Something is definitely in jeopardy, perhaps it is in fact democracy. In early 1999, the TWU convened a `Bargaining Convention` in Edmonton Alberta. Delegates of the TWU were nominated and elected to represent all departments of the business, across all subsidiaries and in both provinces. This duly elected Bargaining Committee is comprised of a fair representation of not only of all departments and subsidiaries, but an equal provincial representation.

This democratically elected body was charged with the sole responsibility to negotiate a revised and respectful collective agreement with the Employer. This Team is the sole bargaining agent for the employees of TELUS. We have instilled our trust in them to bargain the best contract they can from the Employer, and upon successful completion of bargaining. We, the members will ratify that tentative agreement.

However, in the past four and a half years TELUS came to the bargaining table initially with `ideas and concepts` literally a `blank page`. As with any expiration of a contract(s), both parties reconvene at a time specified in the previous contract and begin Quid-Pro-Quo bargaining (tradesies). Both parties meet with agenda items they both would like to see changed from the previous contract(s) and bargaining commences.

Over the course of four and a half years - not much changed at the table. The TWU was consistent with a benchmark of the previous TWU/BC Tel contract with enhancements while the Company was steadfast on brand new. Little was done in terms of `negotiation`, much to the frustration of our bargaining team.

On April 13, 2005 the Employer bypassed our duly elected TWU Bargaining Team and presented us with `their` offer. They would have us believe it`s solely about the money. If you consider that their 'offer' was in absolutely no way negotiated with the TWU, it is arguably a complete and comprehensive "wish list" of TELUS', disguised as a `collective agreement`. With the hopes of purchasing it from us with dollars and extremely vague and confusing language when it comes to job security and contracting out.

If the TWU were to bring this `wish list` of TELUS` for ratification, we would instantly lose all of the five current Collective Agreements that the TWU currently administers with the Company as any sort of benchmark. We would in effect, concede that the company`s offer is the "new" benchmark from which to bargain.

Members have said a ratification vote of `NO` would tell the Employer that we support our Union and would get TELUS back to the table.

Unfortunately history will prove, its only effect would have the Employer offer more money with the intent of squeaking it through with the narrowest of margins upon the next ratification. You only have to look at the track record of TELUS` current bargaining team and their history at Bell Canada in the early 1990's.

This is why TELUS wants us to vote on their offer. This is why we can`t and we won`t.

We are not for sale!

Tell Management that you want TELUS back at the table and bargain as they should.

Tell them you will ONLY ratify a negotiated offer with the TWU.

In Solidarity