Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 10/99) - Peter Atamanenko said he never expected to be involved in a labour dispute, let alone with his former employer, Federation of Labour. But he was and said he is still living with the consequences.

As a result of the termination of his employment with the Northern Territories Federation of Labour in Yellowknife in July 1997, Atamanenko filed complaints with his union -- the United Steelworkers of America -- and with NWT Labour Services. The Department of Justice and NWT Labour Services investigated and ruled late last year that the federation owed Atamanenko $3,758.76 in termination and vacation pay.

The November ruling said that Atamanenko was not a contractor, as the FOL had claimed, but an employee for the entire length of his employment as administrative assistant/project co-ordinator, which started in November 1990.

Atamanenko blamed what he said was lack of job security and his termination on the acting federation president at the time, Anne Juneau, but said he was equally surprised at the lack of support from his own union, the United Steelworkers of America.

"They dropped it like a hot potato," he said.

Atamanenko said that though the union provided some consultation, it appeared unenthusiastic about getting involved in union politics or such a small-scale dispute.

"I pushed the USWA and they were obliged to at least go through the motions, but they certainly haven't gone as far as they could have," he said.

And while Labour Services ruled Atamanenko was due $3,758 in severance, he said the matter remains unsettled. Atamanenko said the cheque he received from the Labour Standards Board on Jan. 23 is for $2,431.30, or the net portion of his severance. An enclosed waiver stipulates that it is Atamanenko's responsibility to ensure that this amount is reported on his Federation of Labour T4 slip, and that otherwise the $2,431.30 will treated as, "gross earnings for the purpose of taxation."

Current federation president Hank van Vulpen said last week that the federation will deal with its taxation responsibilities. Atamanenko said, however, he is concerned that he has been asked to sign a waiver while the matter is beyond his control, and will follow up with the Labour Standards Board. He said he is also considering whether to pursue a wrongful-dismissal suit.

But Atamanenko, who is currently working in British Columbia, said the experience has not turned him off unions or the federation.

"I loved the work and don't think this should reflect badly on unions in general," he said.