15 December 2009
9 DECADES of CONSTRUCTING A LOCALOUR International Officers refer to Local 506 as one of LIUNA’s largest and premier Locals for many good reasons stemming from our past, present and even future initiatives.
90 Years of historical development to achieve such status has always involved Organizing as a forefront agenda. As important as it was 90 years ago to build and grow as a Local Union, the same holds true today. Perhaps even more so given today’s anti Union climate faced on legislative and societal levels.
Establishing and maintaining Market Share in all our core sectors does not come easily.
There are many challenges and threats to the LiUNA’s way of life that always has and always will need to be dealt with on an ongoing basis that all share one fine common denominator … just to name a few:
- Labour supply agencies
- Labour hostile politicians
- Labour competing Unions
- Labour relations bureaucracy
As much as global markets and industry innovations have diversified over the years, our Organizing tactics and efforts have as well. Political lobbying certainly is included to form part of our Business Plan.
Over the past year, we have organized a substantial amount of construction Employers in various sectors, along with some industrial workplaces that fall within the Local 506 portfolio.
There are still many cases pending before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, that in some circumstances may take years before a final decision is rendered.
For 2010, we predict an upcoming progressive yet challenging year, facing an anticipated turbulent open period throughout Collective Bargaining in addition to managing a vibrant Organizing Department.
Organizing, staying power and perseverance are what’s gotten us to where we are today and will fundamentally be our blue print to continue building Local 506 even bigger and better, towards and beyond a Century’s Celebration of dynamic Local Leadership and Representation attributed to the hard work and dedication of Business Manager Carmen Principato, the Executive Board, Business Representatives, Organizers & Coordinator, Training Center and Support Staff.
VOICE (Volunteer Organizers in Construction Empowerment) is a Training Program available for Members or anyone who would like to learn more and get involved with the Organizing Department.
You can sign up at Dispatch or call the office for the next available training program.
