Message to Members
Categories: IBEW, IBEW 2228, Ontario
Members of IBEW 2228,
This week, many of our Chief Stewards, our Eastern and Western Business Representatives, our ABM, and I met in Toronto to spend a couple of days together.
We did this for a few reasons. I wanted to strengthen our front-line representation by bringing our chiefs together, not only to strengthen them individually, but to forge them into a team that can work effectively together and as an extension of the Office. From my perspective, that goal was met. Old friendships were rekindled, new connections were made, and hopefully some professional relationships that grew into friendships. I may be overselling it, but that was the feeling I got throughout the days and into the evenings.
There was also, in my view, a significant exchange of information. Each of our chiefs shared the experiences and challenges they are facing in their regions and with their employers, and my staff and I reciprocated by sharing what we have been working on at the Office. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the realities our members face across the country, and I’m confident the chiefs left with a similar takeaway.
I also had the opportunity to present much of my vision for the next several years, and I both sought and received valuable feedback. In addition, several courses were delivered. Given that one of them focused on cognitive bias, I feel compelled to add a disclaimer: when I say the meetings were excellent overall, I hope that assessment isn’t simply my own bias as the organizer speaking.
I want to close by thanking our Chief Stewards. Thank you to those who were able to attend, but even more so for everything else you have all given. You are members who stepped forward, took on leadership roles, and have served in demanding volunteer positions for many years. While every member’s contribution matters, you carry special responsibility and deserve recognition for the work you do. Thank you.
I would also like to speak to the ongoing Workforce Adjustments occurring within the federal government. Over the past several weeks, I have made efforts to reach out to everyone I was made aware was affected. While I have heard back from many of you and spoken directly with quite a few, I have not yet been able to connect with everyone.
I recognize that there is a lot of information available and that some members may feel they do not need assistance. That said, I want to remind anyone going through this process that your Union is here and will do whatever we can to help.
This includes helping members understand how the WFA process operates, how it applies within our specific collective agreement, obtaining clarifications where needed, and advocating on your behalf to maximize available benefits and minimize involuntary departures.
If you are affected and we have not yet spoken, please remember that your Union wants to help, and that we may be able to. You can reply to any message I have sent, or, if you have not received a message or phone call from me, please feel free to contact me directly at jeff.wendt@ibew2228.ca
In Solidarity,
Jeff Wendt
IBEW 2228 Business Manager
The post Message to Members appeared first on IBEW-FIOE 2228.