| Co-op story got it wrong |
I am writing this to clarify several issues I have with the article "Striking workers calling for Co-op boycott" by Amy Steele, News, September 2-8, 2004. I was interviewed by your paper last week and feel that some of what I have said was misconstrued in the article. First of all "wages and benefits" are not the prime reasons for the strike. The reasons for this strike are, as I made clear in the interview, working conditions (mandatory forced over-time) and a archaic attempt by federated Co-op to "pro-rate" vacation time due to leave of absence such as Workers’ Compensation Board injury claims and maternity. I also would like to clarify that in no way do I feel that our union is misrepresenting us in any way. We pay our dues to ensure that negotiations are carried out in a legal and orderly manner, consequently in order to keep the work force cool and calm during the negotiations process we are not privy to the details until an offer is brought to us to vote on. I do not question how the Teamsters are representing us during the process whatsoever and am confused how you arrived at this conclusion. Please ensure that if you are not clear on the issues in future articles you re-clarify with those you corresponded with before you print.
Chad Hellens
Worker at Federated Co-op
Calgary
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