The business manager of LiUNA Local 1089 in Sarnia is the subject of an extensive internal investigation into alleged improprieties.
In a May 13 letter to members obtained by BlackburnNews.com, General President Terry O'Sullivan said the union's regional office has recommended the Sarnia local be placed under supervision.
A hearing was scheduled after six officers of the local union, in an April 18 letter, made 11 allegations against Mike Maitland that were investigated by Assistant Regional Manager Tony Pietrangelo and an outside firm.
LiUNA Local 1089 Business Manager Mike Maitland September 17, 2019 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
"Supervision has been recommended to protect the local union as an institution, restore democratic procedures, ensure the effective performance of its collective bargaining obligations, and restore autonomy to the local union," O'Sullivan said in his letter to members in May.
LiUNA Communications Manager Victoria Mancinelli said the investigation is ongoing.
"LiUNA takes very seriously any and all allegations of impropriety that could impact our membership or the business of a local union," Mancinelli said in an email to BlackburnNews.com. "When allegations of this nature are brought forward, LiUNA takes immediate and decisive action. In this case, we commenced an extensive internal investigation and a special hearing to critically and fairly adjudicate the allegations. We are awaiting the conclusion and final decision from this investigation."
Mancinelli said the elected position of a LiUNA local union business manager, secretary treasurer and all members of the executive board is to provide day-to-day representation of the membership and oversee the affairs of the local union.
"All business managers, secretary treasurers and executive board members have a duty to abide by the highest standard of ethical behaviour and comply with all internal protocols to maintain the integrity of our organization and the interests of the membership," she said. "All business managers must lead by example and loyally represent the members who elected them to do so. Those who fail to meet their obligation to responsibly and ethically represent the members and protect their rights will face necessary consequences including removal from office if necessary."
On its website, Local 1089 of the Labourers' International Union of North America says it conducts the bargaining of several collective agreements for 775-plus members.
The union has offices at 1255 Confederation Street.
Maitland has been business manager since June 2009.