A New Union for New Times Presentation on

A New Union for New Times Presentation on the CAW-CEP New Union Process

The Context: An Unprecedented Attack on Workers • Corporations are more aggressive and arrogant than ever. − Caterpillar, Brookfield, Rio Tinto, Vale, Resolute. − Not surprising, given the power they’ve been granted (globalization, labour laws, tax cuts). • Governments stand idly by (or worse yet join the attack). • Public attitudes have become more hostile, viewing unions as a “special vested interest. ” − This hurts our power. − This hurts our ability to organize new members. • Bottom line: Union power is eroding, and workers’ wellbeing is suffering as a result.

Union Density: Canada vs. U. S. Canada now where U. S. was in 1984, heading same way

The Core Idea • CAW and CEP have many factors in common: − Commitment to Canadian membership-driven social unionism. − Critical mass in many sectors of the economy. − Broad reach across all of Canada. • Together we are stronger. • Even more promising: we could use the founding of a new organization (MORE than just a merger) to revitalize the image and practice of trade unionism. − This will inspire others to join.

Membership Profile CAW: 193, 500 CEP: 110, 000 Manufacturing 45% 87, 000 Energy 30% 33, 050 Services 32% 61, 900 Comm’ns 29% 32, 267 Transportation 17% 32, 900 Paper 27% 29, 584 Primary 11, 600 Media 14% 15, 093 6%

Strong in every region and in every sector üMajor Auto üPulp and Paper üAuto Parts üForestry and Sawmills üAerospace üMedia and Graphics üTruck and Bus üHospitality and Gaming üTV, Radio and Newspapers üOther Manufacturing üShipbuilding üEducation üTelecommunications üFisheries üAirlines üRailways üRoad and Marine Transport üOil and Gas üGrocery Stores üMining and Metals üHealth Care üSocial Services üPetrochemicals…

CEP and CAW combined membership by province 9, 000 NT/NU/YK 558 27, 800 52, 090 12, 280 17, 359 10, 000 155, 878 6, 160 330 11, 800

Both Private and Public Sectors • A new union would have a significant ‘critical mass’ of members across most sectors of the economy. • While the majority of members would be in the private sector, the union would also represent tens of thousands of workers in the public sector, including public services (like health care, education, and public transportation) as well as crown corporations. • These members work in health care, universities, municipal transit, school boards, social services and crown corporations across the country.

Seizing an Opportunity… • CAW and CEP are both strong, capable, financially viable unions. • We recognize the challenges facing the labour movement, and our two unions. • But we are not driven to form a new union out of desperation. • Rather, this is an opportunity to combine resources, renew our practices, and strengthen our capacity to fight. • The times are more challenging than ever for workers and unions… … and we must improve our ability to face those challenges.

Early Steps • Initial informal discussions between leaders. • First 2 -day leadership meeting (Nov. 2011). • Preparation of discussion paper, A Moment of Truth for Canadian Unions. − Initial release & media coverage (Dec. 2011). • Second, larger full-day leadership meeting (Jan. 2012). • Agreement on “Process Protocol” to launches formal process. • Formation of formal Proposal Committee.

Proposal Committee • • Composed of 8 senior leaders from each union. Co-chairs are the two Secretary-Treasurers: − CEP: Gaétan Ménard − CAW: Peter Kennedy Supported by 3 staff from each side. Goal is to prepare a report that will be submitted to both unions’ conventions. − CAW: August − CEP: October This report would provide a “roadmap” forming a new organization. − NOT a detailed constitution (that would come later, if both unions approve). Special one-day workshop held on union renewal and innovation February 25, 2012. First meeting of Proposal Committee was held February 26 -27, 2012.

Timeline • • • February: Full Proposal Committee meets to identify issues, determine work plan, establish sub-committees. March – June: Proposal Committee and sub-committees have further meetings to perform detailed research & have further discussion on specific issues. March – June: Progress reports provided to regular meetings & councils of both unions. April – June: Special joint regional meetings held to brief local leaders and activists from both unions, gather input on founding principles of a new union. July: Report & supporting communication materials are prepared for the two conventions. August (CAW) / October (CEP): Presentation of report & recommendations to the two conventions.

Transparency & Communication • Goal: Keep process as transparent as possible to keep locals, leaders, and activists informed as we go along. − Minimize “surprises, ” confusion, gossip. • Public statements will be prepared & released after each Proposal Committee meeting. • Joint web site www. newunionproject. ca established to post documents simultaneously (in both languages). • Reports & consultations at regular councils and meetings held in both unions.

What’s “New” About the New Union? • • • A bigger union will be stronger and more capable of fighting back. But the new union must also be ready and able to do some things differently. Throughout this process, leadership will be considering new practices and structures that will enhance: − Our appeal to unorganized workers. − Our ability to organize new units & campaigns. − The visibility & power of our locals in communities. − Our critical mass in bargaining in specific sectors. Innovative ideas will be proposed and discussed as the process continues. Some things will not change: − Our commitment to providing first-rate representation to our members. − Our democratic, member-driven structure. − Our engagement in the broader debates struggles that shape society.

Lots to Talk About • There are many questions about what a new union would look like: − Name? − Structure? − Democratic governance? − Bargaining strategy? − Organizing strategy? − New practices? • These are the issues that the Proposal Committee will discuss and report on.

Next Steps • Proposal Committee and sub-committees are continuing their work. • Proposals for new practices & structures are being developed and discussed. • Reports to conventions will be made in August/October. • If they approve the “roadmap, ” then the process will move to the next stage: − Final agreements on structure, finances, constitution. − Finalize founding documents. • Full democratic process will be respected throughout: − No new union can be formed until approved by special founding convention of each existing union. • Possible foundation of new union: mid-2013?

Input is Welcome • The joint website (www. newunionproject. ca) will post regular reports. • Can sign up for news feed there, to receive updates directly. • Suggestions & ideas can be submitted to respective union officers.

A Hopeful Moment • This is a time of danger for unions, but a time of opportunity too. • So far the idea of a new, stronger, more innovative union has been welcomed warmly in both organizations. • It would also be a spark for the whole labour movement. − There will be wide interest in joining the new union. • Workers need the power of a union more than ever. • Our responsibility is to imagine and build the strongest, most effective fighting force we can.

“What motivates and energizes me in this whole process of creating a new union is the perspective of building a new organization anchored in communities, ready to defend the social, political and economical interests of all workers, unionized or not. The commitment and energy of the Proposal Committee members is very encouraging. ” - Gaétan Ménard, CEP Secretary-Treasurer and Proposal Committee Co-chair “The prospect of creating a new union is one filled with tremendous potential for our two individual unions, the members we represent and the labour movement as a whole. The Proposal Committee is now working to carefully address the many structural, organizational and financial issues involved in possibly creating a new union. ” - Peter Kennedy, CAW Secretary-Treasurer and Proposal Committee Co-chair

“The work of the Proposal Committee is fundamentally important for Canadian labour. We are building the foundation for a new type of union organization in Canada that can effectively take on right-wing governments and powerful corporate interests. That’s a tall order, but I am confident that if it can be done, our two unions will do it!” - Dave Coles, CEP President “Workers across this country need a strong, militant and innovative labour movement to represent them and push for greater social, economic and political equality. If we’re successful in creating this new union, I know it will be a powerful force in Canadian civil society and an even stronger voice for Canadian workers. ” - Ken Lewenza, CAW President

Thank You www. newunionproject. ca