PRESIDENT'S CORNER
LOCAL IS BUSY WITH NEGOCIATIONS,
CONVENTIONS, TRAININGS, MEETINGS,...
Since our last Union Echo edition in June we have been very busy with negotiations throughout our Local and many of our members have been attending conventions, trainings, meetings, etc…
In August, a delegation of nine (9) have attended the International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sisters Michelle Thériault, Francoise Lecours, and Brothers Eric Carroll, Jason Lacko, Guy Veilleux, Wesley Ridler, Jean Laurin, André Lachance and myself did attend. The Convention dealt with many resolutions and our delegation listened to several speakers including Joe Biden, USA President (via video conference) and USA Vice-President Kamala Harris. (See pics)
On September 8th & 9th, the Local held its Women of Steel committee meeting at the Thunder Bay office. Even though the participation was very low (8), I believe the meeting was very successful and that this committee will be going in the right direction moving forward, of course with the support of our Local.
On September 29th & 30th, we held our annual Steward’s meeting with over 30 Stewards in attendance. The Stewards received training from Brother Kai Lai (National office Education department). The Stewards were very pleased with the training and are looking forward to another meeting next year.
October 5th & 6th, the Local sent three (3) delegates to the 3rd National Gathering of Indigenous Steelworkers. Brothers Blair Decorte, Alled Leckner and Wade Baxter attended the Gathering.
Two Brothers have also been sent for an Organizing training in October. Brothers Alled Leckner and Max Fulton did attend.
On October 26th, a delegation of ten (10) did attend the Wood Council Conference that was held in Langley BC. Sister April Johnson and Brothers Jeff Low, André Lachance, Wesley Ridler, Jason Lacko, Eric Morissette, Daniel Touchette, Eric Carroll, Guy Veilleux, and Jacques Jean were the delegates attending the Conference.
I want to take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
In Solidarity;
Jacques Jean
USW International Convention
Las Vegas, Nevada, August 8th to 11th, 2022
USA President Joe Biden speaking at the USW International Convention.
Delegates attending the USW International Convention, left to right, Eric Carroll, Guy Veilleux, Jean Laurin, Wesley Ridler, Michelle Theriault, Francoise Lecours, André Lachance and Jason Lacko. Missing: Jacques Jean.
3rd National Gathering of Indigenous Steelworkers
Sault-Ste-Marie, October 5th & 6th, 2022
Delegates who attended the Gathering: left to right, Wade Baxter (Lecours Lumber Sawmill), Blair Decorte (Dallan Fort William) and Alled Leckner (New Gen Harvesting).
Stewards Meeting
Hearst, September 29th & 30th, 2022
USW Wood Council Conference
Langley, BC, October 26th, 2022
Delegates, left to right, Jeff Low, Jacques Jean, Wesley Ridler, André Lachance, Eric Morissette, April Johnson, Jason Lacko, Eric Carroll, Guy Veilleux and Daniel Touchette.
Moderated panel on Bargaining and the role of First Nations Reconciliation.
Brother Jeff Bromley,
Wood Council Chair
