CUPE 1975 History as submitted by J. Invik

Please credit the photographs as follows:
for the worker photos: U of S Archives CUPE 1975, MG 110 ( insert photo number from the filename) and For the aerial shot of the University: U of S Archives, A-6382,
. Thanks for assistance with this article to Judy Classen, Dave Leopard, Linda Reiber and Patrick Hayes.
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What struck me first, as I worked through the old folders in the University of Saskatchewan Archives, beyond the yellowing paper and a mention of an embezzlement of a princely sum of $6, was not the change in times, but the lack of change. Early in 1945 the barely formed University of Saskatchewan Employees Union requested to become part of the Saskatoon C.C.L. Labour Council (now the Saskatoon District Labour Council). The University was in a bit of turmoil at the time. Two organizations, the U of S Employees Union and the U of S Employees Association were vying to represent the staff. The University of Saskatchewan Employees Association, deemed a “company union” by some, was battling for control and the ability to bargain on behalf of all employees. In the constitution of the U of S Employees Association was the following statement: “This association shall not affiliate itself nor become affiliated with any other organization whatsoever”. A statement definitely lacking in the spirit of co-operation and solidarity. The Association disapproved of the Canadian Congress of Labour showing any interest in the University of Saskatchewan or making it's way onto the campus via the University of Saskatchewan Employees Union.
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The Association had no grievance procedures, opposed the CCL, and the biggest complaint: Some of it's members were foremen. They were very determined to have control of campus. But Wilfred Flower Lake, of the U of S Employees Union was just as determined. He was a strong man of principle and had great tenacity. Serving first as secretary and then as president of the newly formed Saskatchewan Employees Union, Lake was prolific and adept at letter writing. A letter from Lake in 1944 asks the Labour Minister to intervene in cases of intimidation against those who wish to organize. Another letter from Lake requests certification under the New Trade Union Act – the reply – kindly wait until it's actually proclaimed! Lake was ahead of his time. Unlike the Employees Association, Lake and his union were eager to make alliances wherever they could, to strengthen their cause and bring as many resources as they could to those they were trying to serve. A Jan 9, 1945 letter from W.F. Lake, President and Mrs. F. Neault, Secretary, Treasurer and one-time mistaken embezzler, requests the Saskatoon CCL Labour Council to allow the University Employees Union affiliation with the Council.
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Somewhere in this time period that affiliation took place as W.F. Lake had become a delegate to the provincial committee of the Saskatoon Labour Council as of Jan 18, 1945. Another noteworthy date: April 14,1945, the University of Saskatchewan Employees Union became certified as the bargaining unit for employees of the Power House at the U of S. And later that same year, on May 8, 1945, the coalition between the Union and the Saskatoon Labour Council showed itself to be beneficial. I quote here the motion made by the Saskatoon Labour Council: “Therefore it be resolved that the Saskatoon and District Labour Council of the Canadian Congress of Labour express the hope that the Board will take decisive action to dis-establish the University of Saskatchewan Employees Association and strike a blow against company unionism throughout Saskatchewan.” All these organizations were growing out of the proverbial muck, and their associations with each other strengthened them all. And though the haircuts and the names were different then now, the principles they were trying to forge are what we are still living by today. Of course there are a few things that have come a long way since those times. Wilfred Flower Lake probably would have been a little shocked at a request to include transgender rights in the collective agreeement. But I'm sure if it was explained to him, he would have quickly come around. But the gist of it all is the same now, as it was then – solidarity, fairness, equality, living wages and security for all employees.
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Please credit the photographs as follows: For the worker photos: U of S Archives CUPE 1975, MG 110 ( insert photo number from the filename) and For the aerial shot of the University: U of S Archives, A-6382
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Thanks for assistance with this article to Judy Classen, Dave Leopard, Linda Reiber and Patrick Hayes.
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CUPE1975/8-B-15 F-6E-7 1
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CUPE1975/8 B-15 F-6 E-7 2
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CUPE1975/8-B-15 F-6 E-7 2
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CUPE1975/A-6382