OEM Employees Stay with Local 56

DATE: June 14, 2011

Edmonton—After nearly seven years of legal battles—which even knocked on the door of the Supreme Court of Canada—employees of OEM Remanufacturing in Edmonton have chosen to keep Local 56 as their union.

Employees were asked to choose between CLAC and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Lodge 99, after the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) ruled that Finning Canada had transferred work done by members of IAM to OEM Remanufacturing, which was represented by Local 56.

On January 10, the ALRB issued a decision that called for a runoff vote between the two unions. Because of the length of time it took to get to this decision, the ALRB called for a 100-day campaign—almost three times as long as the recent federal election. In Alberta, most board votes allow for a two-week campaign.

Voting took place on June 1, 2, and 3, but because some of the more than 100 ballots cast were disputed, final results of the vote were not known until yesterday.

“This outcome is a great endorsement of CLAC’s positive style of labour relations,” says Derek Schreiber, Alberta representative. “We have over 400 members working at OEM. We’re pleased they’ve given us the privilege of continuing to represent them.”

OEM Remanufacturing is one of North America’s most advanced engine and powertrain component remanufacturing companies, serving the railway, natural gas, and diesel sectors. The company primarily remanufactures Caterpillar components for the Finning branch network.

“This was the longest campaign I have ever been involved with,” says Schreiber. “I cannot say enough about our stewards, who were on the frontlines every day. This victory belongs to them.”