CUPE is taking action to thwart an attempt by DEVCO to offer nine security jobs as non-union positions at the soon-to-be-closed facility.
CUPE Local 2046 represents 43 workers who were recently laid off at DEVCO, a publicly-owned mining operation in Cape Breton.
Representative Jacquie Bramwell says CUPE members have been offered the nine positions, but as “confidential” employees. This would put them outside the scope of the bargaining unit.
CUPE has obtained a legal opinion that states clearly that under the federal labour code as long as this corporation still exists – and it does – these are bargaining unit positions and must be filled by our members.
“CUPE Local 2046 does not cease to exist after December 15, 2001. Its charter from CUPE continues in full force. This local union continues to hold the same collective bargaining rights after December 15 as it does at present,” says Bramwell.
“This employer is adding insult to injury by pulling a stunt like this,” says Bramwell. “If there is security work being done at the DEVCO facility after December 15, it will be done by unionized CUPE members. If this employer thinks otherwise we will see them before the Labour Board.”