This committee is comprised of the Officers of the local union and meets regularly to investigate and make recommendations with regards to members’ grievances. The committee members are experienced and trained in grievances handling through to full arbitrations. Recommendations are subject to the appeal process and the Executive Board to ensure fair representation. The representations of members through this committee is one of the most important functions of the Local.
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The volunteer organizing committee recruits and trains members to become an active organizer. Volunteer organizers play a critical role in the success of our Local Unions Organizing program. The Local Union has entered into an Organizing Partnership with the International Union which involves a number of initiative and a joint financial arrangement. Organizing is the job of every single Union member. It is the responsibility of all of us to educate our friends and neighbors about what a Union really is.
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The purpose of the Safety / Workers Compensation Committee is to promote all aspects of health and safety, including Workers Compensation issues, in the Local Union.The Committee has the responsibility to promote and ensure the development of safety and health programs in our Local units. Education is an integral part of that responsibility. The Chair conducts courses to instruct the elected Health and Safety Representatives of the Units. Basic and Advanced courses are offered to ensure our members work in safe environments.
The purpose of the Women of Steel Committee is to make recommendations to the Local Union in all matters pertaining to the advancement of women and women’s issues in the Local Union, workplaces and the community. This active committee promotes and participates in women’s issues in the labor movement. We are represented at the District National Committees as well as the B.C. Fed. Educating women through courses, such as Women of Steel, and conferences is an integral part of breaking down the barriers women face on and off the worksite.
Chris Stephens chris.stephens@usw1944.ca
The purpose of the Political Action Committee (PAC) is to ensure that the Local Union and its members are engaged in politics at all levels, to further the interests of working people and their families. PAC trains members to work on civic, provincial and federal election campaigns. We participate in other political activities such as demonstrations, rallies, conventions etc. The Local is currently affiliated with the New Democratic Party as this party has demonstrated its commitment to working people’s interests.
This committee is a committee which is elected every two years at the Annual Delegated Meeting. The Director of education is then selected by the Committee members. They decide on the number and type of schools that will be held and produce a yearly calendar. There are numerous courses that are available to members.
The purpose of the Human Rights Committee is the protection and extension of human rights to all and make recommendations to the Local Union to advance human rights within the union and in their workplaces. This committee works throughout the local and community to advocate on behalf of equality and justice for all members. USW 2009 is active with PRIDE
The purpose of the NextGen Committee is to make recommendations to the Local Union in all matters pertaining to the advancement of issues that are important to young union members in the Local Union, their workplaces and the community. Next Generation is a program to inspire and educate young members of the United Steelworkers, providing opportunities for mentoring and leadership development, along with union and community activism. The United Steelworkers is North America’s largest industrial union, representing 200,000 active members in Canada and another 400,000 in the United States in all imaginable segments of the economy, including manufacturing, telecommunications, education, mining, paper, health care, forestry and so much more.
The USW has a proud history of standing up for workers both inside the workplace and in the larger community and economy. Next Generation honours our strong past, protects our present and aims to make our union vibrant, viable and relevant for the future by sparking a lifetime of union and community activism.
The purpose of the Counselling Committee is to provide personal support and guidance to members in accessing resources and support for assistance with personal, workplace and relationship issues. The union counsellors, are co-workers or Union sisters, brothers and friends, who are usually experienced survivors and provide an important support service to the membership and their families. The counsellors have been trained to help members with diverse problems including substance abuse, marital difficulties, and financial problems.
Member Engagement Committee
The purpose of the Member Engagement Committee is to develop strategies and tools to increase activism and participation in our Local. Strategies may include Quarterly Newsletters, Blogs, e-mail/text blasts, swag, worksite BBQ’s etc.
Lyle Atkinson latkinson@usw2009.ca
The purpose of the Flying Squad is to provide support to lawful picket lines in the lower mainland and other areas with Local 2009 members.
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