Brothers & Sisters,
The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees Local 80809 will be having its Annual General Meeting Thursday October 30, at the Harbourview Holiday Inn in Dartmouth (beside the Macdonald Bridge) – reception starting at 5:00 PM.
Our National President, Christine Collins will be attending – and will be able to speak to many of the issues facing federal public servants.
The Union meeting will deal with the normal AGM business – reports from the current Executive, election of a new Executive for the next two year period, Shop Stewards, and other business (including updating the Local By-laws so that they can be signed and submitted by the incoming Executive to UCTE National office).
80809 is one of the largest UCTE Locals, with members in various locations in the HRM, on-board ship, and in a variety of locations around Nova Scotia. This has made it difficult to reach out to everyone in the Union – I trust in the coming year this will improve.
Many members have asked – “What do we get for our Union dues?“ Would we be better off without the Union? During the past year, I have seen how the Union has assisted many members with job related issues – large and small – but all are issues important to the individual involved. In many cases this assistance may be informal – participating in discussions with management so that issues are resolved at that level, before a formal procedure is required. With proposed changes to Pensions, Sick Leave, cuts to Public Service jobs to address government spending priorities, and so on – the Union provides representation which none of us, as individuals, could achieve. So, would we be better off without the Union? – I believe the answer is clear.
That being said the Union could be improved, and more representative of the needs of its Members – You!
I am asking you to attend the AGM on Thursday October 30 to add your input to improving Your Union.
I am also asking that you consider volunteering some time to the Union – run for a position on the Executive, offer to be a shop steward, or even just take a Union course.
In Solidarity
John Dalziel
President
UCTE Local 80809.