2004 RWU Convention a Success

All reports conclude that the RWU's 2004 Convention held at the Inn at the New Westminster Quay was the most successful in our long standing tradition.

"I have been going to these events for over thirty years, this one by far was the most interesting and enjoyable," said Brian Debeck, Provincial Representative.

"People were able to absorb a lot of information in a very short time (over a two-day event) because the information was presented well," commented Fred Roycroft, President Local 580.

Several guest speakers were on the agenda including Tom Dufresne, President of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, Chris Banting, Secretary Treasurer of Retail Wholesale Union Saskatchewan, Carol James Provincial Leader of the NDP and two of the Provinces top Labour Lawyers.

The presentations by top provincial labour lawyers focused on workplace harassment and discrimination between members. One of the other lawyers discussed legal obligations of Shop Stewards on the Shop floor. These proved to very thought provoking conversations for delegates.

Gary Brassart, Assistant Provincial Representative, commented that " it is great to see our members frantically writing down some of the more developed points during these presentations. This will enable them to hone their skills to represent the members on the shop floor. I consider that alone to be a success."

EV Delegates at the B.C. Federation of Labour Convention

Over one thousand delegates from Unions all throughout the Province attended the five- day event. The Retail Wholesale Union delegates were seated at a front table where they enjoyed many a passionate speech on the issues facing workingmen and woman today.

B.C. Federation of Labour Convention. Picture on the right: (From right to left) Steve Sparrow, Rick Janzen, Mike Molag, Marcel Dueck, and Gary Brassart.

Below the EV Delegates posed with Brother Norheim from Viceroy Homes. Viceroy Homes has been with the Retail Wholesale Union for the better part of ten years.

Be sure to ask your Delegates about the events that took place.

Rick Janzen a regular at this Convention said, " there is always something you take away to think about with you when you attend these kind of events."

2002 RWU Convention

The Retail Wholesale Union held its biennial convention in New Westminster on October 4 and 5, 2002.

The theme of this year's convention was "A Great Past-A Greater Future!" Friday evening was a time to look back at the proud history of the RWU. All surviving International and Provincial Representatives were invited to the convention and all took to the microphone on Friday night to talk about their times as leaders and what they viewed as their proudest accomplishments. For most of the delegates, this was a first opportunity to hear and see our former leaders and everyone was enthralled by the stories and experiences our leaders shared. There is something comforting in knowing that many of the battles that we will face in the future have already been fought and won by our predecessors. Carolyn Askew, one of the top labour lawyers in the province, gave an excellent presentation which placed the many RWU labour disputes in historical perspective and talked about the importance of these fights to the labour movement in Canada. The highlight of the evening was the standing ovation received by former Provincial Representative Jon Squire when current leader Brian DeBeck spoke to the delegation about all the work that Mr. Squire did to establish the RWU Pension Plan at a time when such pension plans were extremely rare.

Retail Wholesale Union's biennial convention in New Westminster on October 4 and 5, 2002.

Saturday was a time to talk about the current state of the Union and to look ahead at what challenges loom for our Union and the labour movement in general. Chris Banting, Saskatchewan RWDSU Secretary-Treasurer, brought greetings and addressed the battle they had in the Supreme Court to earn the right to secondary picket. Mark Gordienko from the ILWU discussed the current labour dispute on the western seaboard and how it would likely affect negotiations and labour relations in B.C. John Weir, Director of Organizing from the B.C. Federation of Labour, talked about the current difficulties faced by the labour movement in organizing. Linda Lee from the ILWU encouraged RWU delegates to seek women who might be interested in joining the ILWU Women's Committee. All the speakers were very well received with many delegates encouraging convention organizers Chris McCuaig and Shawn Lakusta to invite them back again.

The RWU is in great shape with membership at a 20 year high, finances in good shape, and several recently negotiated collective agreements that contain significant improvements for our members. The next year promises to be a busy year as several agreements are open for negotiations. Fortunately, the RWU is well positioned for the battles that lay ahead.

Web Page

The first new thing is of course this web page. The intention is to keep the members up to date and to introduce us to anyone interested in joining our Union. Check back regularly as new information will be posted regularly. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions which you think might be of interest to RWU members then feel free to pass them along. We would be happy to hear from you.

Organizing Tips

Thanks to all the members who have passed on organizing tips to the Union. Like any organization, we are always in expansion mode and the information received from members often leads to new members. Keep the tips coming and don't be afraid to call the office yourself on behalf of someone if they have questions. We are always glad to help.

Report from the Pension Administration Office:

October 12, 2001
The Pension Plan's investment returns averaged approximately 14% over the 5-year period to December 31, 2000. Based on actuarial valuations carried out as at December 31, 1999, benefit improvements retroactive to January 1, 2000 were granted and implemented earlier this year, for members of the following Divisions:
Summit/Lucerne/Macdonalds
Rogers Sugar Ltd.
Alsco Uniform & Linen Service Ltd.

We caution that the general economic slowdown in the first 8 months of 2001, followed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, will have an adverse effect on the Plan's assets and investment returns for the year 2001. The Plan has had negative investment returns in only 2 of the last 21 years, 1980 to 2000. The good news is that both those years were followed by double-digit returns of 17% and 18% respectively.

1-877-RWUNION

The Union now has a toll-free number: 1 877 798 6466 (1 877 RWUNION). This should make it easier for our out-of -town members to keep in touch. Come to think of it, this Web Page will also make it easier to stay in touch!

Employee Assistance Plan becomes Interlock

Retail Wholesale Union Employee Assistance Plan Coordinator, Howard Bismeyer, recently announced his intention to return to the workforce at Summit Logistics. Prior to leaving, Howard investigated and researched potential replacement organizations. The Trustees of the plan have decided that "interlock" Employee and Family Assistance Corp. of Canada would replace the current plan. Information on interlock will be provided to affected employees once things are finalized. In the meantime, more information on interlock can be obtained at www.interlock-eap.com. The staff, Council and Executive of the Union would like to thank Howard for all his hard work and wish him the best of luck. Howard has helped many people over his years as the EAP Coordinator and he deserves recognition for the contributions he has made. Thanks again, Howard!

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