CUPE welcomes RCMP telecom operators and intercept monitor analysts

OTTAWA, Feb. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - RCMP telecom operators and intercept monitor analysts have voted to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees, according to the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FSLREB). The results of the representation vote were not disclosed, but the FPSLREB expects to formally certify CUPE in mid-March. The new bargaining unit includes close to 1,300 members.

"Our 650,000 members across the country warmly welcome the RCMP telecom operators and intercept monitor analysts into the CUPE family. They worked very hard to create their own union, and CUPE will proudly continue to defend their interests," said CUPE's National President Mark Hancock. "As soon as the local union is set up and the bargaining preparations completed, we will go to the table, and fight to improve our RCMP members' working conditions using CUPE's full collective strength."

"As CUPE members, they will have access to all the resources necessary to meet their employer on equal terms," added CUPE's National Secretary Treasurer Charles Fleury. "Working together with RCMP telecom operators and intercept monitor analysts, we will succeed in negotiating the fair deal they deserve".

In January 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled legislation barring regular and civilian RCMP members from forming a union was unconstitutional, infringing on their right to freedom of association. CUPE's successful organizing drive started in the fall of 2016.

RCMP telecom operators and intercept monitor analysts had been without representation with their employer since May 2016. CUPE's successful organizing drive started in the fall of 2016.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)