This site is run by Members of CUPE 1251, they wish to stay anonymous because of the fear of retaliation from CUPE National, and Danny Legere

Quick Headlines


Police leave CUPE

Candidates

Elections

Danny Légère cares ...

worker steals from union

Dues Increased

CUPE against Equality

CUPE National Caves In

Moist, Legere up to no good!

Legere to get off scott free ?

Legere not charge

Legere Caught Double billing

CUPE releases Audit

The Chosen Few

Rumour or fact

Unfair CUPE Practices

CUPE National Lip Service

CUPE fails members

CUPE moves quickly to do nothing

CUPEs plans for 1251

New info on Ottawa Meeting

CUPE will not Drop Administration

DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION

Second Notice regarding Administration

CUPE National Secret Meetings

Danny Legeres Meteoric rise

Paul Moist replies

New info

Answers to some questions

Joke of the day

Published Friday February 20th, 2009
A1By Laura MacInnis

MIRAMICHI -

A former UPM worker and union member is going to jail for six months and will then spending a year on house arrest for writing himself $121,000 in fraudulent checks from Communication, Energy, Paperworks Union Local 689. Christopher Ian Donovan, 47, sat staring straight ahead, never looking around the court room during his day long sentence hearing Tuesday in the Court of Queen's Bench. Several union members including, local president Chris Allison, were in the court room to hear the judge's decision. Charged with stealing monies from the union and defrauding the Beaubear Credit Union he pled guilty on Dec. 19. He has refused to reveal anything about why he took the money. His presentence report indicated no history of alcohol, drug or gambling addictions. The only hint may have come from a comment in the presentence report created by a probation officer who wrote Donovan said he had not stolen the money for his own benefit. Crown prosecutor Catherine McNally read the police report describing how Donovan went about stealing the money. He worked for UPM for the last 25 years before it was shut down permanently in 2007 and was recording secretary for the union. When financial secretary Kevin Forrest left Miramichi to go west for work in October 2007 Donovan volunteered to take over the job. Two signatures were required on all union checks — Forrest's and the president. Forrest presigned some checks for Donovan to use before leaving the area. Donovan forged Allison's signature and signed several checks over to himself. The Beaubear credit Union employees became suspicious when they noticed several large checks— one in the amount of $17,500 and another for 23,465.87—going into Donovan's personal account as well as his business account for Penguin Popcorn Productions. The Credit Union froze five checks and informed Allison of what they discovered. Upon further investigation the Miramichi Police Force discovered 11 forged checks had been deposited into his account over seven months totaling $121,248.44. The Credit Union froze Donovan's accounts so he could not deposit or withdraw any money though his mortgage and life insurance payments were still being withdrawn from the bank. To pay the funds back Credit Union will immediately turn all funds in Donovan's accounts back to the union. But Donovan still owes $16,031.59 that he spent and was not recovered. Defense attorney Al Hayes said his client has been preparing to pay the money back since he was charged last year. "Without being overly candid, he has been making arrangements for some time and should only need a month or two to pay the balance," said Hayes. Hayes said his client was an upstanding citizen who had done much for Miramichi including volunteer work for charitable organizations and was well respected in the community. Speaking to the court room Donovan pulled a letter from his back pocket which he read aloud, apologizing to the union. "...My actions are regrettable, but I can't change them. I have cast a shadow over all of us," said Donovan "...I want to apologize to the union members and my family. I am sorry for the shock and embarrassment and I do not want this to reflect on them in any way."  The defense argued to keep Donovan out of jail and recommended a house arrest sentence instead. Justice Thomas Riordon decided to give Donovan some of both. He will serve a six-month jail term and then spend one year under house arrest. During his house arrest he will be allowed to leave for limited purposes such as attending work and church services. On Saturdays he will have five hours to conduct personal business. He is also ordered to complete 150 hours community service in that year. Although Donovan has no prior record and was not likely to reoffend the sum of money was so large the judge said others must be deterred. "This was abuse of a position of trust and he repeated this behaviour over several months. Though unsophisticated this did take a degree of planning, forging the signatures." During a recess in the proceedings Allison spoke of his feelings of the day and why he came to watch his former coworker and friend's sentencing. "My signature was forged on the checks so I felt it was necessary to come to the sentencing." But he chose not to write a victim impact statement for the sentencing. He said while some union members wanted to see Donovan go to jails others wanted leniency. "It wouldn't reflect every members opinion. It would have been a personal opinion of mine. There are 400 people in the union and I couldn't reflect everyone of their opinions."
The incident has been difficult on the whole union, particularly because of rumours spreading about who was involved in the fraud. "The whole executive was painted with the same brush. There were so many stories going around—coffee shop talk, people believing there was more going on behind the scenes. But we were totally shocked. With this sentencing today people will see the truth." He said the executive has not spoken to Donovan at all since the fraud charges but from hearing his words in the court room he felt Donovan was truly sorry. "He's no worse a person...He wants to move past this and we want to move past this... this is not a day he is proud of or we are proud of."

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CUPE 1251 UNION DUES INCREASED

 

    CUPE National managed to get CUPE 1251 dues increased!  The manipulation of the so called "Constitution Committee"  ( a collection of members that owe CUPE National something or want something from them) was successful,  our dues WILL go up ,  and after all the bitching about the amount of money the former Executive was spending,  they have INCREASED the number of people on the Provincial Executive!!! Well that should save money  lol !

    You can all thank Fred Jones for being there, and for explaining to those members that were there, some of the implications of the motions that were brought forward by this Committee Fred Jones managed to stop some of the Committees Motions but not all ,  sadly enough with the new Changes ONE SUB LOCAL can now control ALL of CUPE 1251.

    Donald Roy was the was the chair person ,  chosen by CUPE National cause they knew he wants to go to seminars and get CUPE National to pay for them and to pay for training courses that he wants to take and that Doni would do exactly as they wanted him to do ,  and indeed it was very obvious during the meeting , many people were there that have NEVER been involved in the union movement (CUPE NATIONAL can manipulate them easier) and said straight out "we have no idea what's going on"

    People like Mike Connors,  (who gets to travel to Ottawa and other places PAID BY CUPE NATIONAL) , Maurice Leblanc (who gets to travel around the province cause he was put on a few committees by CUPE National) were there to insure CUPE National got what they were after.

This is a sad day for CUPE 1251 and ( i hope I'm wrong) I predict that CUPE 1251 will be in Financial trouble in a few short years because of what transpiered at this meeting.

NOTE : No one At CCNB Bathurst  Campus were ever advised of this or any meetings since September 2008

 

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30/1/2009

CUPE DENOUNCES UNION EQUALITY

 

 

     The Cupe 1251 constitutional committee has met and will be putting their constitutional proposals forward for a vote on Tuesday Feb. 3rd/09. Most of the proposed changes appear to be no brainers with the exception of the major increase in union dues and the proposed structure of the provincial local.

      The committee or Cupe National/Danny Legere in all their lack of wisdom and ability have decided to increase the number of provincial executive members from a present total of six (6) with six sublocals to nine (9)executive members with only five sublocals. This equates to almost double the number of executive members with not only fewer sublocals but soon to be a lot fewer members when the counsellors and the custodians go.

      The most significant factor here is the present structure gave each sublocal equal representation and this new structure proposal allows for one sublocal to essentially have five representatives on a committee of a total of nine giving one sublocal total power over the whole province and all classifications.

        This proposed provincial executive structure will not only be very costly but it goes against  the whole concept of unionism and equality for each and every member and equal representation.

        If this gets passed  and the Cupe National President approves this change there is a major problem within the Cupe National organization. This will mean that equality for the little member is gone forever with Cupe.

NOTE:  Please keep in mind that the Committee was under the influence of CUPE National let's not take it out on the Committee members ,  they have no experience and don't realize they are being manipulated by CUPE National .....

 

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24/1/2009

 

CUPE National Caves In

After almost one full year and hundreds of emails to CupeWebmaster  (posted in Members Comments) and many emails to Paul Moist , and Susan Barton CUPE National seems to have Caved in on one issue I have been told that CUPE 1251 Members that were on strike will FINALLY  be paid the two days of strike pay that CUPE National OWES to the 1251 members that were on the picket line in February !!! (please keep in mind that they could be lying again to shut us up)

It's totally amazing , that CUPE New Brunswick did not come to our aid on this matter , but,  I would imagine that Bob Hicks,  Danny Legere and Paul Moist  Made damn sure that CUPE New Brunswick Executive led to believe CUPE 1251 members and Executive were nothing but crooks and bums.

Also:

Indications are that CUPE National does NOT want CUPE 1251 Structure as it was , (with fair representation from all groups and all parts of the province) CUPE National wants to see the local controlled by people they choose , therefore it would seem there will be NO MORE Sub Locals , the Provincial local could be fully controlled by ONE area , (the area with the most members) leaving the rest of the province without any voice. In this way CUPE National can fully control the local , and if Danny Legere decides to run again he can get in No problem and continue double billing.

Also:

Those members chosen by CUPE National to re-write CUPE 1251's Constitution are the same Members that OWE CUPE National certain "favors" It would seem they will suggest changes to the Constitution to what National wants, and and we will be forced to pay out approx. 6000 dollars per year to CUPE New Brunswick , and The Federation of Labor (they need this money to pay Danny Legere's Salary) ...... very sad

 

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21/1/2009

Paul Moist, Danny Legere up to no good !

Despite the fact that we would not shed a tear if Bob Hicks lost his job, CUPE members in this province DESERVE some kind of return for their union dues (OTHER THAN BEING PUT UNDER ADMINISTRATION)

This is another money Grab by our so called Union Brothers in Ottawa, an erosion services of CUPE  Members and more proof that it's all about money for Paul Moist and Danny Legere

NOTE: This was something that National is doing because of the last settled  contract with the CUPE REPS. union to distinguish between the provincial regional directors and the staff reps. The reg. directors were covering for the reps. because they were in the same union. Hickes , unfortunately will be safe until Moist is gone.

 

20/1/2009

Sisters and Brothers,

I'm not sure many of you are aware (We sure weren't) that our National Union has made an application to the Ontario Labour Relation Board to EXCLUDE a number of positions from the Canadian Staff Union (CSU). The attached is a letter that Local 50 has sent to our entire ELECTED representatives expressing our disgust with this application and what should be done with it.

We urge all of you to do the same. We will also be bring forward a resolution to our BC Division convention urging our elected representatives on the National Executive Board to withdraw the application.

In solidarity,

 

John Burrows
President
CUPE Local 50

#201-2736 Quadra Street

Victoria, BC V8T 4E6
Ph: 250-385-6023
FAX: 250-385-6024
email: cupelocal50@shaw.ca

 

 

 

John Burrows                                                                        Steve Curry

 

 

                                                       #201 - 2736 Quadra Street, B.C.  V8T 4E6

 

 

January 13, 2009

 

 

Paul Moist

National President

Canadian Union of Public Employees

 

Dear Brother Moist,

 

I have recently become aware of that CUPE National has applied to exclude the positions of Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director and certain other positions in each Province from our own staff union’s bargaining unit.  [The Canadian Staff Union (CSU)].  Please tell me this isn’t true.

 

Once again, it appears that our union is engaging in a practice that imitates that of the very employers we face every day and makes a mockery of our ongoing struggles to retain bargaining unit positions and the members who fill them. This kind of hypocritical action at the national level of our union can do nothing but undermine the principles which the union movement was founded and built on.

 

The message this proposal sends to all CUPE locals across Canada and their employers appears to be that we should surrender supervisory and technical positions currently in our bargaining units to our employers. That if it’s good enough for CUPE National to exclude Canadian Staff Union positions then it’s good enough for Municipal, School District, Social Services and other employers to exclude CUPE positions.

 

Surely you cannot possibly think that any good could come from your actions.    The result could only be that our employers would follow your actions.  If you or our employers were successful, the outcome would be a significant reduction in CUPE members throughout this country.  This would subsequently result in a significant reduction in dues we now pay to CUPE National, a significant reduction in the strength and voice of the Trade Union movement in Canada. Apart from the embarrassment it would create for us out here in the field representing our own members, it will be devastating to the reputation of CUPE were it to continue with their application to exclude these positions.

 

 

 

 

 

CUPE Local 50 stands opposed to these actions taken by CUPE National. Please respond and inform me that this proposal has been withdrawn and filed where it belongs – in the shredder.

 

We look forward to your response.

 

In solidarity,

 

 

 

John Burrows

President

CUPE Local 50

 

c.         Brother Malcolm Matheson, President, Canadian Staff Union

Claude Genereux, National Secretary Treasurer

National Executive Members; Daniel Legere, Lucie Levasseur, Sid Ryan, Kevin Rebeck, Barry O’Neill, Donna Ryan, Danny Cavanagh, Sandy Harding, Milo Murray, Charles Fleury, Nathalie Stringer, Michael Hurley, Candace Rennick, Wyman MacKinnon, Tracey Beastall, Tom Graham, D’Arcy Lanovaz, Mark Hancock, Ken Robinson, Yolanda McClean, Brian Barron

 

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19/1/2009

Danny Legere to get off scott free  ?

 

As far as we know ,  no charges have yet been laid against Danny Leger , charges could and SHOULD have been laid against him by one or ALL of the following CUPE 1251 (by Susan Barton) ,  CUPE NB (By Rick MacMillan) and CUPE National (by Paul Moist).  Not only has he not yet been charged he still sits as President of CUPE NB  ,  I guess this just goes to show how corrupt all these people really are ,  very very sad. 

On another note ,  it would be wise to question Susan Barton as to why we still have not gotten paid the 2 days of strike Pay they owe all the strikers ,  (worth about 20,000 $'s to cupe national) and why those that were paying the 10%  did NOT get thier refund for OVER PAYMENT !!!

There has to be some Legislation to control these people ,  they do whatever they want and get away with it,    talk to your MLA's  give the address of this web site to EVERYONE you know  , call the press, write letters to the editor !!!!!

CUPE was never meant to be this way ,  Paul Moist has taken CUPE down the wrong road !!!

 

Write to Paul Moist pmoist@cupe.ca ,  Susan Barton Sbarton@cupe.ca and Rick MacMillan Rick MacMillan macmillr@nbnet.nb.ca ask them WHY no charges have been laid ,  ask them WHEN are we going to get the money the owe us  !!!!

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02/01/2009

NO ACTION TAKEN AGAINST DANNY LEGERE

Now that members of CUPE 1251 understand why it took almost a year to do the AUDIT (CUPE National was trying to hide double billing by Danny Legere) they are trying to understand why no action has been taken against him.  Any other organization would have IMMEDIATELY initiated a full audit of CUPE NB and of CUPE 1251 covering ALL the years that Danny Legere was billing these two , as to determine exactly HOW MUCH he wrongfully received .... But I would imagine that Paul Moist and Bob Hicks would not like this to be made public , and what Paul Moist wants Paul Moist gets !

And to make matters worst , there are rumors that one of Danny Legers Puppets has returned to the Miramichi and plans are being put into place to make this person Sub-Local President ,  and possibly Provincial President ,  THE PLOT THICKENS .

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07/12/2008

Danny Legere Caught Double billing !

  Here is the Audit Report for CUPE 1251 Members only please !

Once you read this you will see that the Last executive is guilty of Nothing ,  we can't say as much about Danny Legere !!

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05/12/2008

CUPE National releases 1251 Audit

Finally the CUPE National Audit is done !!!  Only took 8  months DUH!   The report will be posted here shortly,  it's worth mentioning that the only thing that was OUT OF ORDER was Danny Legere (double billing),  if the Audit covered a few more years ,  and CUPE NB , and CUPE National I think we would see there was MUCH MORE ABUSE !

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02/12/2008

 

The Chosen Few

The following people have been chosen by CUPE National (NOT BY THE 1251 MEMBERSHIP) to decide what our Constitution will be , we find it very sad that there are people are gullible enough to let themselves be drawn into the CONTROL of CUPE NATIONAL , they are not doing CUPE 1251 a favor.... Don Roy, Maurice Leblanc, Leonard Wilkins, Bill Murray, and Mike Connors.

Almost each one of the above have been well baited :

 Mike Connors get to fly to Ottawa and Vancouver, etc cause Danny Leger and CUPE National put him on the Pink Triangle Committee ,

 Don Roy gets days off cause Danny Legere and CUPE National put him in a training program,

 Leonard Willkens was hired by CUPE for a 5 week period ,

Maurice Leblanc gets days off cause he was placed by CUPE National on the Compensation panel

So , as you can see CUPE National has played their cards well ,  and will have FULL control over our constitution.

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27/11/2008

Rumour or fact ?

 

Latest rumour ..... CUPE National plans to keep us under administration until spring - 09,  rather than October - 08 , so that the councilors can be Laid off with any interference form their Brothers and sisters in 1251 thus insuring the receive no REAL help from fellow Union Members ,  if true this is VERY very sad, and again proves CUPE National is working Closely with the Provincial Government to get rid of the Councilors , now that would explain why they never told anyone about these layoffs 8 months ago when they found out about it  !!!!

 

Nice Work Danny Legere , Bob Hicks and Paul Moist , please tell us what the Government. Promised you in return  !!!!  Did the Government promise to let CUPE organize the Casuals in return for these Layoffs ?  If so there will be more layoff to come , and other Unions can expect the same HELP that the Councilors got Form CUPE ..... LIP SERVICE !!

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2/11/2008

Information on CUPE Wrong Doing from Other Sources

While snooping around the Internet I cam across a few interesting articles :

 

Forums: 

http://forums.uncharted.ca/about1227.html
http://forums.uncharted.ca/post-14440.html&highlight=#14440
http://forums.uncharted.ca/post-14445.html&sid=6bbd73f15ec33ef019bc2bfac6187a42

 

FROM:

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/CommunitySupport/Real_Solidarity/

Disclaimer: Real Solidarity is not affiliated with or connected with CUPE in any way.

A Critical Analysis of the 2007 CUPE Constitution and 10 Questions

01. Should CUPE National have placed CUPE Local 3264 under trusteeship?

Romard v. CUPE

[73] I find that CUPE Local 3264 and its Executive failed the plaintiff at every turn. The "not caring" attitude manifested by the Local Executive was inconsistent with the duty of fair representation owed to the plaintiff by the Executive. It was this attitude which led the Local Executive to abandon the plaintiff, his rights and his career. This action and inaction together with the violation of the plaintiff's rights certainly caused him some degree of mental stress. For this and for the violation of the plaintiff's rights I award the plaintiff $25,000.00.

[15] ... The copying of this letter to the National body is the only piece of evidence showing that the National was aware of what was happening in the Local.

[65] In conclusion I find that CUPE National did not owe a duty of fair representation to the plaintiff. ...

Judge Felix A. Cacchione

Supreme Court of Nova Scotia

Romard v. CUPE

[161], [162], [163] and [168]

McPhee v. CUPE

02. Why does the CUPE (more than 500,000 members) national executive board, need the constitutional authority for instant borrowing?

Article 7.12

National Executive Board

The National Executive Board shall have complete authority to borrow monies and to pledge any funds or properties of the Canadian Union of Public Employees as security for such borrowing.

03. Does the membership of CUPE have to wait until the biennial national conventions, to see the audits of the union's books?

Article 9.3 (g)

National Officers

(g) The National Secretary-Treasurer shall have the books of the Union audited each year by a registered firm of chartered accountants selected by the National President and approved by the National Executive Board. Such audits shall be furnished to the National Executive Board and to the Convention.

04. Why shouldn't Article 9 state: the national secretary-treasurer shall post copies of updated collective agreements covering all CUPE National staff employees, on the CUPE National website? CUPE National staff employees' collective agreements are already accessible to the public and they are on file with the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

Article 9.3 (q)

(q) The National Secretary-Treasurer shall forward copies of updated contracts covering all Canadian Union of Public Employees staff employees to all Provincial Divisions and District Councils.

05. Don't CUPE's staff employees work for incumbent candidates (candidates for elected offices in CUPE)?

Article 16.6

General

No candidate for elected office in any chartered body of the Canadian Union of Public Employees or for its National Executive Board shall solicit or accept money or in-kind donations or other participation from an employee of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

06. Can local union trial committees [5 members Article B.6.3 (e)] find officers guilty, of violating the CUPE constitution?

07. Why shouldn't the memberships present at local union meetings, decide whether members are guilty or not, of violating the CUPE constitution?

Article B.6.4 (f), (h) & (i)

Trials

(f) The Trial Committee shall determine whether the accused is guilty or not of the complaint or complaints by secret ballot and a finding of guilt may only be sustained when at least four (4) members of the Trial Committee cast their votes for a finding of guilt against the accused.

(h) The chairperson of the Committee shall report the Trial Committee's decision, along with its recommendations for penalty or punishment if the accused is found guilty, first to the accused and the accuser and then to the next regularly scheduled or properly constituted membership meeting of the Local Union.

(i) The finding of guilty or not guilty shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. If the decision is guilty then the recommendation for penalty or punishment shall be dealt with by the Local Union which may alter or confirm the penalty or punishment recommended by the Trial Committee. If the Local Union has thirteen (13) members or less the Trial Committee's recommendation for penalty or punishment shall be the final decision.

08. Why shouldn't the accuser have the right to appeal?

Article B.6.5 (a)

(a) The accused may appeal the finding of guilt and any penalty or punishment imposed upon him/her under Article B.6.4 by appealing to the National President within thirty (30) days from the date when the decision of the Trial Committee was dealt with by the Local Union, or communicated to the accused if the Local Union has thirteen (13) or fewer members. No appeal may be taken by the accuser against a finding of not guilty or against any penalty or punishment imposed upon the accused.

09. Why shouldn't Article B.6 have maximum limits on any penalties or punishments?

10. Why shouldn't the accused have the right to appeal, to the national convention?

Article B.6.5 (f)

(f) The decision on any appeal shall be delivered by the Appeal Panel within thirty (30) days after the hearing of the appeal or the completion of written submissions. The Appeal Panel may confirm or set aside the finding of guilt, and may confirm, alter, or set aside any penalty or punishment imposed, and its decision shall be final and binding.

Amendt v. Hospital Employees Union

59. In this case, the Complainants were never provided with the complaint or even with the specifics of the complaint until after the August 22, 2003 decision. ... There was, in fact, no real investigation. ...

62. ... I find the Complainants were entitled to know the allegations against them and to be given an opportunity to provide an explanation before any decision was taken by the Provincial Executive. The Complainants were also entitled to know the steps in the process and avenues that would be available to them during the process.

Michael Fleming, Associate Chair

British Columbia Labour Relations Board

Amendt v. Hospital Employees Union

Bridgetech dispute

"This will continue my reporting on the ongoing situation regarding the massive over-spending on technology that I discovered after taking office last December, and the subsequent dispute and litigation with BridgeTech Systems Ltd.

As I indicated in previous reports, the National Executive Board decided to "write off" approximately $6.5-million of capitalized costs for work done by BridgeTech in implementing the so-called "integrated Oracle financials package" and a number of other National Office systems between 1998 and 2001. ...

Further settlement discussions are unlikely because of the discovery this summer of evidence clearly linking BridgeTech to schemes of false invoicing with respect to a campaign contribution to the Sid Ryan Campaign and to financing the attendance by CUPE participants at several Oracle Users' Conferences in the United States. ..."

Bridgetech dispute

CUPE caught up in scandal

"Allegations have been levelled against a campaign by Sid Ryan for the position of secretary-treasurer at the national union. ...

Among the allegations is a claim that thousands of dollars were paid by the union to companies for services never rendered and the inappropriate use of airline tickets paid for with members' dues.

Some of the money found its way into Ryan's campaign."

The Mail-Star September 19, 2002

2001 Election irregularities

"The police investigation is now over and criminal charges were laid on February 19, 2004. Four people have been charged with multiple counts of fraud and of conspiring to commit fraud. Two other persons were named as conspirators but not charged. ..."

2001 Election irregularities

CUPE lost more than 6,000 health care workers in Alberta in representation votes

"This year we also lost more than 6,000 health care workers in Alberta in representation votes. ..."

National secretary-treasurer's report - March 16-18, 2004

More than 2,000 health care members in Alberta have voted to leave CUPE and join AUPE

"More than 2,000 health care members in communities throughout Alberta have voted to leave CUPE and join AUPE, ..."

Carewest employees apply to switch unions to AUPE from CUPE

CUPE National sought major concessions from staff

"As we have told you in previous bulletins, the employer is seeking radical, drastic concessions to your pension plan. It is worth noting that each time we have met with the employer, they have added a new concession to their proposal.

This bulletin provides an overview of our proposals and the major concessions the employer has tabled."

Bargaining Bulletin #9, Pensions - What's At Risk? November 2, 2006

Real Solidarity email: real_s(at)chebucto(dot)ns(dot)ca

Links

CUPE National Constitution (PDF file)

CUPE 1734 Audit report 2006 (PDF file)

The CUPE-Ontario Boycott of Israel Demands a Response

Association for Union Democracy

Christian Labour Association of Canada - Legal Cases

 

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CUPE REP Pretending this is news to CUPE (CUPE knew about this for over 6 months!)

Professional CUPE LIP Service

 

 

The Liberal government is eliminating 46 civil service positions in the Department of Social Development, including eight in Fredericton.

The government told the employees Thursday that it's getting rid of 38 human-services counsellors, including two vacancies, and eight home economists.

"We are making some changes to the way that some of our services are being delivered in the province to improve the consistency (and) to reduce some overlap," said Social Development communications officer Shannon Hagerman on Friday.

She said those affected aren't social workers and don't perform child-protection services.

Human-services counsellors provide services such as transporting clients to appointments, providing care and training to clients, and supervising visits for children under a custody agreement, said Hagerman.

Home economists do resource management and family development, she said.

Hagerman said the government will ensure those services are still delivered to clients but she didn't say how.

Some regions of the province don't have human-services counsellors, she said. The government purchases those services from the private sector in regions where there are no human-services counsellors, said Hagerman.

"We are going to be looking at the way these services are delivered to improve consistency," she said.

Hagerman said this isn't a cost-savings measure.

"The Department of Social Development's budget certainly was increased this year," she said.

The human-services counsellors get six months notice and the home economists get three months notice as required by the two collective agreements, she said.

Hagerman said both groups of employees are invited to participate in the government's redeployment program. There are more than 150 vacancies in the Department of Social Development, she said.

Susan Barton, staff representative for CUPE Local 1251, which represents the human services counselors, said the government is getting rid of experienced employees.

"The members and CUPE were shocked that the government would make this decision ... and throw away 36 employees, some of them with 30-years-plus experience," she said.

Barton accused the Liberals of attacking the most vulnerable members of the province's society.

She questioned whether the clients of the Department of Social Development would get the same quality of service through contracting out to the private sector.

Barton said the government is just trying to save money.

"I am sure that the private agencies do it at a lesser cost than the public servants," she said.

Barton said many in CUPE are wondering if this is just the beginning of more cuts to the civil service to save money.

"I am sure it causes everybody a bit of anxiety," she said.

Barton said the employees were given six months notice as required by the union contract but no retirement package as has been done with other job reductions.

CUPE can't fight the cuts because the government is following the collective agreement by giving notice, she said. There are no bumping rights, she said.

Barton said there's no guarantee that the union members will get other jobs in government through the redeployment strategy.

Opposition Social Development critic Trevor Holder also viewed the civil service job losses as a financial cut.

"It is starting to look to me like the chickens are coming home to roost," he said.

"This government made some bad financial decisions early in their mandate and they can now not afford to fund the government department that New Brunswickers probably need the most."

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November 6th 2008

 

CUPE fails to Protect their members Again !

 

Human service counselors throughout the province with social development/family services have all been given notice today to vacate the premises as of May 5/09 ( six months notice )

So far NO comments from CUPE they are pretending they never knew this was coming (they would have gotten LOTS of advanced notice from the gov. as the former Executive did when some of our members went to the Hospitals) No comment from CUPE New Brunswick this is really sad  , CUPE 1251 pays $250,000 dollars per year to CUPE National and we get NO representation , this is a very sad day for the union movement in this province Long as people like Paul Moist,  Danny Legere and Robert (Bob) Hicks fill their piggy banks they don't give a rats ass about us.

PS Click on Members Comments to get more info.....

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September 24, 2008

 

CUPE moves quickly to do nothing

 

Vacations are pretty much over , people are back to work  and guess what ....  CUPE  has done absolutely NOTHING all summer ,  but then again it should not be a surprise,  it's par for the course.

It would seem that we could be under administration until early 2009 , ( makes us wonder why,  could it be so they can force Danny Legere on us again?)

A few people have gotten their hands on the new contract ,  (not I) we can't help but wonder if what was actually negotiated is in the contract ,  if we manage to get a copy we'll take a look.

Many people have written to us during the summer ,  those comments will be posted a bit at the time (members comments)

Here is a small list of issues that need to be resolved. (there are many many more)

1) Many work sites still don't have Shop Stewarts

2) CUPE STILL has NOT paid the 2 days strike pay they owe the members

3) The audit is NOT done yet !

4) There have been NO local Labor Management meetings

5)  There have been no Provincial Labor management meetings

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With many people on summer vacations , we don't expect much to happen this summer if anything does we will post , but I would suspect it will be September before there's any new developments .(CupeWebMaster)

 

 

June 29, 2008:

What are CUPE National's plans for CUPE 1251

 

Buckle your seat belts , ..... The main purpose of holding meetings across the province, as you can see for yourself if you attended these meetings, was not to give the members information cause NO information was relayed!  The real purpose is to scout out people that they can USE and CONTROL to part of the new CUPE 1251 executive.  With administration comes the abolishment of our by-laws ,  It took many years to get by laws set up so elections , etc.  would be fair across the province.  Without these by-laws all of CUPE 1251 can be controlled by ONE area of the Province (can't say by one sub-local cause they no longer exist) And one thing we can GUARANTEE without these by-laws the custodians will NOT go on strike. 

Get ready for what is to come , an executive controlled totally by CUPE National, friends of Danny Legere , who's priority will be CUPE National (and themselves) and NOT CUPE 1251 members.  All the CUPE reps will be instructed to support the "chosen ones" and sadly many members will , just cause they really don't know any better.  The only way to avoid this situation is for all of us as members of CUPE 1251 to speak to each other and ensure that the prior executive is voted back in,  hoping that CUPE National will NOT screw around with the Ballots , which would not surprise us at all.

Happy Canada day everyone !

 

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June 25, 2008:

New information about the Ottawa Meeting

It was revealed that Bob Hicks (Regional Director for CUPE National in New Brunswick) was present at at the meeting in Ottawa, Mr. Hicks made the first presentation and did everything he could to make CUPE 1251 look bad , to the point of exaggeration and Lying.  His recollection of events were much different than the two members present remembered.

Other CUPE Locals need to be carful when dealing with Mr. Hicks keep in mind the NOTHING is off the record or confidential when it comes to this man

Sid Ryan (General Vice-President CUPE National) was very suspicious of this Administration he asked many questions , and at one point said " I really don't understand why this local was placed under administration" Mr. Ryan has Many years of experience, is well respected and trusted, and if he couldn't get it , something is definitely wrong  !!!

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June 22, 2008:

CUPE National refuses to Drop Administration

 

The past president and sec. treasurer were invited to Ottawa to present their explanations on behalf of the past executive and 1251 members as to the reasons listed by Paul moist as to why 1251 was taken under administration. Paul Moist stated the ( real reasons ) at the meeting with the NEB in front of the two representatives and they were 1) the 1251 neg. team attempting to have the Corr. Officers reclassified to meet their request for equal pay for equal work, 2)  the harassment of female members in the Miramichi by the Miramichi past executives, and 3) a few emails sent by members who were on strike complaining about being on strike and not knowing why they were on strike.

 

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June 15th 2008:

DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION

We have been reading about DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION and in most cases it refers to situations between a Local and it's members.   We have yet to find any documentation that refers to a National Union's duty and obligations towards it's LOCALS and it's Members , we feel that this is direction we must go in so that ourselves and other Unions in New Brunswick have some recourse when they are unfairly treated by a National Union. 

If you can imagine .... Next week on Thursday the 19th part of the Executive of CUPE 1251 will appear in Ottawa before the VERY people that put CUPE 1251 under administration , to try and convince them that what they did was wrong !!  Good luck ,  we can't imagine that they would admit being wrong, it's not Human Nature to admit your wrong , now if they were appearing before a Independent board , there's no doubt in our minds that they would  have a VERY good chance !

We have been to contact with some MLA's and met with them ,  and they fully understand the need for Legislation that would give New Brunswick Unions some type of Protection from National Unions and a Guarantee of minimum level of service. Most MLA's we have spoken to have a hell of a hard time understanding how CUPE National could impose their will to the point they do WITHOUT at least meeting with the executive of that Union and discuss things BEFORE taking over a Unions , and, OVER AND ABOVE  that ,  use that very union's OWN money to impose Administration it's rather mind boggling even to them !

You can read here about DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION we will continue to research and seek out any legislation that could be used in New Brunswick as a template for our own Legislation , if any of you come across any information please feel free to pass it on to CupeWebMaster@gmail.com

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June 4th 2008:

Second Notice regarding Administration

The executive again have received a letter such the one received in March this one is for a meeting in Mid June , many members are very upset about this administration , and have asked the executive to make a presentation to CUPE National, therefore it would seem that this WILL take place.

 

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June 4th 2008

CUPE National Holds Secret Meetings

It would seem there was a ALMOST secret Sub Local meeting on the Miramichi around May 3ed it would seem that few people were notified , the exception seemed to be those few people who were bitching about the 1251 Executive , Phylis Bushell it seems had much to say it seems she does NOT want the Former executive to have the RIGHT to run for the 1251 executive ,  but wants Everett Godfrey to become Provincial President , then the Miramichi would be able to "Control" CUPE 1251, very sad if true , Phylis it's NOT about CONTROL , it's about helping others !

She also made a number of complaints about how badly the were represented in the past ,  but I guess that part don't count cause those complaints were against Danny Legere

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Danny Legere's Meteoric rise continues on the back of CUPE 1251 read here

 

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Paul Moist FINALLY replies

Finally !!  It only took Paul Moist 3 Months to come up with a reason for WHY we were put under Administration ! read here

 

 

Let's break it down to the facts:

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Here is some new info

CUPE National did NOT put us under Administration during negotiations cause they were afraid CUPE 1251 would go off to another Union

As soon as we voted for the contract CUPE National put us under administration cause they OWN us till the end of this contract

Now that the first series of Meetings throughout the province are finished,  Members realize that there's no rhyme nor reason to what CUPE National has done

IMPORTANT:

We have found out that some provinces have Laws guaranteeing "the Right To Fair Representation"  and if ANY Union does NOT properly represent it's Members the Members have some recourse.  In New Brunswick NOTHING is  guaranteed CUPE National can do as they please , they don't have to represent us , they don't have to explain anything (this was obvious by the lack of LEGAL action that was taken against the employer during the strike).

It is VERY important that ALL CUPE locals in New Brunswick begin to Lobby their MLA's so that Legislation can be introduced that would make it possible for ALL CUPE Locals to defend themselves against CUPE (when things go wrong) and to INSURE that CUPE National give New Brunswick Locals at LEAST a minimum of service  !!!!

 

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Answers to some questions

 

As you may or may not know CUPE 1251 has been taken under “Administration”  by CUPE National . Many people have called us and or emailed us asking what this meant and how it would effect CUPE 1251 as a result of these many questions it was decided to open this MEMBER SHIP site so that we could explain what this “administration” is all about.