MOVE FORWARD

Moving Forward

Bargaining

Prior to our last round of bargaining I implemented a strategic approach to bargaining preparation. Incorporating regional focus groups allowed us to tailor our negotiation strategy to address the unique concerns and priorities of members in different areas. Member surveys further enhance the understanding of what matters most to your members, providing valuable insights that can inform our bargaining positions. Collaborating with Job Stewards and other unions, as well as seeking alignment with organizations like the BC Federation of Labour, can help strengthen our negotiating position and ensure that we, as a union, advocate effectively for the members' best interests. Building on the success of the previous round of bargaining, this preparation phase will likely set a solid foundation for productive negotiations ahead.

The Energy Sector

I am heavily involved in advocating for the interests of members within the changing landscape of the energy sector. The shift towards electrification, coupled with governmental policies aimed at reducing reliance on natural gas and promoting sustainable energy sources, presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders like BC Hydro, PowerTech, and FortisBC.

My involvement with government consultations, demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring that the voices of my members are heard and considered in decision-making processes that directly affect their livelihoods. Sitting on the Climate Change and OH&S committees of the BC Federation of Labor allows me to address the inter-connected issues of environmental sustainability and worker safety, recognizing the importance of a just transition to a more sustainable future, while safeguarding the well-being of workers.

Advocating for labor representation at the decision-making table underscores the importance of ensuring that the transition to cleaner energy sources does not come at the expense of good-paying union jobs. By actively participating in these discussions, I’m trying to help shape policies that balance environmental concerns with the needs of workers, while promoting a more equitable and sustainable energy transition for all those involved.

I am collaborating with both BC Hydro and Fortis to address their concerns and working with government officials to ensure that all energy sources are clean, affordable, reliable, and properly regulated. With an emphasis on avoiding past mistakes like the Independent Power Producer (IPP) debacle and learning from previous experiences,  Minister Osborne's assured me, our current government is commitment to these private companies being regulated this reflects a step in the right direction.

Continuing to engage with the Minister of Energy and holding the government accountable for their promises demonstrates my dedication to ensuring that the energy landscape evolves in a sustainable and responsible manner

Job steward

When I was first elected in 2018, I started to host all-day workshops for each component of the Utility group and I intend to continue.  Having these all day sessions, is a great way to empower job stewards with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively advocate for their fellow members. Having unit-specific training is especially important because it allows stewards to address the unique challenges and concerns facing their particular work units. It ensures that they are well-equipped to support their colleagues in navigating workplace issues and advocating for their rights. As the eyes and ears on the floor, job stewards play a crucial role in representing the interests and concerns of the membership. Their ability to gather information and provide feedback is essential for the organization to understand and address the needs of its members effectively.