Day 144 - 28 Jun 95 - Page 28
1
2 So, I need to understand the total context, but I can say
3 that the issue of buttons came up before the Labour Board
4 and, as we discussed, any allegations concerning them were
5 withdrawn by the union.
6
7 MS. STEEL: They were withdrawn because there was some kind of
8 agreement over a new election?
9 A. There was an agreement to have an election, yes.
10
11 Q. Our witness also says: "Cam", that is Mr. Valentine, "had
12 professional drawings done of himself in a caricature
13 format nicknaming himself 'Candid Cam'. He was portrayed
14 as a super hero with a cape on. In these drawings he
15 stated that a union would not bring employees job security
16 and he portrayed the union as the bad guy."
17 A. I have no knowledge of those specifics, cartoons in our
18 stores, drawings in our stores. I mean, that is a frequent
19 -- that goes on all the time. We do skits. We try to do
20 things lightly. We try to have fun in our restaurants.
21 I do not even recall that being specifically raised by the
22 union in any of their claims.
23
24 Q. If that was the case that he had these drawings done, and
25 that within the drawings there was him stating that a union
26 would not bring employees job security and the unions
27 were portrayed as the bad guy, would that concern you?
28 A. I would have to see what we are talking about. You are
29 asking me something -- asking me to reach a conclusion on
30 something I cannot visualise as you are saying it. You
31 know, produce a document in front of me and ask me if
32 I would consider it offensive, but do not ask me some
33 generality that I cannot comment on.
34
35 Q. It is really not that complex, is it, Mr. Stein? It is
36 quite simple; they are obviously ---
37 A. If I can ------
38
39 Q. -- drawings with an anti-union slant; does that concern
40 you?
41 A. If you have some evidence you wish to put in front of
42 me for me to comment on, I would be happy to do that.
43 I cannot in an abstract way give you answers. This
44 is -----
45
46 MR. JUSTICE BELL: Does it follow from that answer that you see
47 nothing wrong with a cartoon as such which is designed to
48 influence crew not to vote for the union?
49 A. It can be done, my Lord, in good taste, it can be done
50 in poor taste.
51
52 Q. You see nothing wrong with it as such? There might be
53 something wrong with it if the cartoon, in your judgment,
54 when you looked at it, went over the top; is that what you
55 are saying?
56 A. That is correct, my Lord.
57
58 Q. But there is nothing wrong, in principle, with using a
59 cartoon as a graphic plug for not joining the union?
60 A. That is correct, my Lord.
