KOREAN VERSION
Thursday April 27, 2006
For Immediate Release
Cocquitlam, B.C. – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers say “Bhan Gap Sumnida’, or ‘welcome’ to its newest members. IAM Local Lodge 692 cemented the new relationship with 74 workers at Concord Concrete Pumps Ltd. The B.C. Labour Relations Board awarded the IAM union certification on Monday April 24, 2006. The members, predominantly of Korean heritage, assemble concrete pumping trucks for the North American construction industry market.
“The major issue for these workers were wages below the industry standard,” said IAM Local Lodge 692 Organizer Mark Benoit.
During the six week organizing campaign, the company held a number of captive audience meetings with employees in an attempt to defeat the union. Just prior to the vote, the union held an impromptu rally outside the plant and handed out a news bulletin to workers as they left work. “Showing the IAM flag clearly worked,” explained Benoit, “the rally turned the tide in favour of the union.”
Representatives from three IAM District 250 Local Lodges distributed translated organizing literature to the workers. “Many employees were nervous about accepting our literature,” said IAM District 250 Directing Business Representative Stan Pickthall. “But the presence of half a dozen rank-and-file Union members had a significant impact on their decision to accept the material.”
The hiring of Korean interpreter and translator Katharine Yun by Local Lodge 692 was a key factor in the campaign victory. “The ability to provide them with a bulletin in their own language went a long way towards engaging them and building their confidence,” said Benoit. “As a result of her efforts, the Korean employees remained united throughout the process.”
