The Local 1977 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is out to give recruitment to the cause of organized labour a real boost. It decided to convey to the public the image of dedicated, selfless, servants of labour who give only the best of themselves in the name of workers rights.
In your dreams.
Brian Williamson is the president of local 1977. He is considering retirement next year. He and his fellow labour leaders, Local 1977's vice-president, Al Mclean, and secretary treasurer, Scott Penner, gave themselves huge raises recently. Mr Williamson now makes $118,300-- more than Buzz Hargrove of the Canadian Auto Workers ($110,000). And, just in time for his possible retirement, the Executive Board voted to give each of them a leased car and 150% of his annual average salary over 3 years upon retirement.
There are about 6,500 members of Local 1977, representing about 46 Zehrs stores in Ontario. Workers contribute $6.75 a week to the union if they are part-time, or $8.05 if they are full-time. Employees make up to $14.50 an hour.
The Executive Board of the Local approved the raises, on the advice of a former National Director.
I support unions. I support workers rights. But these kind of shenanigans leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. It's bad enough when city aldermen, mayors, or other politicians do it. It's disgraceful when corporation presidents do it, especially after cutting jobs and reducing wages. But it really, really bites when union executives do it, especially when they employ the smarmy conceit of trying to make it look like it wasn't their idea.
When the press inquired, they tried to tell the reporters that it was none of their business.
And the truth, as everyone should know, is that they would not have been reluctant to talk to reporters if there had been nothing to be ashamed of.
