Normal 0

Recently in the news for finding a motorcycle washed up on the beach as a result of the Tsunami that pounded the coast of Japan, it is a little know fact that the Retail Wholesale Union represents the Co-Operative workers in both Masset and in Skidegate.

 Located on the northern tip of the Queen Charlotte Island, the Co-Operative is the predominate grocery serving there areas. Both locations have what is called a “Home Department” that supplies everything from building materials to toaster ovens.

 The area itself is rich with heritage. The Haida natives have done an excellent job in preserving their heritage. Famous artists such as Reggie Davidson continue preserving Haida tradition with everything from touring the glob with his traditional dance group, to creating totem poles.

 Having a membership located so far away from the Union offices poses several different challenges. Many of which could not be addressed without the help of our Union Stewards.

 In Masset, we have had the good fortune of the services of Melanie Woode. Melanie has been a long time Union activist fighting for the rights of the members she represents. Melanie has taken any opportunity to educate herself to ensure she is an effective steward. Melanie recently participated in the Unions in house Shop Steward School where Union Counsel Tony Glavin was the instructor. Melanie has recently appointed Colleen Bielby to the committee as the previous back up steward has retired.

 In Skidegate we have again the good fortune of long time Union Activist Peter Engel. Peter also has recently appointed Grace Drager as his back up steward.

 The Retail Wholesale Union is very proud of its divers membership. 

The Retired Lives Group meets quarterly.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday June 12th at 10:00am at St. Mary's Church next door to the Union office on Columbia Street.  The Retired Lives meetings have been happening for more years than most can remember.  The agenda is usually pretty loose with the highlight being the opportunity to renew old friendships over a cup of coffee and a donut or two. The Retail Wholesale Union is fortunate to have some very active retired members and their reports are always well received.   The Pension Plan update is also eagerly anticipated as retirees are eager to hear about how the markets have impacted the Plan.

Provincial Representative Shawn Lakusta says that he particularly enjoys seeing former members who have settled comfortably into the pleasantries of retirement.  "I especially enjoy the people who complain about having to do this or that with their grandchildren.  Invariably they can't finish what they are saying without breaking into a smile.  I also appreciate the opportunity to learn something about our retirees that generally wouldn't arise in a more business like atmosphere.  We have retirees who fought valiantly in World War II and then came back and worked hard for another 40 years to reach a well deserved retirement.  Who wouldn't look forward to spending time with people who have contributed so much to our society."

If one listens carefully stories of workplace pranks in addition to battle stories regarding labour disputes can regularly be heard.  Former International Representative Ray Hanes can at times be convinced to relate stories from his days as head of the Retail Wholesale Union and as the first full time officer of the BC Federation of Labour.  Workers today owe a great debt of gratitude to labour leaders like Ray who fought battles with bosses that advanced the entire labour movement forward.  Ray has also taken on the role of RWU Historian and can be counted on to produce long forgotten pictures of RWU events from days gone by. 

One retiree, Larry from Summit,  has an email loop that he uses to pass along interesting and educational items that he comes across.  Larry recently sent out the following:

Which Wolf Will WIn

Provincial Representative Shawn Lakusta and Representative Frank Allison visited the Lucerne Milk Plant in Burnaby on May 2nd.  They were able to review parts of the plant and have healthy discussions with Plant Chair Owen Rideout and current Shop Steward and former RWU Recording Secretary Shawn London.  A variety of issues were discussed including the state of the RWU Pension Plan and the future of the Milk Plant heading into the last round of collective bargaining.  As a mature shop in the RWU, the Milk Plant is in many ways a model of how a certified Union shop should work.  Over the years management and the Union have established protocols that allow for the parties to get together and address the main points of issues without sweating the smaller points.  This type of relationship is only possible when the Union and our members are lucky to have a committee of hard working Shop Stewards.  The RWU is well aware how lucky we are to be in just that type of situation at the Milk Plant.

Provincial Representative Shawn Lakusta and Assistant Provincial Representative Chris McCuaig recently vistied EV Logisitics.  While at the Ambient site they were ushered around by Local 580 President Rick Janzen and Vice-President Mike Molag.  Shawn and Chris had the opportunity to visit with and hear from several 580 members who discussed a wide variety of issues relating to productivity initiatives and health and safety.  Shawn was very impressed by the amount of people wearing Retail Wholesale hats and hoodies.  As Shawn said, "We are proud of the work done by our members and it is nice to see that they are proud of their Union.  Shawn and Chris also toured the EV Perishables building and were ably guided around by Local 580 Outside Guard Sterling Stocel and Plant Chair John Brackett.   

Last year long time RWU member and Shop Steward Victor Jang visited China.  Amongst his travels, Victor visited the Great Wall and snapped some great pictures of the the Union's logo resting comfortably on the Wall.

Victor will be celebrating his 38th year at the Produce Terminal on Malkin Avenue in June.  He has served as a Shop Steward since the warehouse members joined the RWU in 1991 joining the truck drivers who had joined previously.  During his career as a Shop Steward Victor has assisted many members and was a strong leader during the lockout in 2004.  Provincial Representative Shawn Lakusta has had the pleasure of working alongside Victor since 1998 and says that Victor can always be counted on to provide some historical perspective when an issue needs clarification.

Victor challenges all other members to provide an RWU picture from a more exotic location than the Great Wall of China.