| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOCAL 414 and some of it's History
Local 414 has a proud and colourful history, the original Charter dates back to 1945, as a Provincial Local representing in the early days primarily Dominion Stores. The Local has gone through some rough and tumultuous times over the past 58 years. We presently have over 14, 000 members.
Years were spent battling with Conrad Black as he dismantled the Dominion Stores. At that time Dominion Stores Limited were the most profitable, highest volume Company in the Canadian grocery industry. Other changes we had to deal with were the practice of franchising grocery stores. Many of our No Frills Stores, Valumart Stores and Food Basics stores are franchised today.
We fought with Conrad Black for several years to recover pension monies that were owing to Local 4l4 members who worked in the Dominion Stores. As of today, $46 million dollars has been recovered and divided among the qualified active and retired members that worked at Dominion Stores who were entitled to pensions.
Local 4l4 has had many supporters within and outside of our Union, but we have also had to struggle with Corporations and other Unions to stay alive. Within our Union, Local 414 has had the benefit of direction from many devoted trade unionists. Local 4l4’s Directors who have included Michael Langdon, Dan Garvey, Ab Player, Roy Higson and Cecil Dahmer. All were former Local 4l4 members. Local 4l4 has never been affected or intimidated by the large Corporations that have tried to quash us; Corporate Giants didn’t care for one minute that our member’s lives were dependant on their jobs and their wages.
Local 4l4 has been affiliated with various Unions over the years. Back in 1993, the Canadian sector of “R.W.D.S.U.” divided from our American affiliates who wished to merge with “U.F.C.W.” The majority wanted a different home for our members, which is when our Union leaders and delegates from the membership chose the United Steelworkers of America. By the end of the seven-year marriage of the two Unions it was not working and dissolution was inevitable.
Local 4l4 and our Brother and Sister Locals were not to be exclusive for long because merger discussions were being initiated with CAW-Canada. CAW has traveled a similar path to us; they believe in choice, and they didn’t feel their International Union was fully benefiting Canadian workers, so they broke former alliances to become a Canadian entity. Our Local and R.W.D.S.U. have had ongoing links with CAW for many years. We still remember Bob White, President of CAW supporting our Local during the dark days with Conrad Black, and during the organizing drive with Local 1000 and Eaton’s. CAW has had many successful mergers over the years, ours being one of them, Local 4l4 believes our alignment with CAW is a good one. Local 4l4 has been able to expand our education programs and with CAW’s input, we have gained access to a wealth of advice to continue servicing our members, many of who work in the retail sector.
Local 4l4 has always been about our membership, while there were transition years, from one parent organization to another; we have always fought to keep our unique membership united. Local 4l4 stood by their Union brother and sisters from other R. W. Canada Locals, united in the fight against many corporate giants. Although we didn’t win all the battles our Local continues to fight the war against institutions that continue to abuse their power against working people.
Today, Local 4l4 has a broad scope of members whom we represent including grocery, retail and distribution centers. We represent members in such diverse industries as food & vending, food services, security guards, maintenance workers, glass auto parts, animal services, taxi dispatchers, secretarial, staff representatives, travel agents, tow truck drivers, nurses, meat processors and drug stores.
Since our Merger with CAW in 2000, Local 4l4 has gone through some evolutionary changes. Local 4l4 believes in democratic institutions where we elect people to represent our members and work for the advancement of our membership and the Labour Movement’s Ideals. That is after all what Trade Unionists are all about.
Local 4l4’s current executive was elected on June 2nd & 3rd, 2001, at the 29th By-Laws Convention by delegates chosen by the members.
|
|
|
|
|
Link to url |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNITS