Unions, what does it mean to YOU

A question I asked workers in and outside of a union.

I expected, and I did- get answers like; I don’t know, or what are they good for? Even that they are useless, in some form or shape of the word. For many of you though, the first thing to come to mind was that unions improve wages, working conditions, equality, safety and job security. As well as health benefits and Pension.

But many Workers and business people alike might not be aware of how these improvements fought for by the workers union affect the life outside of work for their families and community they live in. Things like fair wages, health benefits, safe and respectful working conditions help make a community. People have a stable income to afford housing and settle down, spend their money in local businesses and raise their kids in a town they don’t just have a job in but care for. Workers contribute in ways like volunteering in community services, engaging and taking part in sowing the seed of positive change and attitude in which a new generation may grow.
Just like a union needs the community to support their endeavors, the community needs a strong union to stabilize and stimulate their economy. After all, the strength of a community is made up of people with the idea of togetherness and the flame of solidarity that is carried at work from one to another, is passed on to the people that surround us and places we share.

Posted in Home | Comments Off on Unions, what does it mean to YOU

Manitoba Site visits a great success says GVP Chartrand

RePOST from 11/10/2022

The intense sense of pride that comes over us when we visit worksites where our members make the greatest products and give the best service in North America! We met with members of all Manitoba local lodges last week and get to have some meaningful discussions with them.

I am always astounded by the hard work of our leadership despite the challenging circumstances they face – we can add COVID-19 to those challenges for the last two-and-a-half years. Meeting with them gave me a fuller appreciation of the work they do and the challenges they face.

The best part of our work is when we meet with members who have worked for 47 or 48 years in a workplace and take such pride in what they do! We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to engage in conversations with them. This is the best part of our work.

Nothing replaces face-to-face meetings with members and the leadership. Our Manitoba trip will guide me further as I continue visiting many more locals and districts across the country.

Thank you to all those who took the time to meet with us and discuss some very important issues. You should know that YOU are the engine that keeps this union running – and together we will overcome any obstacle in our path. Thank you – I appreciate every one of you!

Posted in Home | Comments Off on Manitoba Site visits a great success says GVP Chartrand

Web training

IAM local 608 honing Web skills

Local lodge communicator of 608 of Pinawa Blake Kopacheno and Siggi Schuhmann joined by four other locals, took part in a three day training February 13 to 15 at District Lodge 181 in Winnipeg to hone their skills at web creation. This will help to better inform their members on communication and new developments more effectively. Trainer Frank Saptel IAM Canada communication representative is an invaluable source of knowledge that he loves to share and students appreciate.

Local Lodge 608, LL 714, LL1919, LL2603 and LL1953
Posted in Home | Comments Off on Web training