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Times-Advocate, 1978-07-27, Page 25Labor board gives consent to UAW to prosecute Fleck, Riddell, policeman TTnWnrl A j * _ t t n ■ « „ .. ...... Times-Advocate, July 27, 1978 The United Auto Workers union announced Thursday it will prosecute Fleck Manufacturing Ltd. of Huron Park, its vice- president, a member of the Ontario legislature and a provincial policeman for alleged breaches of the On­ tario Labor Relations Act. The three individuals are Fleck vice-president Grant Turner, Huron-Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell and Constable William McIntyre of the Ontario Provincial Police at Exeter. The announcement came within hours of release by the Ontario Labor Relations Board of a 2-1 decision gran­ ting the union consent to prosecute in court. The majority board deci­ sion by vice-chairman M.G. Picher and board member Oliver followed Toronto released lawyers affected. The board decision said there was enough evidence to indicate Fleck did not bargain in good faith with the union. In addition, the board con­ cluded that evidence also in­ dicated Fleck and its vice- president may have breach­ ed sections of the labor relations act prohibiting in­ terference with the forma­ tion of a union and intimida­ tion of its employees to keep them Jrom becoming union members. There was unanimous agreement by the board that evidence was sufficient to grant consent to prosecute Riddell and McIntyre for their involvement in the bitter strike at the plant. An application by the un­ ion for consent to prosecute two other Exeter OPP of­ ficers, Cpl. William Freeth and Sgt. Ray Glover, was denied by the board. In the case of the com­ pany, which has been em­ broiled in the controversial strike by about 100 female employees since March 6, the board concluded evidence established a “deliberate and concerted attempt” to interfere with union representation by the employees. In the eyes of criminal court, said the board, such action could “be seen as reflective of an in­ tention to destroy” the un­ ion. Board member P.N. Murray dissented only on the issue of bargaining. He argued that the evidence presented at the hearings fell short of establishing a case that Fleck breached a section of the act and did not bargain in good faith. In a three-page dissenting opinion, Murray said evidence of bad-faith bargaining implicated the union, which he said “had failed to make any com­ promise from its original demands on union security during the whole of the collective bargaining process.” The board ruled that there was evidence to prosecute the company, Turner and McIntyre for threatening and intimidating employees and interfering with the ex­ ercise of their rights, and to prosecute Riddell for in- Hodges, which public hearings in last month, was Thursday only to representing the parties. THUMB'S UP — Umpire Jim Pfaff gives the thumb's up sign to a Watford player as he is tagged out at home by Rod Dob­ son in Saturday's action in the local pee wee tournament. Despite Exeter's efforts at stopping' this run, they couldn't con­ tain Watford and lost out in the semi-final. Staff photo 4 terfering with the rights of employees. In its decision, the board said the main evidence against the company and its vice-president was to be found in two lunchroom meetings at the plant March 3, the last work day before the strike began. About 90 employees were told by management to stop work and were ordered into the lunchroom to be ad­ dressed by Turner and McIntyre. Turner introduced McIn­ tyre and Freeth “with the comment that he thought it was ‘high time to bring in the Ontario Provincial Police to clear the air’ in the light of intimidation” among the employees, the board said. McIntyre admitted in evidence that he read from sections of the Criminal Code which outlined what is unlawful during a labor strike and what steps an employer was prohibited from carrying out during a strike. McIntyre omitted, however, “the section of the Criminal Code which provides that employees may lawfully engage in peaceful picketing for the purpose of conveying infor­ mation.” After McIntyre and Freeth left the meeting, Turner spoke to the workers, telling them “he had made a commitment to employees that they would never be required to pay un­ ion dues and that he would never'concede on the issue of union security,” the board said. Turner also was cited for remarked introduced as evidence that he could not guarantee the jobs of strikers would be there after the strike. Viewed in that context, said the board, the evidence could be shown to be of a threatening and in­ timidating nature in which Turner “unlawfully in­ terfered with the exercise of (employee) rights.” The board turned aside an argument by Riddell’s lawyer, James Bullbrook, that it had no jurisdiction in­ volving the MPP and that Riddell was, in effect, mune from prosecution. Riddell is a citizen could take sides in the pute, the board ruled, “the freedom of expression enjoyed by members of the im- and dis- but legislature outside the house is not absolute." Evidence presented at the hearing showed the MPP made remarks during a CBC radio interview that could be interpreted as anti-union. The board also referred to statements attributed to Riddell and printed in The London Free Press on March 15 that the UAW had used devious methods and threats to get workers at the Fleck plant to go on strike as indicative of interfering with employees’ rights. Bullbrook, a former MPP for Sarnia riding, said he was “surprised” by the •II : EXETER BILLIAPn Twenty-five members of the over 90 club attended the annual picnic at the Conser- vation Park, Clinton, Wednesday afternoon. The Walkerburn Club volunteers, Mrs. Pat Hunk- ing, Ila Cunningham, Kay Lapp and Eileen McClinchey, assisted with activities. Three junior volunteers, Joy McClinchey, Julie and Debbie Cun­ ningham, were in charge of the contests and the Huron- view Orchestra entertained with Old Tyme and sacred music. Several residents enjoyed the Scottish concert in Clin­ ton Saturday evening. Many thanks to the Murphy Bus 'Lines who donated the transportation. Dick Roorda led the Chris­ tian Reformed Sunday even­ ing song service accom­ panied by Margaret McQueen, with vocal numbers by Mrs. Bylsma. The residents were enter­ tained on Family Night with a concert by the Bob Heywood orchestra of Ex­ eter. The concert was held on the front lawn and was appreciated by all the residents. Bob plays the ac­ cordion and sings many of the sacred and favourite songs. The other two members of the group are Calvin Horner on guitar and Jeff Rooth on drums. Several residents have been enjoying the plays at the Huron County Playhouse, Grand Bend. strongest man contest, L a camlaaa I match can^starta < WATCH THE ACTION — A large crowd was on hand to see the Saturday. They gave contestants a round of applause, appreciating their efforts on a humid day that was hardly designed for strenuous work. Staff photo A HARD LIFT — Darryl Sweitzer, one of the younger contestants in the strong man contest at Exeter sidewalk days, attempts to lift 80 lbs. The 10-year-old didn't make the 80 lb. lift but was successful with 60 lbs. Thieves still hitting Exeter residents Exeter police are in­ vestigating a rash of thefts which occurred this week. Glen Fisher, 64 Gidley St. reported that a hammock with an aluminum frame and green pillows and cover was stolen from his back yard last Wednesday even­ ing. Donald Cook, Goderich, reported Friday that his motor vehicle had been entered and a box of stereo tapes had been stolen. The vehicle was parked at the rear of the Victoria and Grey Trust Co. The tapes were recovered hidden in the bushes at the rear of the lot. Carl Triebner of McLeans Automotive reported Satur­ day that a customer left the store after purchasing some merchandise without paying for it. The person is describ­ ed as 6’4” with long dark red hair, and glasses. Weighing about 180 lbs., he drove a 1974 red challenger with mag wheels. Eldon Heywood of the Ex­ eter Legion reported Mon­ day the Legion had been broken into between Sunday evening and Monday mor- ,ning. The intruder(s) pried open the shuffle board box and removed money from the coin container. In addi­ tion, the door leading to the bar was pried open and a quantity of cigarettes, money and liquor was stolen. Police are asking residence to be alert for any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area. Over the past two weeks a quanti­ ty of lawn furnishings have been reported stolen. On Thursday about 10:40 p.m., the front window of Penny Farthing 407 Majn St. was broken. The large plate glass window on the north side of the premises was also broken. Cost of the win­ dow was estimated at $100. A vehicle driven by H. Campbell Robinson, London, was involved in a collision with a vehicle driven by Robert Feltz,, Ailsa Craig on Main St. Damage was es­ timated at $500 with no in­ juries. Another Friday collision on Main St. occurred when a vehicle driven by John Ducharme, Dashwood, was in a collision with a vehicle driven by William Peat, Ex­ eter. There were no injuries with damage set at $400. A Seaforth man appeared in court Tuesday and it was learned that he was driving under suspension. This per­ son left the court and got into his vehicle and drove a short distance before being apprehended by Constable Short. He has been charged with driving while under suspension and his vehicle was seized by the officer. Exeter police Thanks! Thanks to all those citizens whose support of the Flowers of Hope campaign made it an unqualified success. A goal of $10,000 was set and you sur­ passed it by $1,000 and exceeded last year's total by $2,500. And thanks to Donna Greb and her army of volunteer canvassers whose wonderful efforts made such a valuable contribution. This endorsation of our work on your behalf has given us new enthusiasm and the means to help the mentally handicapped live in a state of dignity, share more fully in the community and to participate effectively. , To those of you who were missed we solicit your support for our expanding programs at ARC, the two residences and the nursery. Contributions may be mailed to the Association office, Box 29 Dashwood. SH&D Association for the Mentally Retarded Bob Southed), president Don Campbell, executive-director CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING for Trailers, Recreational Vehicles and Modular Homes see board decision. He said he will be studying two options — either defen­ ding the case on its merits or going to the Ontario Supreme Court for a ruling quashing the labor relations board decision on the basis of lack of jurisdiction. Riddell’s case was “clear­ ly defensible” on its merits, Bullbrook said in an inter­ view, since Riddell was ac­ ting solely as the MPP for Huron-Middlesex riding in which the Fleck plant is situated. Last month a legislature committee voted to uphold Riddell’s complaint that the UAW had breached his privilege as an MPP, primarily by naming him as a respondent in the action and through its notice of in­ tent to sue the MPP for libel and slander. The UAW statement issued Thursday afternoon said it had advised its lawyers to “proceed as quickly as possible” to prosecute Fleck and the three individuals. MAX’S TV & APPLIANCES REFRIGERATION SALES & SERVICE GRAND BEND 238-2493 EXETER SCOTT'S LEATHER & TACK SHOP 120 Sanders St. W. Exeter, Ont. Phone 235-0694 creasing patrols with regards to persons squealing tires and making un­ necessary noise with their vehicles. The fine for offence is $78. Complete Line of Western Saddlery Bridles, Halters, Bits, Pads, Blankets, Girths, HORSE HEALTH CENTRE -Fly Wipe, Shampoo, Absorbine Etc. -Lee Jeans & Jackets -Western Boots, Hats, Belts & Shirts -Hand Crafted Leather Goods SUMMER ICE SKATING FREE'PUBLIC ICE SKATING Sun., July 30th 1 -3 p.m. RIDING THE WIND — Debbie Stewart of the Grand Bend wind surfing club displayed the new sport to spectators at the annual Parkhill canoe regatta, Sunday. Windsurfers are able to reach speeds of 25 mph. T-A photo SOUTH HURON REC CENTRE IS YOUR SUBSCRIPTION DUE FOR RENEWAL? / r IT’S EASY TO FIND OUT JUST CHECK YOUR MAILING ADDRESS ON THE FRONT PAGE OF YOUR NEWSPAPER. I T-A photo HARD WORK — John Coolman, RR 1 Centralia, shows the strain of winning the strongest man title on Saturday in the senior division. The legs belong to Kevin Short who supervised the event. Coalman won with a lift of 275 pounds. Staff photo EXAMPLE Doe, John H. R R 2 Kippen, Ont. JULY 1-0-9-8 THIS IS THE MONTH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRES THIS IS THE YEAR YOUR SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRES (1978) In order to keep rising costs under control we have initiated a new system for subscription renewals. Effective immediately we are asking our subscribers to check their mailing labels to determine the renewal date for their newspaper. Subscription reminder notices will not be mailed...so please check your label. PLEASE WATCH YOUR LABEL AND RENEW BEFORE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRES ONE YEAR-M100 - TWO YEARS-$2100 - AMERICAN-^00 ■■■■■■ "s . vvv w w I imes - Advocateg Serving South Huron, North Mlddlescxjp^ North Lambton Since 1873 ,//