Dara’s Story

Dara’s remarks at the news conference in Toronto, June 5, 2007

Good morning, and thank you for being here today.

My name is Dara Fresco.

I’ve been working for the CIBC since 1998 as both a teller and a Personal Banking Associate.

During my time with the bank, I have worked my scheduled hours as well as additional hours, as was required to perform my job.

From my observations and experience at over twelve branches where I have worked, this is a common occurrence.

However, this is not what I am disputing.

What is unfair is that my colleagues and I are rarely paid for the overtime we are working and that’s just not right.

I decided to seek out legal advice mainly to see if this was allowed and to find out what my options were.

So, this is what brings me here today because it isn’t fair to work and not get paid for your time. It isn’t right for me and it isn’t right for my fellow colleagues.

What I hope for in doing this is to get people to call the 1-888-687-2431 phone number or go to the website www.unpaidovertime.ca to find out more information and join me so that they too can say, “I want to be paid for the hours I work.”

Now, I understand this is going to be a very long process and I want to assure my colleagues and everyone else involved that I am in it for the long haul.

I have every intention of seeing this through to the end.

When it’s time this morning, I’ll be glad to answer your questions.

Thank you.

For further information concerning this action, please call 1-888-687-2431.