CAW members are refusing to pay dues after Union Leaders refuse to adhere by their own rules – and the demands of more than 70% of the union membership – and hold an election for new union officers:

It is estimated at least a couple of dozen unionized drivers under CAW Local 195 escalated their protest last week by withholding dues because they say the CAW has for months refused to acknowledge resignations of two unit leaders during last year’s strike and stage a new election.

The members say the wishes of a majority of its unit membership for chairman Haidar Aouli and vice-chairman Rick Champagne to step aside have been ignored by CAW president Ken Lewenza and local executives.

The pair submitted their resignation following a no vote on a tentative deal in mid-July during last year’s 103-day strike, but within days had a change of heart and continued in their roles.

A petition calling for the removal of Aouli and Champagne was signed by more than 170 drivers — nearly 70 per cent of the membership — and was turned over to Lewenza on Nov. 4. But the CAW took no action.

So much for union democracy.