The Biography of Cathy Stickley

Cathy enjoys riding motorcycles on her off time and she has become a very talented Photographer. Cathy also studies martial arts. She served this country as United States Marine for several years, becoming a highly trained "sharp shooter".

Cathy was hired at Weston Interbake Foods in May 2006. She was responsible for monitoring seven lines. She drove a forklift and operated yard truck (moving trailers). She enjoyed her job and the people she worked with at the plant.

In June 2006, her co-workers contacted BCTGM Local 68 Business Manager Gary Oskoian. The workers quickly began an organizing campaign by having a majority of workers sign union cards. A petition was filed with the NLRB to conduct a secret ballot election however, due to dozens of unfair labor practice charges, the election was blocked.

In early 2007, the NLRB issued a complaint against Interbake and scheduled a hearing. Weston Corporate managers and the BCTGM negotiated an agreement to settle the charges and hold an election. In 2007, Cathy not only believed what management's highly paid anti-union consultants were saying, but was recruited to help management in defeating the workers attempts to unionize.

After the workers lost the 2007 election, things drastically changed for the worst, according to Cathy. She noticed her co-workers being fired, harassed and work being moved. According to Cathy, management seemed to be untouchable and they were determined to smash any resistance.

In late December 2007, Cathy was informed by her co-workers that they intended to call the BCTGM once again for help. In January 2008, Cathy signed a Union card. She and other employees were upset with the way management was treating them. After seeing first hand what management was capable of doing, Cathy believed in the need for a union contract and representation.

Once management found out that employees had called the BCTGM, they began to focus on Cathy and other outspoken union supporters. "They would question me and hound me in an attempt to get information about the union meetings," recalls Cathy.

When management realized she supported BCTGM Local 68's organizing effort, their attitude toward her drastically changed. On March 7, management fired Cathy.

Since her termination, she has been looking for employment but so far hasn't had any success. The company denied her unemployment, however, she is currently appealing the decision.

Cathy has been living off of her savings and her tax return. She has been trying to make ends meet by taking photographs at weddings and family functions.

"Sooner or later divine justice will prevail," she notes. "God works in mysterious ways and I believe the BCTGM will be certified and workers will finally have true representation."