B.C. Federation of Labour's 55 convention

By JENNIFER THUNCHER/LANGARA VOICE

The union that represents Langara support staff says it is time for a change at the top of the B.C Federation of Labour.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is backing Michelle Laurie, of the electrician’s union, for

president against Jim Sinclair at the Fed convention being held this week in Vancouver. 

“Under Michelle Laurie's leadership, I'm confident that the BC Federation of Labour will become more relevant to to rank and file union members all over the province, and position the Fed as a source of new ideas, and not just protest," said president of CUPE, Barry O’Neill in a written statement.

This is the first real threat to Sinclair’s leadership after twelve years in power and comes at a critical time for Sinclair and the B.C. Fed. With the NDP quite high in the polls and the Liberals on the ropes over various scandals, the Fed is set to have the ear of Adrian Dix and the NDP who may next run this province.

Langara Faculty Association president Lynn Carter says the convention always offers a great opportunity for labour activists to get together. She doesn’t think the challenge to Sinclair’s leadership is a negative thing.

“It is great to have options for the election. It will be very interesting to see the outcome,” said Carter.

In Sinclair’s keynote speech in front of hundreds of delegates on Monday, there was no sign of the intense contest for the top seat. Instead Sinclair focused his attack on the provincial Liberal’s lack of action on temporary workers, referencing HD Mining in northern B.C. 

The company “plan [s] to bring hundreds of temporary workers without rights to extract our coal …Christy Clark and the BC government saw nothing wrong with that,” said Sinclair.

For her part, Laurie says it is time for a change of leadership so that a woman leads the organization but is somewhat vague about what she would do specifically if elected. In a written statement she says she will improve the image of the union, be more accountable and focus on training and education.

According to delegate Doug Mackay of the electrician’s union, Laurie is the best choice now. 

“I have no problem with Jim [Sinclair], but we need a change. She would make a good leader,” said Mackay who sported a bright green “Support Laurie” shirt.

Hospital Employee Union spokeswoman Bonnie Pearson supports Sinclair.

“Jim doesn’t just support union card holders,” Pearson said “he was fundamental in the fight for minimum wage … and against the abuse of foreign temporary workers.”

Pearson said HEU is asking its delegates to vote for Sinclair.

The election is on Thursday.

thuncher@shaw.ca