Don't be misled
Dear Members of COTAPSA and non-union employees of the City of Toronto,
Today, Wednesday, May 19, the City of Toronto Employee and Labour Relations Committee will be receiving a staff report regarding Councillor Stintz’s motion to establish a Framework Agreement with COTAPSA.
The staff report confirms much of what COTAPSA has been saying for some time. The City of Toronto’s Human Resources department agrees that, “City administrators have developed a meaningful consultation, dialogue and input process with COTAPSA on various employment policy issues.” The report acknowledges that COTAPSA is the de facto representative of non-union employees. The City has made it clear that COTAPSA is their bargaining partner and has a strong track record of working on behalf of its membership. Establishing a Framework Agreement is the next step in this process.
Perhaps it is this recognition of COTAPSA as the representative of non-union employees that has led to the Society of Energy Professionals (SEP)’s recent attacks. In their letter dated May 12, 2010, the SEP tries to mislead City of Toronto non-union employees by positioning themselves as a kinder and gentler COTAPSA. Don’t be misled. The SEP is a union, and any claims from them to the contrary are simply false.
You may recall the Hydro One strike of 2005. Members of the SEP at Hydro One went on strike that summer threatening the security of Ontario’s electricity system during one of the hottest summers on record. After 105 days of holding Ontarians hostage, they returned to work having gained little. In their latest attacks, the SEP have once again changed their tune. They disguise themselves today to no longer be a union; they’re much cheaper and friendlier. And they have copied COTAPSA’s Framework Agreement. Consider also the following:
- Their efforts to hide the strong union politics of the SEP: It hardly seems a coincidence that the SEP and their American parent-union are barely mentioned in their latest letter.
- The cost of joining the SEP and union membership: it hardly seems a coincidence that they now claim they have lowered their fees by over $500 to match COTAPSA.
- The Toronto Municipal Professionals will be an association: It hardly seems a coincidence that this association is affiliated with the SEP and is likely to be certified in the future as a union. This will bring with it an increase in dues and the activities associated with the trade unions such as strikes.
- The importance of establishing a Framework Agreement with the City of Toronto: it hardly seems a coincidence that they are now copying COTAPSA in promoting a Framework Agreement.
COTAPSA has been working hard on your behalf, and the SEP is unable to offer anything that is not already being addressed by COTAPSA. Our track record is recognized by the City of Toronto and will provide you with the most benefit long term.
The establishment of a Framework Agreement is something that COTAPSA has been working toward for some time. Our Members know the value of hard work, so for this late arrival to suggest that there is some shortcut to Council is simply not true.
We urge you to join hundreds of your non-union colleagues and sign our petition (attached). The COTAPSA petition makes it clear that non-union employees deserve the same respect we have shown for the City. It is one of the keys to demonstrating to the City the importance of this issue. Please sign and either fax or scan and email the Petition back to COTAPSA at (416) 392-1379 or cotapsa@toronto.ca.
As the SEP runs out of time, and shifts its position and claims once more, don’t be fooled. This is a hard-line, American-dominated union with a clear track record of destructive behavior. Their “wolf in sheep clothing” disguise won’t fool City Council.
We look forward to our success as COTAPSA in our campaign to secure a Framework Agreement. As always, if you have any question please contact us.
Sincerely,
Richard Majkot, Executive Director
Glenn Steeves, President
