Commission
- Protecting Our Employees
In the past two weeks, theChief, Director of Operations and Band Manager has adopted questionable
election tactics that are shameful, immoral, and desperate. They have taken jobs away from innocent
individuals in their attempt to sway voters to their camp. They have no regard for the economic well-being
of our members and their mentality seems to be “win at any cost, even if you have to take jobs away from
certain voters”. They want to hold on to their power and all their wealth. Furthermore, it is obvious that
they intend to make life miserable for those members who are in favor of a change in leadership.
The first wave of lay offs were aimed at low income Tobique Works employees. They were served notice
of their lay offs and they were informed by the Director of Operations and Band Manager that the lay offs
were the result of my successful election appeal. A second wave of lay offs followed a week later and, in
addition to the lay offs, a few employees were terminated or informed that their salaries will be
decreased. Once again, they were informed that this action had to be taken because of the successful
election appeal.
As I mentioned in my October 11, 2004 issue of Voices, my political opponents are engaged in a
campaign of lies, deceit and dishonesty in their desperate attempt to maintain their expensive lifestyle
using Tobique funds. I also reminded community members that these lay offs were the result of poor
financial management and the outrageously high salaries received by a handful of individuals highly
connected to the former Chief. Tobique Works employees were informed in early September that lay offs
would occur within the first two weeks of October. Program employees were also informed that lay offs,
downsizing and cutbacks will occur in the very near future in accordance with Department of Indian Affairs
requirement for a “Co-Management Agreement”.
It was also clear from the Department of Indian Affairs that lay offs, downsizing and cutbacks for program
employees would not occur until a “Co-Management Agreement” is in place. The new Chief and Council
are supposed to be involved in the decisions regarding program employees. The Director of Operations
and Band Manager had no authority to proceed with the recent lay offs, downsizing and cutbacks
regarding programs such as Education, Child and Family Services, Day Care and employees within the
band administration. The Lawyer/ Chief, Director of Operations and Band Manager had no authority to
select and choose employees who would remain employed and those who would be terminated from
their employment.
It is unfortunate that our employees were used as political pawns by the former Chief, Director of
Operations and Band Manager. It shows that they are heartless, uncaring, cruel and desperate. It is also
clear that they have no regard for the rights of employees to continue their employment without fear of
threats by a leadership who will do anything to maintain their hold on power and wealth. It is therefore
critical that we take steps to ensure that all employees are legally protected from questionable election
practices.
I believe that employees should be legally protected from wrongful dismissals and terminations that are
politically motivated. As your next Chief, I will take the necessary steps to ensure that employees are
never again used as political pawns. We will explore all options that will protect, defend and safeguard
the rights of employees. These options may include contracts, union protection and Band by-laws. We
will select the most effective option that protects your rights and the selection will be based on
consultation with all employees.
I think it is also important to review the recent lay offs, downsizing and cutbacks for program employees. It
is clear they were politically motivated and I will therefore ask the new Council to reinstate all program
employees until a “Co-Management Agreement” is in place and action is agreed upon between the new
Chief and Council and our “co-managers”. Furthermore, all co-management meetings will take place in
Tobique and employees and community members will be informed on the discussions between the two
parties.
I also believe that we should support those Tobique Works employees who need additional weeks to
qualify for UIC. It is my understanding that a few individuals need only two or three weeks to qualify but
they have been victims of politically motivated actions taken by the former Chief, Director of Operations
and Band Manager. I will find the necessary funds to ensure that these individuals obtain the weeks they
need for UIC.
Where would we find the necessary funds for reinstatement of program employees as well as helping
individuals to qualify for UIC? These funds will come from eliminating or drastically reducing all salaries
that pay over $75,000.00 per year. In addition, it will be our policy that individuals will not be able to hold
two or three positions while they are in office. This will mean a savings of approximately 1.2 million
dollars for Tobique and these savings should be transferred for the benefit of all Tobique members.
I would also like to reassure all employees of TEDCo, Tobique casino, restaurant, convenience store,
gas bar, and others that they will not lose their jobs after a change of leadership. All current employees
will have a chance to contribute to the well-being of Tobique. All current employees will have a chance to
make our businesses a success so that all community members will eventually benefit from the
revenues generated in each enterprise. Do not believe any rumors generated from my political
opponents regarding your employment. You will have a chance to prove yourself.
Job creation is a priority and we will continue to access funds from various sources to generate
employment for the local population. Tobique Works will continue and this will allow our members to
develop marketable skills for future employment. The Donald Marshall, Joshua Bernard and Thomas
Peter Paul cases have brought in numerous jobs for Tobique. As a result of these land mark cases,
more of our members are working in the forest and fisheries industries. It is now our responsibility to
ensure that the industries are successful in generating a profit for the benefit of all community members.
