The Hook

After only five years of operation, the Unite Here union that represents over 400,000 workers across North America is splintering.

150,000 workers left the union yesterday to form a new labour group called Workers United.

In Canada, members in BC, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec have voted to secede from the union, which was formed in 2004 and represents workers in textiles, hotels, catering and distribution across Canada and the U.S.

John Wilhelm, president of Unite Here said in a statement that locals were leaving the union illegally and violating the union’s democratic constitution. The splinter group seceding from Unite Here is led by ex-president Bruce Raynor and is supported by the Service Employees International Union.

“We will not allow for undemocratic attempts to takeover or split our union,” said Wilhelm. “Instead, we will restore a democratic union, a union that fights for strong standards for our current members and a union that fights to organize workers across North America.”

Wilhelm said that the splinter group is less than one-third of Unite Here’s membership.

The union would suffer in terms of size and growth because of the split, said Mark Thompson, a UBC professor emeritus who specializes in industrial relations in Canada.

He also said when it comes to the split of unions, union officers usually have to play a double-sided role.

“Union officers are called upon to be democrats on one hand and generals on the other,” said Thompson. “When somebody has a different view and tries to leave, then [members] take the generals side and say, you’re trying to split this great union.”

This mentality causes a divided union said Thompson.

Local representatives of Unite Here could not be reached for comment on today's developments.

The union's Local 40 was recently in the news when concession workers at General Motors Place picketed the stadium. The union settled on a three-year contract last Friday.

It was reported the settlement with Aramark resulted in a 17-22 per cent increase in wages, better health care and larger changing facilities for female workers. Also ensured was member's employment at GM Place during the 2010 Olympics.

Morgan J. Modjeski is a reporter for The Hook