There is the text of a letter sent to Larry Hubich, President of the SFL, by Lisa Garnier, on behalf of CULE. The 60 members of CEP Local 481, employees of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU), have been locked out since November 6th, 2007, thirteen weeks. They work in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert and provide services and representation to over 30,000 SGEU members in Saskatchewan. For more information visit www.sgeustaffstrike.ca, or visit their strike diary at sgeustrike.blogspot.com
February 11, 2008
Larry Hubich, President Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
Dear Brother Hubich:
The Canadian Union of Labour Employees (CULE) – PSAC Regional Staff have discussed the current SGEU/CEP 481 lockout and our concern with the situation and support for a proper conclusion to the situation. It is agreed the situation has gone on far too long. As unionized employees, member representatives and union activists, we feel strongly about this issue and the lack of union principles and respect that the SGEU management team is showing to their unionized employees, their brothers and sisters in the labour movement and the community and the province.
CULE members will boycott any and all Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, Canadian Labour Congress and Regina and Saskatoon District Labour Council events where any SGEU members will be present. If we are attending any meetings or events where SGEU members are present we will have no choice but to leave the meeting or event. Furthermore, we will be in touch with the members of CEP 481 advising them of where and when any or all events are taking place so that they may set up a picket line if they choose.
We respectfully request that this information be forwarded to all other organizations affiliated with the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour.
In Solidarity, Lisa Garnier, President, Canadian Union of Labour Employees
cc: John Gordon, President PSAC, Robyn Benson, REVP – PSAC Prairies, Marianne Hladun – SFL – PSAC VP, Ken Georgetti, President, Canadian Labour Congress, Terry Zahorski, President, Regina and District Labour Council, Brian Nixon, President, Saskatoon and District Labour Council, Kelly Diebel, CEP Local 481