerous game that is difficult to stop once it has begun.
There is a lot of anger amongst workers in the CAW surrounding the Magna deal. Hopefully they will be able to effectively channel that anger and take back their union.