CLC / CTC 70 YEARS STRONG - Unifor 433unifor433.org/content/uploads/2013/11/News-Views-Spring-2011.pdfJames Monks [email protected] ... Sonoco and Sulzer Pumps. Both agreements

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CLC / CTC

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Business Agents Report pg.2

Mouseland pg. 8&9

Volume 15 Issue 1 Spring 2011

Next meetings are May 19,June 16 and August 18. All

meetings start at 8 p.m.

70 YEARSSTRONG

LOCAL 433 LOOKSBACK

AND MOVESFORWARD

Inside this issue:

CEP 433 A HISTORY

Pages 4-7 & 10-15

Page 2 News and Views

EditorsOtto WittenbergJames Monks

[email protected]

C.E.P. Local 433#102 - 8988 Fraserton Court

Burnaby, B.C.V5J 5H8

Phone - 604-321-3471Fax - 604-321-6249

email [email protected] Page - www.cep433.ca

Business Agent Brent Reid

Printer - G.A. Roedde#3 -12840 Bathgate Way

Richmond, B.C.

Business Agent Report

the

MonitorCCPA

ARTICLES FROM

CEP433.org is the newwebsite that has been

launched. We no longer havethe domain name cep433.ca it

has been hi jacked and weare attempting to get this

back. So we have relocatedour new site to cep433.org.The site is being populated

and updated information hasstarted to be put onto the

new sight. Check it out and letus know what you think. It isstill in its development stage,so please be patent as we get

the pages filled.It has been an eventful spring

as collective bargaining hasbeen completed achieving

collective agreements atSonoco and Sulzer Pumps.Both agreements were fair

agreements with noconcessions. Bargaining withACR Rubber is under way andwe are hopeful to come to anagreement there as well. With13 units it seems that one of

the units is always inbargaining or involved at the

labour board.Pioneer Envelopes has been

bought out by Supremex. TheLocal has been at the labourboard since October fighting

for a representation votewith the PPWC. We won theright to a vote and that votewas held but several ballotscast were challenged by thePPWC, the Company or us.

Submissions have beenentered by all parties and weawait the board’s decision as

to which votes will count.While all this is going on thePPWC has now appealed thelabour boards ruling to hold

the vote. As the unrestcontinues, I am hopeful thatthe issue will soon resolved

one way or another. Thisissue should have been

resolved in early Novemberbut inaction and delays havemade this process anythingbut efficient. When crown

Packaging wanted the boardto rule against us in a matteraround overtime they had usbefore the board within 24

hours. We only wish thatwhen the Union applies thatthe board could move that

fast.The CEP and Local 433 lost agreat leader and a big part ofour history last month withthe passing of Gid Diekman.

Gid was out of Crownpackaging and served the

Local as our Business Agentthen move on to became aNational Rep. The labour

movement was thebeneficiary of his activismand leadership. At the last

pulp and paper wage caucusthe delegates stood for a

minutes silence in hismemory. To be rememberedand never forgotten. We passon our warmest thoughts to

his family.As May 2nd approaches I

would like to remindeveryone to vote.

(continued next page)

Volume 15 Issue 1 Spring 2011 Page 3

ExExExExExecutiecutiecutiecutiecutivvvvve ofe ofe ofe ofe of C C C C C.E.P.E.P.E.P.E.P.E.P..... Local 433 Local 433 Local 433 Local 433 Local 433

President - Otto WittenbergVice-President - Mike BeniachRecording Secretary - James MonksFinancial Secretary/Business Agent - Brent ReidTreasurer - Brad JohnsonTrustee - Tom FultonTrustee - Greg DuffTrustee - Ken MacDonaldInner Guard -Outer Guard - Craig Jacobs

E Mail anyone?

The Editors of the News and Views would liketo offer the members fo Local 433 the

opportunity to receive the newsletter by emailin PDF Adobe format.Just drop us a line at

[email protected] and it will be done.

James & Otto.

Articles appearing in Newsand Views express the viewsof the authors. They are

not necessarily the policyof the CEP or views

shared by the editors orCEP officers.

Over the last number of years the right wing agenda has made things very difficult forfamilies to make ends meet. It has become difficult for Unions to organize and act in the bestinterests of working people. Everyone makes a decision as to what each person feels is best

for their livelihood. In my view the huge tax cuts for big business that then laid tens ofthousands of workers off is not the course to continue toward. If you or I were to get any type

of government help, it would require a lot of accountability and lots of red tape, but for thesebusinesses like the banks, all they do is ask and receive then use the money to pay huge

management severance packages and salaries. At the same time they reduce there work forceby thousands. Supporting business and manufacturing with public money (our tax structure)

should come with strings like employment numbers. It makes no sense to me to continuedown the same path that caused the financial collapse in 2008. More of the same is not the

answer and that seems to be all the conservatives have to offer,

Business Agent Report(continued)

In solidarityBrent Reid

Page 4 Spring 2011 News and Views

CEP LOCAL 433A History

The very first meeting of Local 433 took place on March 26th 1941 at the Vancouver Labour Temple. Fifty-twoworkers from Pacific Mills signed up at that meeting, with Brother Killen, International Representative of the

International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Papermill Workers. The first member to sign a card was Brother BillArnold. At the next meeting on March 30th another twenty-eight workers signed up for a total of eighty workers. Officerselected at that meeting, Brother Herman Phillips as President and Brother Flack as Treasurer. Meetings were set as

the 3rd and 4th Mondays of the month.

In April of that year, the Local joined the Vancouver and District Labour Council. Dues were set at $1.25 for men and$1.00 for women. The Local sat in on the up-coast talks with Ocean Falls and Powell River. The first Standing

Committee consisted of President Herman Phillips and Brother Bill Geddes for the Box Plant and Brother J.Sutherland for the Warehouse. The Local decided to go with one meeting per month in the July meeting of that year. In

August Brothers McMurphey and Condon were elected as trustees. There was discussion of fining members for notattending and of going for a 44-hour week at the next contract.

At the September meeting, one member was expelled for crossing a Meatcutters picket line and molesting a picketer.In December of 1941 a by-law was passed that suspended members if they missed 4 successive meetings but at theMay 1942 meeting the by-law was rescinded and a $5.00 attendance award was started. To be eligible you had to bepresent or working. At the July 27th meeting it was decided to have a Moonlight Cruise to Belcarra Park and we invited

Local 456 (Scott Paper) to participate.

At the February 1943 meeting the Initiation was raised to $2.00 plus one month’s dues. And at the June meeting it wasdecided to have our meetings on the third Thursday of the month, and it remains that way until today. In August the

Initiation was raised to $4.25 for males and $4.00 for females. And in September of that year part-time workers weremade to join the Union.

At the January 1944 meeting the $5.00 attendance draw was discontinued. In January of 1945 Bemis Bag joined ourLocal with 14 new members along with Bartram Paper Products. In June of that year Canadian Boxes joined also thus

making us a Composite Local. A by-law committee was formed and Initiation went up to $5.00.

In January of 1947 Brother Orville Braaten was elected President of the Local. The International Representative wasBrother Hansen. In February Excelsior Paper joined the Local and we again sent delegates to the Up-Coast

Bargaining. At the May 22nd meeting there was a Notice of Motion to hire a Business Agent and get an office. Themandate of the Local was to organize the entire Paper Industry in Vancouver. The dues were increased at that time by50 cents to cover the extra expense. The motion to hire a Business Agent passed and our first Business Agent, Brother

Orville Braaten, was elected on July 17 1947. At that time the Companies that were organized were Pacific Mills,Canadian Boxes, Bemis Bag, Bartram Paper Products, Bartram Industries, London Paper, Pioneer Envelopes, St.

Regis Paper, Excelsior Paper Stock and Smith Davidson and Wright. The Local was attempting to organize at BeltonPaper Box, Columbia Paper, Vancouver Paper Box, Norfolk and at Davies Paper.

At the May 20th, 1948 meeting the Committees informed the International that Local 433 intends to accept no lessthan that won by the Up-Coast Locals and at that meeting International Pulp Wood Supply joins the Local and a

contract was attained with their employer. At the June meeting Barber Ellis joins the Local and in August VancouverBox is certified. In September of that year it was passed that a “Newsletter” be regularly compiled, edited and


distributed. And that a member was to be selected from each plant to act as a news gatherer or reporter for same. Thedeadline would be the second week after each meeting with the Business Agent as the Editor.

In 1949 at the March 17th meeting it was decided to combine the Financial Secretary with the Business Agents job. InJune Davies Box joins the Local. Also in June the Local rents an office at the Pender Auditorium. In October Pacific

Mills attains a 40-hour week.

In August of 1950 the Business Agent was given 2 weeks vacation with pay and the Secretary attended the office duringhis absence. Brother Stan Green was the International Representative.

In 1951 our General Meetings were held in the Lower Hall at 339 West Pender. At the August meeting it was decided toparticipate in a Labour-Management Safety Conference. On September 17th a strike commenced at Pacific Mills and

Canadian Boxes.

In 1952 our Business Agent, Brother Orville Braaten ran in the Provincial as an Independent Labour Candidate. TheLocal donated $25.00 to his unsuccessful cause.

In April of 1953 our office was broken into for the first time. The plants belonging to the Local at the time were PioneerEnvelopes, Barber Ellis, Smith Davidson & Leckie, Bartram Paper Products, Bartram Industries, International PulpSupply, Pacific Mills, Canadian Box, Excelsior Paper, Bemis Bag, and St. Regis Paper. In 1953 at our November

meeting it was moved and carried that members of Local 655 Vancouver Box be assimilated by our Local.

At the June of 1954 meeting there is the first reference to Crown Zellerbach, which was a combination of Pacific Mills,Canadian Box, Bonar & Bemis, Bartram Paper Products, and Bartram Industries.

At the April 1955 meeting the Local applied for certification of Martin Paper Products (Smirfitt/MBI) and at the Augustmeeting it was moved and carried to send a letter to the Printing Specialties Union offering amalgamation to their

Union at National Box, Belkin Paper Box, Vancouver Paper Box and Unipak Cartons. That year there was a motion tohave a definite set of rules for elections in the Local.

In May the Local sold a trailer it owned for $50 plus tax. The Local plans a dance for June. At the June meeting themembership decided to review in July how we are operating without At the March 1956 meeting it was announced thatBarrett Roofing was certified to the Local. Also on May 1st of that year Crown Zellerbach (Crown Packaging) opened

its plant in Richmond. It was for some years the largest manufacturing plant in Western Canada (54 acres).

In 1957 Dorothy Paterson was hired as our secretary. Dorothy was to work for the Local until 1994.

The Crown Committee for 1959 was comprised of Brothers Karl Stelp, Bill Charlebois, Al Maddaloni, and WoodyFontaine.

At the January meeting in 1960 the Plant Committees were directed to phone in the minutes of meetings held withManagement and Shop Stewards. These minutes would be copied and sent to the plants for distribution. There was

also a dues increase of 75 cents. Dues then became $4.25. In September it was announced that Cattermole is boughtout by C.I.L. Also Local 655 became part of our Local and all funds became part of our Defense Fund.

The Committees for 1960 were: at Bonar and Bemis, Brothers W. Neeld, J. Barr, and D. Dyer; at Barrett Roofing BrotherR. Perran; at B.C. Paper, Brother E. Zimmer; at Columbia Paper, Brother C. Ridler; at Adanac Brother G.

O’Shaughnessy; at Martin Paper, Brothers R. Noel, G. Marshall and R. Davidson; at Crown Zellerbach, Brothers KarlStelp, Bill Charlebois, H. Ryan and Don Terlson; at Excelsior Paper, Brother W. Davidson; at Pioneer Envelopes,


Brother S. Millar; and at St. Regis, Brothers V. Wiwchar, L. Reid, and M. Barber.

In the 1960’s our Local put on a Christmas Party and Dance, an Anniversary Banquet and St. Patrick’s dances. Therewere also regular Shop Steward Meetings at which they had various speakers and showed films.

In August of 1962 the membership approved a five-year lease for the office at 40th and Victoria. Our Generalmembership meetings were held at the Victoria Drive Community Hall. And in September of that year Brother Gideon

Diekman is elected a Trustee. Also a Holding Society is formed at that meeting.

At the February of 1963 meeting, International Representatives Hansen and Lorraine spoke of the unrest within B.C.Locals and the need to study Canadian autonomy from the International. At the May meeting it was announced that

Vancouver Paper Box, National Paper Box and MacMillan Bloedel were merging into one Company. In December theLocal protests another National Union and Sister Margaret Carter resigns as Recording Secretary. On December 10th

Brother Orville Braaten resigns as Business Agent effective January 31st of 1964 after a referendum vote (397 – 166,23 spoiled) in which Crown plays a pivotal role.

At the January 1964 meeting it was voted that Brother Karl Stelp be the temporary Business Agent until the end ofMarch. In February of 1964 the PPWC Local 5 raids C.I.L. and Bonar and Bemis Paper and Specialty Division. CrownZellerbach (the division that became Unisource) moves to the current site on Annacis Island in April of 1964. Therewas considerable discussion on the eligibility of members in the forthcoming elections. At the March meeting the

members voted that the office secretary be responsible to the President only. They also voted to authorize Brother KarlStelp to write a leaflet in the best interests of Local 433 in reply to a recent leaflet issued by PPWC Local 5. It is

announced at that meeting that Brother Stelp will become an International Representative. There was an election forFinancial Secretary and Brother John Senick is voted in with 246 votes to Sister Margaret Carter’s 223 votes with 4spoiled. In July the Local loses Smith, Davidson, & Lecky to Local 5 of the PPWC. Former Business Agent, Brother

Orville Braatan and Brother Angus McPhee are involved. At the August 1964 meeting Brothers Diekman and West ranagainst each for the Business Agent’s position. The resulting election confirmed Brother Gideon Diekman as ourBusiness Agent. At the September meeting the Business Agents hours are were set as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as far as

practical. At that meeting a Christmas Dance is also planned.

In 1965 the Plant Committees were; for Adanac, Brother J. Hohler; at Barber Ellis, Brothers B. O’Gradnick and J.Garuik; at Allied Chemical, Brothers R. Perran and W. Gultz; at Crown Zellerbach Richmond, Brothers Gid Diekman,Bill Hadikin, Doug Hengstler, and Don Hansen; at International Pulp, Brother J. Temperton; at St. Regis Paper, SisterLinda Reid and Brothers M. Lock and A. Cowan; and at Hilroy Envelopes, Sister Mona Cunningham and Brother Ben

Reiter.

At the April meeting a minute of silence was observed for Sister Margaret Carter who passed away suddenly. SisterCarter served the Local for many years in many positions most notably as Recording Secretary. In August the Local

applies for certification for 20 members at Griffith Rubber Mills in Surrey. In September the dues are increased by themembership to $5.00.

Allied Paper joins the Local in February of 1966 and the Local seeks certification for Young Paper (now CustomPaper). At the June meeting the Executive discusses the raiding activity at Pioneer Envelopes, Barber Ellis, and Adanacby PPWC Local 5 and ex-Business Agent Orville Braatan. On a positive note Huntington Rubber Mill comes into Local

433.

At the January meeting of 1967 it was passed by the membership that the Local continue to send flowers in respect ofLocal 433 members who have passed away. In lieu of flowers, at the family’s request, a donation may be made to thesociety or foundation of their choice. At February meeting it was passed that no member shall hold office for the time


he or she has accepted a relief or temporary staff position. At the June meeting the Local voted to withdrawmembership from the Western Canada Council. Also in September the dues were increased by $1.00.

In March of 1968 Canadian Gypsum goes on strike. In May of that year the Local felt it was necessary to put anassessment of $1.00 for the duration of the strikes now underway in the Local. In September that year, there was alsosome attempted raiding at the Crown Zellerbach Richmond plant by the PPWC. That was rejected by the workers at

the plant. In December the dues were raised to $7.50 a month.

The plants certified in the Local in 1969 were Adanac, Allied Paper, Canadian Gypsum, Hilroy Envelopes, YoungPaper, Consolidated Bathurst, CZ Paper, CZ Richmond, Excelsior Paper, Griffin Rubber, and Huntington Rubber. In

March of 1969 the locals President, Brother Barney Toews, announced the retirement from C.Z. Richmond of chartermember, Brother Jack Stafford. In June of that year former Business Agent, Brother Orville Braaten passes away.

Sonoco joins the Local in March and N.F. Smith is certified in November.

In February of 1971 the plants in the Local consisted of McMillan Bloedel, Consolidated Bathurst, Crown ZellerbachPaper (Unisource), Crown Zellerbach Richmond (Crown Packaging), Excelsior Paper, Huntington Rubber, CanadianEnvelopes, Hilroy Envelopes, Stowe-Woodward, NF Smith, Sonoco, Young Paper (Custom Paper), Canadian Gypsum,Adanac, Belkin Packaging Corrugated (Norampac), Belkin Folding, and Crown Zellerbach Chip Supply (Catalyst). At

the March meeting of that year the membership decided not to have meetings in July and December and theChristmas party for the Local was cancelled that year.

Local President, Brother Stan Brophy is electrocuted in April of 1972. Stan worked at Crown Zellerbach Richmond andit was a home accident. Brother Russ Malenchuk was elected to the vacant president’s position. That year the Local

buys a car ($3500 + tax) of which $2000 comes from the Defense Fund. It was repaid back at a rate of $100 permonth. In that year the Civic Employers Credit Union owned the building we rented for office. In September the Local

abandons the Excelsior Paper certification but gains National Paper Box.

At the February 22, 1973 meeting it is announce that Brother Stelp, International Representative, is resting comfortablyafter suffering his second heart attack. In April the initiation fee goes up to $10 and the Office Secretary’s rate is basedon Consolidated Bathurst base rate. In June the Local makes application to certify 125 members at M&B Corrugated

in New Westminster. This plant was the first to move out and form Local 5 of the PPWC 10 years previously. The issueswere some plant problems and inefficiency by Local 5 to do a job for people. At a labour board supervised vote, the

PPWC is voted in by a margin of 64 – 50.

In January 1974 we sent delegates again to the Vancouver and District Labour Council. And in April of 74 there was areferendum vote to form the Canadian Paperworkers Union; the vote was 86% in favour. We sent 4 delegates to thefounding convention, those being Brothers Art Redekop, Gid Diekman, Bill Charlebois, and Russ Malanchuk. OnSeptember 1, 1974 the CPU becomes a reality. The new National Officers are Brothers L. Lorrain as President, J.

Buchanan as Secretary Treasurer, VP Area 1 is A. Ferlatte, VP area 2 is J. DeCarufel, VP area 3 is T. Curley, VP area 4is E.P. O’Neal. At the September 19th meeting Local President, Brother Malenchuk, resigns and Brother Art Redekop is

elected as President and Brother George Neufeld is elected as Vice President.

At the January 16, 1975 meeting it was M/S/C that the Local President would provide relief for the B.A. while onvacation. In October Wage and Price Controls are brought in by the government and the Local supports strikers back

east with an assessment on their dues (64 people attended that meeting).

In March of 1976 members at Belkin Corrugated walkout over a retro pay dispute. In April, Brothers G. Diekman,B.Charlebois, A. Redekop and George Neufeld are voted to attend the first Constitutional Convention of the CPU. In

September members go on strike against Canadian Gypsum.


It’s the story of a place called Mouseland. Mouseland was a place where allthe little mice lived and played, were born and died. And they lived much the

same as you and I do.

They even had a Parliament. And every four years they had an election. Usedto walk to the polls and cast their ballots. Some of them even got a ride tothe polls. And got a ride for the next four years afterwards too. Just like youand me. And every time on election day all the little mice used to go to theballot box and they used to elect a government. A government made up of

big, fat, black cats.

Now if you think it strange that mice should elect a government made up ofcats, you just look at the history of Canada for last 90 years and maybe you’ll

see that they weren’t any stupider than we are.

Now I’m not saying anything against the cats. They were nice fellows. Theyconducted their government with dignity. They passed good laws—that is,laws that were good for cats. But the laws that were good for cats weren’tvery good for mice. One of the laws said that mouseholes had to be big

enough so a cat could get his paw in. Another law said that mice could onlytravel at certain speeds—so that a cat could get his breakfast without too

much effort.

All the laws were good laws. For cats. But, oh, they were hard on the mice.And life was getting harder and harder. And when the mice couldn’t put upwith it any more, they decided something had to be done about it. So theywent en masse to the polls. They voted the black cats out. They put in the

white cats.

Tommy Douglas was the most influential politician never to be elected PrimeMinister. He pursued his radical ideas relentlessly until they became so mainstream

rival politicians claimed them as their own (healthcare). Called a communist andthreatened by in-party fighting, Douglas battled hard to bring the New Democratic

Party to legitimacy in its first ten years. He was often criticized for his singularidealism but through it all Douglas was undeterred, convinced that he was helping to

create a better, more humane society. In 2004, Douglas was voted number one inCBC’s The Greatest Canadian contest.

Tommy Douglas’ Mouseland


Now the white cats had put up a terrific campaign. They said: “All thatMouseland needs is more vision.” They said:”The trouble with Mouseland is

those round mouseholes we got. If you put us in we’ll establish squaremouseholes.” And they did. And the square mouseholes were twice as big asthe round mouseholes, and now the cat could get both his paws in. And life

was tougher than ever. And when they couldn’t take that anymore, they votedthe white cats out and put the black ones in again. Then they went back tothe white cats. Then to the black cats. They even tried half black cats and

half white cats. And they called that coalition. They even got one governmentmade up of cats with spots on them: they were cats that tried to make a

noise like a mouse but ate like a cat.

You see, my friends, the trouble wasn’t with the colour of the cat. The troublewas that they were cats. And because they were cats, they naturally looked

after cats instead of mice.

Presently there came along one little mouse who had an idea. My friendswatch out for the little fellow with an idea. And he said to the other mice,“Look fellows, why do we keep on electing a government made up of cats?

Why don’t we elect a government made up of mice?” “Oh,” they said, “he’s aBolshevik. Lock him up!”

So they put him in jail.

But I want to remind you: that you can lock up a mouse or a man but youcan’t lock up an idea.

Mouseland


At the April 21, 1977 meeting it is announced that Pioneer Envelopes is rejoining Local 433. In May Capital Plasticsapply for membership and PPWC Local 5 charges raiding. Also the attendance door prize starts up again at $100, up

to five names are called and then the prize is carried over until the next month and increased by $50.

In January of 1978 the Local advertises for a backup Business Agent. Recording Secretary, Brother Bill Newnham winsover sitting President, Brother Art Redekop 71 – 65. In February it is announced that Bonar & Bemis is closing, that

certification used to be part of Local 433 before joining Local 5 PPWC. At the March meeting, local B.A. Brother GidDiekman tells Local of Perma Tube (Local 5 PPWC) that makes the same product as Sonoco with rates $1.00 - $1.35below Sonoco’s old rates. In September we send 5 people to the National Convention. Brother Art Gruntman was the

Region 4 (Western Region) Vice President. The first Keg draw was made and VP Gruntman said he was pleased withthe turnout and was confident it had nothing to do with the $350 attendance prize. Brother Brian Payne becomes a

National Representative.

In March of 1979 Brother Gid Diekman becomes a National Rep and Brother Ron McPhedran is voted our newBusiness Agent. In June the Local applies for certification at Quaker Packaging (later to become Domtar then

Boxmaster) and Instabox, and the Local inherits two small plants, Western News from Local 1129 and IndustrialMinerals, which was previously under an old Domtar contract. WCB cases on the increase. There was no August

meeting as the hall on Victoria Drive was not open.

On June 18, 1981 it was M/S/C to give Recording Secretary the next day to prepare the minutes of the meeting.

The Companies in 1982 are Canada Envelopes, Capital Plastics (Pliant), Consolidated Bathurst (Flexia), CrownZellerbach Annacis (Unisource), CZ Coast Wood By-Products (Norske Canada), CZ Richmond (Crown Packaging),

Custom Paper, Domtar, Esselte Pendaflex, Globe West Inc., Hilroy Ltd., Industrial Minerals (Rem Ray), PioneerEnvelopes, Somerville Belkin Industries, Sonoco Ltd., Stowe Woodward, Western Newsprint. In the fall of 1982 all Box

Plants are on strike in Eastern Canada (it was a seven month strike).

In February of 1983 Brother Bill Arnold of Crown Packaging retires (Bill was involved with the Local from thebeginning). The Local upheld the policy that a ballot is spoiled if the requested number of candidates has not beenmarked on a ballot. In May there is a $29,000 damage award for picketing Weyerhauser in Kamloops for receiving aroll from Stowe Woodward who was on strike at the time, and the Solidarity Movement is born in B.C. In April, Crown

Forest Richmond is down for 27 days by secondary pickets from the up coast Locals, and we organized Celco inCoquitlam.

In June of 1986 Temporary National Rep, Brother Dave Coles assists the Local during Brother Gid Diekmans’absence, while recuperating from a stroke.

In January 1989 long time Executive member Brother Bill Charlebois of Crown dies suddenly. In February BrotherDave Schaub is elected as Business Agent and in August of 1989 there are 410 people working at Crown Forest.

At the February 20 1992 meeting it is announced that there are 17 contracts up for renewal that year. Accurate Rubberjoins the Local that year. There is the first attempt to organize Merfin Paper (Buckeye). At the August 20th meeting

Sister Dorothy Paterson our office secretary was honored for her 60th birthday and 35 years with the Local. The Localgave her a vacation in Reno. Business Agent, Brother Dave Schaub becomes a National Representative. Brother Bill

Newnham becomes our acting Business Agent. In November of that year Brother Dennis Atkinson is hired as B.A.

In January 1993 it was M/S/C that Brother Bill Newnham takes over for relief for Dorothy and the Business Agent. CrownPaper becomes Unisource merging with Smith Paper and Price Daxion. PPWC leaflets Crown Richmond and

Domtar. Our meetings move to the Royal Towers in New Westminster. In April of 1993 Brother George Doering is paid


tribute for his work with the Local and in May Finance Minister Glen Clark attends our meeting along with CLC stafferBrother Gord Larkin. In June a special meeting is held to review the 6 month work of our B.A. Brother Dennis Atkinson

and his services were terminated. Brother Bill Newnham agreed to fill in. In August 10 by-law amendments are passed.Brother Gid Diekman retires as National Rep in December, he was our B.A. from 1964 – 1978 and National Rep since

then. In September the members choose Brother Gord Campbell as Business Agent, he is to start on October 25th.Also in October, Sister Dorothy Paterson, our secretary, is off ill with cancer. Brother Jim Britton becomes our National

Rep. and in November the Local gives Brother Gid Diekman a lifetime membership card.

At the March 17, 1994 meeting Brother Bill Newnham is given a plaque for 16 years service to the Local. WesternRegion Vice-President Brother Norm McLellan dies. And in May Sister Dorothy Paterson dies of cancer, she was oursecretary for 37 years. Brother Bill Newnham is then hired as full time secretary and remains a member of Local 433.Albany announces the closure of their plant in the spring of 1995. In June the Local joins the Provincial Council of the

CEP. Adtronics joins the Local along with Granada T.V. and Brother George Doering announces he is retiring.

In January of 1995 Brother George Neufeld retires. At the national level President Brother Don Holder retires in Maybecause of illness and Brother Fred Pomeroy becomes President. In June Crown folding announces the closure ofthe plant. In August it was passed to train Brother Ron Schuck as relief secretary and in October former President,

Business Agent, and National Representative Brother Karl Stelp dies.

In August of 1996 Montenay joins our Local. Borden had voted to come from the PPWC Local 5 earlier. Also LandmarkDairy joins the Local.

In January of 1997 Crown Packaging agrees to send 8 people to the Harrison Winter School. In September WesternRegion Vice-President, Brother Brian Payne says we can refuse membership for failure to show up for initiation. In

November members vote to put in $1.50 per member per month for an Education Fund.

In October of 1998 a committee is formed to look into purchasing an office with CEP Local 601. In November there isan affirmative vote to have all meetings non-smoking.

In February of 1999 former President Brother Art Redekop dies. Art was President for many years. In April themembership approves plans to purchase an office on Fraserton Court in Burnaby with CEP Local 601. In May JimSinclair becomes B.C. Fed President. In September, Paul Dhillon, the son of one of our members Brother Lucky

Dhillon receives a CEP Scholarship. In November the Local plans a Pension seminar.

In April of 2000 the Local passes a motion to have a Picnic. In September Western Region Vice-President BrotherBrian Payne becomes National President at convention in Montreal to which the Local sent 4 members. Stowe

Woodward announces their closure.

In May 2001 Vision Packaging becomes our newest certification. At the June 21st meeting the Local gives retiringmember Brother Barrie Cosens a 45 year pin and a Local 433 jacket, he was on Crown Committee for 29 years.

In March of 2002 the Local looses a certification vote at Boxmaster.

In September the workers at Mountain vote to become members of Local 433, there are 74 workers. It is announcedthat Jesse Dhillon wins the CEP scholarship; this is the second child of Brother Lucky Dhillon, a worker at Crown

Packaging, to receive a scholarship. The CEP celebrates 10 years as a Union, the Local sends 4 Executive membersto the CEP Convention (B.A. Gord Campbell, President Ben Inglis, Vice-President Otto Wittenberg, and Recording

Secretary Ron Schuck). Brother Bill Newnham our Office Secretary announces his retirement in September of 2003.He will have served in that capacity for 10 years.


In February of 2004 the Executive decides to use Sister Katherine Montgomery from Local 601 in the adjoining officeas a part time secretary as Brother Bill Newnham is retiring. Katherine will not belong to the Local Union as she

belongs to another Union. The Executive and members decided to buy Bill a trip for him and his wife to Las Vegas anda fishing rod for him to enjoy his retirement. At the August meeting there were ten by law amendments.

In September of 2004 Brothers Campbell, Witternberg, Schuck and Beniach go to the CEP Convention in Quebec City.Also the 20 employees at B.C. Rubber voted to join our Local. In October the Local adopted a privacy policy and

improved the Local’s web page.

In January 2005 the Local gained another certification in Sulzer Pumps. This brings the Local to 24 plants. In Marchthe members approve a dues increase from 21/2 hrs a month to 3 hours per month. Another by law amendmentpassed was temporary dues increase of ¼ hour when the National Strike Fund drops below $10 million. In June

Borden Chemicals changed their name to Hexion and later that year Norske became Catalyst. The Local passes amotion to have the Executive decide whether we go to arbitration or not on each grievance.

The Local sends Brother Mike Beniach to an organizers conference in September. Brothers Beniach and Wittenberggo to Western Region conference. In October the Local recognizes Brother Don Liddle for his work for the Local with

gifts and a plaque. Don was very active in our Local as an officer and our longest serving President. In NovemberBrothers Campbell, Wittenberg, Schuck and Beniach attend the Provincial Council meeting. And new contracts are

approved with Vision and Unisource. The Local puts on a shop steward school at the Local’s office.

In January 2006 it is announced that B.C. Rubber had achieved a first contract. The ruling of the disciplinarycommittee on a brother charged by the Executive at Accurate Rubber was given to the Executive. They decided that

he could not hold Union office for 5 years. On appeal later in the year this was reduced to two years.

Brother Ken Nelless, of Crown Packaging, lost his termination arbitration. Brother Stuart Weiss was elected Trustee totake Ken’s place. In June, Buckeye signed a new Collective Agreement. Brother Roy Cook of Montenay retired in June.Roy had been a Committee member since Montenay came into the Local. The Local sent Brothers Gord Campbell,

Otto Wittenberg, Ron Schuck and Mike Beniach to the CEP Convention in Vancouver. Iron Mountain and CustomPaper sign new Collective Agreements.

In January of 2007, Jamp Pharma votes to join the Local. In February Pliant, the old Ellhamer announces its closure.Hexion, formerly Borden, also announces its closure. In April, Sonnoco announces the closure of its Port Melon plant.In May, Brothers Gord Campbell, Otto Wittenberg, and Mike Beniach go to the Western Region Conference of the CEP

in Edmonton. At the May meeting it was moved, second and carried that the Local Union pay two amounts fororganizing opportunities on a first come, first certification basis. The first payment is for $1000 and is for the first

member to give information that leads to a certification of a plant with between 50 and 99 people who are eligible tovote for certification. The second is for $2500 and would be for the first member to give information that leads to a

certification of a plant with 100 or more people who are eligible to vote for certification. The Executive would make thefinal decision on who receives the payment. This was a major movement to encourage organizing in the Local.

The Local fails in its attempt to organize Neptune. The Local invites the people who worked to Unionize Neptune toour meeting. The members at Crown Packaging and Norampac vote to remain in the Wage Caucus. The Local votesto increase the amount we spend for flowers from $35 to $50. In October the workers at Pioneer Envelopes reach an

agreement on a new contract. Many members of the Executive attend a course downtown put on by the Victory SquareLaw Office.

In January of 2008, a Retired Members Council is formed with the approval by the membership of their by-laws. Thefirst President of the Council is Brother Bill Newnham, the Vice-President is Brother George Neufeld, the Treasurer is


Brother Gordon Samuel, and the Secretary is Brother Ron Schuck. In February, a National Pulp and Paper meetingtook place in Montreal to try and develop a National strategy for bargaining. It was attended by Brother Gord Campbell

and the Wage Caucus representatives for Crown and Norampac; Brothers Gino Bianchinni and James Monks.

At the March general membership meeting, Brother Ron Schuck was thanked for his many years of service on theexecutive board and on the newsletter. He was presented with a plaque, an honorary membership, his 35 year pin anda gift-certificate as he joined the ranks of the Retiree’s. He was replaced as Recording Secretary and newsletter editor

by Brother James Monks.

In May the Retired Members Council holds a luncheon for all retired members. Just fewer than 50 people attended.This luncheon had been going on for about 7 years previously for Crown members. Brother Bob Barquest had beenrunning it and his work was appreciated. Members at the luncheon were from 5 different plants. Also in May, a newthree year agreement was ratified with Sulzer Pumps.The Up-coast pattern bargaining also began, negotiating the

main wage items for the agreements that Crown, Norampac and Catalyst would be taking to the table.

In June, the ACR group ratified a new three year agreement with 3% increases in each year along with some pensionand language improvements. After lengthy discussions at the June Executive and General meetings, the Local’s

annual picnic was cancelled, to the dismay of many. Illness and poor communication were at the heart of the reasonsand measures were put in place to ensure its continuation. At those meetings, the 500$ annual attendance award was

also discussed, and as it had not had the effect of increasing membership attendance, it was discontinued.

In July, a new three year agreement was ratified with Vision Packaging. As well, the up-coast main wage bargainconcluded, achieving a four year deal with increases amounting to 10% over the term, as well as some trade rate and

bridging improvements.

Brother Jim Britton, our long time National Rep, took over as spokesperson during the Up-coast bargaining process,and after an impressive showing, was encouraged to run for the Western Region Vice-Presidency. At the Augustmeetings, it was approved to provide Jim with both financial support for his campaign, as well as man-power for

Brother Otto Wittenberg would be his campaign manager.

In October, the National Convention in Montreal was attended by Brothers Campbell, Wittenberg, Beniach and Monks.A discussion was had with the attending executive from CEP local 525-G about a potential merger of the two locals,which was not pursued, for a number of reasons. The convention was highlighted by Brother Jim Britton’s ascension

to the Western Region Vice-Presidency.

At the November meetings, it was announced that a new three year agreement has been achieved with Iron Mountain.Brother Jim Britton announced that it would be his last contract negotiations with CEP local 433 as he moved to his

new job: Western Region Vice President.

In January of 2009, the Local set up its organizing committee, chaired by Vice-President, Brother Mike Beniach.Brothers Craig Jacobs of Iron Mountain and Tom LeClaire of Buckeye were sent to organizing courses. At the February

Executive and General meetings, Brother Gord Campbell announced his retirement, to be effective after the JuneGeneral membership meeting.

In May, a new four year agreement was ratified with Crown Packaging, achieving the full Pattern agreement. Thatgood news was tempered with the unfortunate news that the Catalyst units would be closing down, effective June 30th.Interviews for a new BA occurred throughout the spring, and a second round was recommended after the first did notproduce a desirable candidate. At the June General membership meeting, Brother Gord Campbell was presentedwith a plaque and some travel gift certificates and many thanks for his 16 years of service as the BA for Local 433.


In July, after a long and arduous set of negotiations that included an attempt at mediation and a strike vote, Unisourceratified a new Agreement. July also saw the return of the Local 433 summer picnic. After its one year absence, it was

very well attended and fun was had by all.

In September, Brothers Wittenberg, Beniach and Monks attended the Western Region Conference in Winnipeg.Brothers Beniach and Monks had to leave the conference early to resume bargaining with Norampac, a bargain that

had not been going well, and had been stretching on since April. A new agreement was achieved late in the month andit provided the Up-Coast pattern.

In October, the Local finally ended its search for a new B.A. and recommended to the General membership to hireBrother Brent Reid. Brent came from a strong CEP Local in Campbell River and a current Rank and File

representative for the Western Region. Brent was hired and sworn in on October 15th.

In November, Brent was introduced to the workload of his new job which consisted of no less than 4 terminationarbitrations, 2 suspension arbitrations, job elimination arbitration, bargaining with Buckeye, notice of a plant

downsizing at Sulzer and the possible amalgamation of our two Sonoco units. At the General membership meeting,Brothers Steve Smith and Stu Weiss were thanked for their service on the Locals Executive Board. Both members lost

their jobs in the downsizing at Sulzer.

In January of 2010 a downsizing agreement was reached at Sulzer that achieved some improvements on what theCBA provided, and kept a small number of members still working at the plant. The Organizing committee was hard atwork with National Organizer Wally Ewanicke on another attempt at organizing Neptune/GFS. In March, a certificationvote was held at Great West Paper Box for local 433. It went to the board in May as there were some challenges as to

who was eligible to vote. The result was a tie and therefore the vote went to the company.

In April, ECP ratified their current four year agreement. April also saw Buckeye in mediation to try and deal with an issuethat was holding up bargaining. It was unsuccessful.

In May, mediation was sought to help deal with the Covanta (formerly Montenay) Bargaining as the members rejectedthe memorandum of agreement. They ratified a new four year agreement in June. Also in June, the consolidation of

the two Sonoco units is announced and Vision Packaging applied to move the plant into the PPWC building and wantit to be under a single certification. Yet another conflict between CEP Local 433 and PPWC Local 5. Also in May,

Unisource lands a big contract that would mean an increase of 50 members.

In August, after many months of effort, an end was called to the organizing drive at Neptune/GFS. We were just unableto get those members to step up and set up an inside committee.

The CEP National Convention was held in September in Toronto. The local was well represented by Brothers Reid,Wittenberg, Duff, Beniach and Monks. Brother Wittenberg was once again the campaign manager for Brother Jim

Britton’s (successful) re-election campaign for the Western Region Vice-Presidency. Brother Reid was re-elected as aWestern Region Rank and File Representative, and Brother Monks served on the Constitutional Committee.

In October, we lost our battle in front of the Labour Relations Board on the Vision certification. They are now under thePPWC Local 5 certification. In November, Buckeye reached a new agreement after 16 months of bargaining.

Unfortunately, it resulted in the shutdown of a paper machine and the layoff of 27 members. The local found itselfapplying to the Labour Relations Board again, arguing to hold a vote to decide which union, CEP Local 433 or PPWCLocal 5, should represent the members after Pioneer was purchased by Supremex. The Local also purchased a new

vehicle to replace the old van.


At the January 2011 meeting, Tom LeClaire was thanked for his years of service to the local’s Executive Board andCommittee. He was one of the members from Buckeye that accepted a package that resulted from the paper machine

shut down after bargaining. In March, new four year agreement was reached at Sonoco.

The Locals 70th anniversary was recognized at the March General Membership meeting. A cake was brought in for theoccasion. Former B.A., Brother Gord Campbell was there for the occasion and cut the cake with current B.A. Brother

Brent Reid.

On March 24th, Brother Gid Diekman passed away after having suffered a stroke. A moment of silence was held for himat both the April Wage Caucus and the April Local meetings. He was a great leader and his influence is still felt and will

be remembered.

REST IN PEACE, GID. WE WILL REMEMBER YOU

President (then National Representative) Brian Payne and National Representative (and former Business Agent) GidDiekman.

C.E.P. Local 433 News and Views Page 16 Spring 2011

CEP LOCAL 433 SUMMERPICNIC

New LocationCENTENNIAL BEACH

Tsawassen11:30 AM-4 PM

JULY 16th

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Documents

CLC / CTC 70 YEARS STRONG - Unifor 433unifor433.org/content/uploads/2013/11/News-Views-Spring-2011.pdfJames Monks [email protected] ... Sonoco and Sulzer Pumps. Both agreements