Dear members of CUPE 5441,
Many of you have brought to our attention that there were telephone calls that went out last week appearing to represent SEIU. This incident was very concerning.
We understand that this type of telephone call can be troubling and cause anxiety. You may be wondering, why has it taken so long for CUPE to explain or address this incident? Thank you for your patience as we looked into it.
The reason it has been a few days, is that we needed to be sure that when we responded, we had all the facts. We did our research by reaching out to CUPE and OCHU for assistance. Also, we got in contact with our partners at SEIU to look into the telephone calls.
We are very pleased to hear that this call did not come from SEIU and that Sharleen Stewart was more than willing to explain the misrepresentation by someone outside of SEIU. Please see the attached letter from Sharleen Stewart with more details around the telephone call.
The main concern on the telephone call is the fear of CUPE raising the union dues for everyone.
The best way to prove this is not true, is to explain CUPE’s process for raising dues. CUPE 5441’s process for increasing the dues is clearly set out in the bylaws:
“Section 11 – Fees, Dues and Assessments(c) Monthly DuesThe monthly dues shall be 1.7% of regular wages(d) Amending Monthly DuesThe regular monthly dues may be amended at a regular or special membership meeting. The vote must be by secret ballot. Notice of at least seven days at a previous meeting or 60 days in writing must be given.”
In addition, we want you to know that during this Pandemic your 5441 Local Executive has been working tirelessly to protect your rights and make preparations to increase those rights through bargaining. As many of you know, the 5441 Local Executive are members just like you, we work along with you side by side in the hospital. Each of us has a position in one of the hospitals within Unity Health Toronto and we do not work for CUPE head office. Instead, we work with you and we work for you.
We encourage everyone to please reach out to us if you need any assistance – our contact information is on our website www.5441.cupe.ca
Please let us know how we can help by answering any questions or concerns related to these telephone calls or anything else – remember your issues/questions/concerns are ours too!
Please click on the link below to read Sharleen Stewart’s (SEIU Healthcare President) letter to CUPE 5441 members.
In unity and truth,
President, CUPE Local 5441
Email: president@cupe5441.ca