16 November, 2020
For immediate release
Richmond, BC – The numbers added up nicely for Al Cyr, Business Representative and Organiser at IAM District 250 in British Columbia: 22 + 16 = 38.
When Cyr filed for certification at the BC Labour Relations Board, it was for 22 people. The employer wanted to add more classifications to increase the number of voters – a standard technique intended to dilute the support of the IAM. Cyr agreed to the higher number and filed a new request for 38 workers. When the vote finally occurred, a large majority voted IAM.
Workers at the auto dealership had approached Cyr to talk about joining the IAM. After several meetings, he had enough cards signed to file an application to the Labour Board
Even though the employer tried to delay the counting of the vote for various reasons, while having “captive audience” meetings, the new members stayed strong and voted for having a voice in their workplace.
“The main reason they joined was looking for respect, representation, better working conditions and safety concerns, said Cyr. “They were also tired of asking for wage increase only to have the request refused. They felt they would have more power as members of a union.”
The IAM will represent Service Advisors, Technicians, Parts Advisors, a Service Receptionist and a Lot Person.
The IAM represents almost `600 workers in automotive dealerships on Vancouver Island as well as in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
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Contact:
Al Cyr,
Business Representative and Organiser (acyr@iam250.org)
IAM District 250
Communications
Frank Saptel,
Communications Representative,
IAM Canada (fsaptel@iamaw.org)
