This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
'The situation in Weyburn is a perfect example of how multi-national corporations with bottomless legal budgets are allowed to never-endingly drag out the process.' - Wayne Hanley.
Saskatoon (8 July 2009) - The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW Canada) is appealing a recent Saskatchewan lower court decision that overturned a long-awaited union certificate for a Wal-Mart in Weyburn.
“The appeal is just another battle in a long fight that we will not, and cannot, back down from,” says local president Norm Neault. “Helping Wal-Mart workers make a stand and exercise their rights is something we need to do for them, for our members and, ultimately, for Saskatchewan.”
Local 1400’s commitment to Weyburn Wal-Mart workers goes back to April 2004 when - after the employees that Wal-Mart refers to as ‘associates’ - led an enthusiastic organizing drive, the union applied for certification. Five years and numerous Wal-Mart inspired legal challenges later the provincial labour board ruled in favour of the workers.
“The court’s decision to void the Weyburn Wal-Mart certificate is a setback for the workers and the collective bargaining rights of all Canadians,” says UFCW Canada national president Wayne Hanley.
“The situation in Weyburn is a perfect example of how multi-national corporations with bottomless legal budgets are allowed to never-endingly drag out the process. As working Canadians we need to start supporting politicians who are serious about creating a labour relations system that reflects 21st century realities.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has signed a protocol with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada) to support and cooperate in the UFCW's campaign to organize workers at Wal-Mart stores across Canada. NUPGE is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE