In the past few months the Vancouver Local has had a number of significant outstanding grievances brought to a close with settlements that we can take pride in. In particular, a number of especially complicated files were brought to conclusion after a number of years. Members are familiar with the long arm of Manulife—and now Great-West Life/Morneau Schepell—and the terms “non-compliance,” and “non-support,” instances where the word of a member’s physician is challenged by an anonymous, unseen authority sitting in an office in another city.
When members file multiple grievances in the process of challenging a third party response to the legitimate use of their sick leave, it can become confounding when those grievances land in front of multiple arbitrators. It is through the effort of a number of individuals, often working over a number of years, that these files are brought forward to be arbitrated, and it is important that we recognize this as our collective effort within the union.
There is a level of volunteerism within the union that isn’t often acknowledged, where we’ve had members work tirelessly over the years representing the membership on the work floor, as well as seeing their grievances through the arbitration process. The shop steward on the workfloor may be the first contact for a member who needs to address a potential disciplinary matter, or it may be a phone call or visit to one of the officers at the union hall. Developing a case for arbitration may be the work of the grievance officer, with the assistance of stewards, arbitration advocates, as well as union representatives at the local, or regional and national offices.
I would like to, then, extend an appreciation to the large network of volunteers within our membership who have worked to resolve the large caseload of the past few years. As well, I would again thank my fellow members for continuing to grieve instances of unjust and illegal behaviour, while recognizing that a fair resolution can be a laborious and often prolonged matter.
In Solidarity,
Robert R Mulvin
President
la/CUPE-3338