Adversity Makes Us Strong

Creative arguing and inspired taunting have spawned many a great Union idea. More often than not, they bond a movement together and keep it fresh. There are times though, when such shenanigans can get out of hand.

Ken Green was a longstanding, highly respected National Defence Unionist. He had a firm vision for his Union and shared it with all. His views attracted many friends over the years – but a few detractors as well.

One 1960’s Convention opened with a personal attack on Green. A motion of censure from the floor criticised “his audacity in promulgating his personal comments on resolutions from the affiliates, and for handling Convention correspondence in an ineffective and dilatory manner.” The motion was agued for a while then defeated.

Later, Ontario President Maurice Punshon reminded members that “it was Ken Green who set up our National Office from the trunk of a beat up car. It was Ken Green who took the gamble to look after our affairs with wages based upon voluntary donations from branches. Mr Green had more than a hope, but rather a vision, of the possible greatness of this Association and he worked at it hard. Under his guidance the membership grew and grew, and with it responsibilities and workload.”

Ken Fraser of Saskatchewan lamented the vast amount of energy lost on internal bickering. He added that “it was bad enough for the Association to face these wild and irresponsible charges against a top officer, but the situation was made intolerable when news spread to other staff organizations.”

The debate ended, and delegates gave Green a unanimous vote of confidence. A happy ending – for the moment.