uncharted.ca

Written by Ross Bagnasco
Tuesday, 27 June 2006
Below is a recap of a recent experience that I had with my store's UFCW Local 135 representative:



June 20, 2006
The union representative for my store decided to visit my work place with the intention of speaking with me. A Local 135 union representative wanting to speak with a union member?! Shocking, yes I know. Anyhow, his vist, as I came to find out later, was not a friendly one. He began by asking me if I was running for office in the upcoming UFCW election. My initial feeling regarding this question was that of confusion. My response to him was simply "I'm thinking about it". What happened next could have been described best as a scene straight from the movie "Goodfellas". Basically his respone was that if I did run for office that my life would become an "open book" and everyone would know everything about me. Wow! I couldn't believe that the union, the same organization that is supposed to look out for my best interests, basically implied "you go against us, we're going to make you pay". Is this a union or the mafia?! Shocked with the reponse that I was given, I gave the only reply that I thought was acceptable at the time and that was simply the word "so". The union stooge's (mafia messenger) only response to me was simply "well then" as he then preceeded to leave. I have nothing to hide and welcome the union's "threat". Their scare tactics are not going to work on me. I find it amazing that I have not even decalred myself an official canidate and yet the union is already bringing in their inforcers using their scare tactics to try and get me to withdrawl from the election. Are they afraid that I might tell the people what they don't want them to hear? I guess the old saying "the truth hurts" applies in this situation because the union apparently thinks that if the people know the truth it will hurt the Local 135 in the worst way.
I earn my paycheck by complying with the rules and regulation setforth by my employer. I do not have a criminal record and have never been demoted from my job unlike others. I have always been a loyal employee as well as a loyal union member. Did you know that before Mickey Kasparian, current president of the Local 135, became a union offical he was employed as a meat cutter at which time the union went on strike? Do you think Mickey stayed loyal to his union during that time? You see I believe, on the otherhand, that union officials earn their paychecks by betraying the union members. If they want a battle I am willing and able to give them one. In the words of my generation, "bring it on, it's showtime!"

I need to continue to creat a paper trail, therefore when we go to court, none of them can say I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUES.
)

Got a letter from President Hansen in reference to the threat.