John Ankenman
Before we unionized, the Victoria University administration had the right to change our terms of employment unilaterally. During the late 1990’s it implemented a number of employment provisions that reduced the quality of our working conditions, including cutting our yearly sick days in half. At that point, several of us decided we needed a union and chose the Steelworkers to mount a certification drive. In May 1999 the organizing campaign ended with the staff voting in favour of joining the Union.
There is no doubt that we are stronger than before we joined the Steelworkers. Our strength comes in part from being part of an international union that has many times provided us with needed resources. It comes from being able to draw on support from the other units of our local and the Steelworkers Toronto Area Council. Most importantly, we derive our strength from working together to create an effective voice for ourselves in the Victoria University community. As Steelworkers, we play an active role in determining the terms and conditions of our employment.
--John Ankenman, USW Local 1998 Victoria University Unit President
There is no doubt that we are stronger than before we joined the Steelworkers. Our strength comes in part from being part of an international union that has many times provided us with needed resources. It comes from being able to draw on support from the other units of our local and the Steelworkers Toronto Area Council. Most importantly, we derive our strength from working together to create an effective voice for ourselves in the Victoria University community. As Steelworkers, we play an active role in determining the terms and conditions of our employment.
--John Ankenman, USW Local 1998 Victoria University Unit President
