Along Came CSE

The year was 1974. In January, CBC's Fifth Estate aired a program entitled "The Espionage Establishment" suggesting that the Communications Branch of the National Research Council (CBNRC) was engaged in Signals Intelligence, largely for use by the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington. The internationally respected Council was not amused.

Within months, a representative of the National Research Council Employee's Association called the Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) to let them know that the Communications Officers unit at the Research Council might be transferred to National Defence. By year's end, Defence had quietly taken over control and supervision of the Branch. An Order in Council officially created the Communications Security Establishment effective 1 April 1975. CSE was excluded from the Public Service Employment Act as a Separate Employer under the Public Service Staff Relations Act.

After a March 1975 vote by the majority of employees to join the Alliance, UNDE set about ensuring that members' existing rights were protected. CSE was considered a low-profile part of the government's intelligence system and publicity was the last thing wanted. Management at both Defence and CSE were as eager as the employees to effect a smooth changeover.

An interim arrangement was worked out whereby employees preserved their current classifications and their "terms and conditions of employment" secured by collective agreements with NRC. The transition into Defence went smoothly with CSE initially being divided into two locals and six bargaining units: technical, administrative support, administrative services, operational, communicators and communications officers. By 9 April, UNDE advised Bill Moorman President of Local 70652 and Cliff Quinton President of Local 70653 that the Alliance had immediately applied for certification. At the same time, UNDE's George Holub was at work collecting material for negotiations with CSE management. By early 1976, CSE employees were happily ensconced in their new department - and Union.