Media Release

Members reject ultimatum

Port Alice workers want real collective bargaining

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 29, 2005

Vancouver – The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union announces today the rejection of the collective agreement proposed by Richard Bassett, representative of Neucel.

“We went into this process with the intention of negotiating a new collective agreement that would bring stability and prosperity to our members, the community and the new owner,” states Dave Coles, CEP Vice President. “Even though this offer has been rejected by 57% we are ready to get back to the bargaining table immediately.”

“At the start of this process we wanted to bring forward a proposal that that we could recommend to our members,” said Don Vye, CEP Local 514 President. “We were forced to have our members vote on a proposal that deleted seniority, significantly modified pensions and health and welfare benefits. Our members decided they cannot live with these changes.”

“We are very disappointed that the Union was not afforded the opportunity to enter into meaningful negotiations.” continues Vye. “Mr. Basset presented the union with his new agreement, attempted to force an undemocratic vote at a community meeting and then placed a deadline on the decision-making process to approve his proposal.”

“Our members want to get back to work and they want their Union to have the opportunity to have meaningful bargaining to get all the issues out on the table for discussion,” concludes Vye. “We want Mr. Bassett to return to the bargaining table for face–to–face negotiations as soon as possible.”

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union represents 162,000 members from coast to coast, including 12,000 members in British Columbia.

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For more information contact:

Dave Coles, CEP Vice President 604 240-7284
Don Vye, CEP Local 514 President 250 284-3303