The Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) has a proud 66-year history of facing challenges head on.  For example, in 2005, the TWU was forced to incur considerable financial expenses due to the labour dispute with Telus.  The Union has since successfully pulled through and paid off all of the monies borrowed during that time.  Today, the TWU is facing an exceptional situation as a result of a decrease in the amount of members’ dues and a significant increase in the number of arbitrations.  Telus continues to offshore jobs, close offices, hire contractors to do bargaining work, and replace retiring members’ jobs with part-time workers or no position at all.

The TWU is asking members to accept a dues increase of 0.4 per cent of what is presently paid – a total of 2.1 per cent of gross earnings during a two-week period.  This increase will enable the TWU to better serve its membership and continue to fight the increasing number of costly and time-consuming arbitrations.  The Union understands that in this uncertain economy people are trying to stretch every dollar for the benefit of their families and children.  We would not be asking for an increase unless it was absolutely necessary.  This is not an easy situation.

This year’s budget is 8.6 million dollars; an amount considerably less than the previous year’s budget of 9.4 million dollars.  To date, the Union has made every effort to cut back on spending wherever possible.  The Finance Committee and your local delegates made some tough decisions regarding this year’s budget.  This includes reducing funding for Locals, Education, Health and Safety, Finance, Constitution, and Political Action Committees.  The legal budget has been reduced to $800,000 (from $1,492,130 in 2009).  Cost cutting measures have also been implemented in all TWU offices across the country as well as travel expenses.  The 2010 budget has set aside almost $900,000 for contract negotiations. 

In order for the 0.4 per cent increase to pass, 66 2/3 of the membership votes cast must be in favour.  Members must vote in person at their respective Locals.  Please note that an absentee ballot is only given under special circumstances.  A member must be able to prove that they are either working during the time of the vote, sick, on vacation, or located in a geographic area that would make it impossible to attend in person.

The TWU has always worked very hard to represent the interest of its members.  We cannot stress more how important it is for the members to attend Local meetings.  Remember, every vote counts!  More information will be provided by your Business Agent and on the TWU website in the coming weeks.  Please feel free to contact your Business Agent should you have any questions prior to the Local meeting.

In Solidarity,

Tamara Marshall,
Acting Secretary-Treasurer