| Re: "Telus union says picketers are being harassed," by Amy Steele, News, September 22-26, 2005.
I am a Telus Mobility employee who has made the choice to cross the picket line since day one. I take exception to the one-sided nature of the article by Amy Steele. The security company hired by Telus is not here to break the union, but to ensure that employees who want to work are able to do so safely. There is no mention in the article of the intimidation and threats that the union is imposing on the employees who are crossing the picket lines. We have been videotaped and had our pictures taken and then found the pictures on several websites. We have been threatened verbally, followed home from work, and in one case that I know of, chased on foot. Not only are we being screamed at on a daily basis, but some of the picketers have stooped so low as to have their small children scream as well.
This union is not representing the members, as they would have everyone believe, or we wouldn't have more than 50 per cent of the members at work. The union is refusing to let us vote on an offer from Telus, which is one of the reasons why I cannot align myself with this group. I have a brain and opinions of my own and believe that we should be allowed to vote on any and all offers put to the membership. We have been without a contract for five years and it is obvious to me that the union had intentions of a strike regardless of any offers, and therefore could not let us vote on it, for fear that it would be accepted.
Telus remains one of the best employers in this country despite the behaviour of its union. Likewise, the security company that Telus hired to keep us safe has behaved in nothing but a professional manner.
I am including my personal information because it is a requirement, but for my safety, I would like my name and contact information withheld.
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