Russ Leech
Interviewed by Rod Mickleburgh
Summary
Russ Leech is from a family of strong trade unionists. His parents organized the Machinists’ Fitters & Helpers Industrial Union local in Victoria during World War II. Given his family’s history, it’s not surprising that when Russ got a job in the Ministry of Forests he became an active trade unionist. This was during the time the BC Government Employees’ Association was about to transition to the BC Government Employees’ Union, now known as the BC General Employees’ Union.
In the interview Russ describes his leadership roles within his component (Component 11, Engineering, Technical and Inspectional) and on the BCGEU’s provincial executive over several decades.
Russ worked with many well-known provincial and component leaders in the BCGEU including Norm Richards, the union’s first president, John Fryer, general secretary when the union formed, longtime president John Shields, and his longtime friend Adam Ustik from his component. In the interview, Russ explains why he did not support John Shields as president and recounts the election when Ustik ran against Shields.
Russ shares memories of his involvement in union campaigns, events, and struggles such as the projectionists strike in Victoria and Operation Solidarity.
Russ is proud of the innovative contract language he developed around hours of work and other working conditions and his efforts to empower and support union stewards and members. He speaks fondly of the friendships, camaraderie, and excitement he experienced in his many years of union activism.
Overall, Russ gives an interesting first-hand account of the events and people that shaped the BCGEU during a pivotal period in its history.
Key Words
Machinists’ Fitters & Helpers Industrial Union Local 3; BC Government Employees’ Association; Victoria Machinery Depot; Department of Highways; Ministry of Forests; BCGEU Component 11 (Engineering; Technical and Inspectional); BCGEU Component 12 (Administrative Professionals); Community Services Fund; United Way; job action; strikes; illegal work stoppages; wildcat strike; union observers in interviews; union courses for union members; consensus decisions; earned time off (ETO); sick leave; Operation Solidarity; IWA (International Woodworkers of American); air pilots and crews; Keep on Bugging Campaign; Dread Poets Society protestors; B.C. Projectionists strike Victoria; scab amnesty; hours of work; Labour Day picnics; John Shafley; Adam Ustik; Ken Austin; Gordon Pengelly; Ed Honcharuk; Tom MacKay; Ron Jardine; John Fryer; Wacky (W.A.C.) Bennett; Joanne Fox; John Shields; Norm Richards; Bob Moore; Daryl Barnett; Don Morrison; Cliff Anstein; Randy Pearson; Joy McPhail; Jack Munro; Art Gruntman; Wayne Mowat