HUMAN RIGHTS COURSE

Last month Ellen Folley (Recording Secretary) and I were able to attend the 40-hour Unifor National Human Rights course at Unifor 1S's union hall. This course is a requirement for officers of all locals as per the National Bylaws and we are the last members of the 594 Executive yet to take it. Instructors from Ontario led material and discussions on topics such as Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Racism, Gender & Sexuality, Disability, Allies & Privilege, Challenges for the Labour Movement, Duty to Accommodate and Harassment. The course participants were from a diverse group of Saskatchewan Unifor locals and it was a great week of learning with lots of engaging conversations.

One of the things that stood out most to me was the topic of accommodation. Any worker at any point in their career can become injured or suffer a disability that requires accommodation. Having bargained language to protect workers and hold employers to their “duty to accommodate” helps reduce some of the stress that a worker would feel as they go through this temporary or long-term transition. Whether it’s an accommodated work station, job duties or even a different role in an organization there is something that can be negotiated for the good of the member. At 594 I am proud to say we have an accommodation committee that has assisted several members over the years with varying needs. We also have Letter of Understanding #35 which specifically deals with accommodation in our CBA.

All in all, the human rights course outlined the fact that all workers, regardless of their situation, need representation and a voice to be heard. Hearing stories from other workplaces and situations reaffirmed the fact that we all just want a workplace where we can be treated with dignity, respect and have our rights protected. It was a good learning experience and I am grateful I was able to attend.

Ellen finds the Residential School education an important part of the human rights course, "As a daughter of a Residential School Survivor, the Truth and Reconciliation portion of this course hit close to home. The content educates people of past injustices and encourages us to work as a whole, to mend and support healing, and to advocate for each of us to stand for one another as human beings."

In Solidarity,

Wade Schnell, Process VP

2022 REFLECTION

As 2022 comes to an end, I want to share my best wishes with all my 594 sisters and brothers and your families at home.

I want to reflect on another year and the gains we have made. This year, again, we have accomplished a lot together. We all got the company through another turnaround safely and efficiently. We have settled grievances and arbitrations, clarifying language and protecting the interests of everyone in our union. We have started to see job postings and new hires recently and have been able to start swearing in new members at general meetings again.

A few months ago we were able to start going back to in-person meetings at the hall. It is way better getting to see everyone again and not just a little window in a zoom meeting. We also had our first party post COVID and we filled the Turvey Center to celebrate our 80^th year as a union local.

We have stuck together, worked, grown and achieved this year, as 594 does every year, and I look forward to what 2023 will bring.

Thank you everyone for your commitment, dedication, and solidarity throughout the year. I hope you are all is able to spend time with family and friends this season and get at least a little time away from work.

Merry Christmas to everyone and have a happy, healthy new year,

Nathan Kraemer, President