HOTLINE, Winter, 2009 
Click here for photos Conference features Shop Steward Training classes Local 258 Shop Stewards attending the Activists Conference in Surrey in early November took part in one of two custom designed classes where they learned techniques and procedures to assist them in their roles as Shop Stewards in their workplaces. Local 258 ABMs Dan Klassen and Dan Giesbrecht were the facilitators providing an overview of the role of the Shop Steward to those who had not previously attended the Activist Conference. In this class, participants learned about the history of Local 258 and discussed, in-depth, the various aspects of representing their union brothers and sisters in the workplace. Students reviewed the importance of communication and how leadership skills can be further developed to enhance their abilities to assist union members on the shop floor. Effective relationships with management and comprehending the collective agreement were recognized and discussed as vital components of an effective shop steward’s toolbox. Participants had the opportunity to share their experiences and ask questions in an atmosphere of learning and support Local 258 President Michelle Laurie and Legal Counsel Rebecca Murdock led a class of seasoned Shop Stewards in a more detailed seminar focusing on the law and the role of the Shop Steward. Guest speakers were Tony Glavin and Will Clements from Fiorillo, Glavin, Gordon Barristers and Solicitors. Glavin delivered a workshop on ‘Past Practice’ with Clements presenting a power point presentation on ‘Discipline and the Shop Steward’. Segments on ‘Duty of Fair Representation’ and ‘Disclosing Private Information’ were also featured as well as an interactive presentation on legal research techniques of labour board decisions. (see more next page) Conference speakers highlight agenda A busy day of guest speakers highlighted the second day of the Local 258 Activists Conference. Welcomed by Local 258 Business Manager Doug McKay and President Michelle Laurie, attendees heard from International Vice President First District Phil Flemming who described the advances the union is making in Canada as membership has increased by 13% since 2001 as a result of successful organizing drives, with Local 258 seeing an increase of 7% last year alone. Rick Dowling from Local 213 and International Executive Council member welcomed the delegates and described the work underway by the International in organizing the upcoming Convention that will take place in Vancouver in 2011, the third time in the union’s history this event will happen in Canada. Jim Sinclair from the BC Fed spoke about the future of labour in BC and emphasized the importance of reaching out to all workers. The Fed’s Minimum Wage campaign continues with tens of thousands signing petitions demanding the provincial government raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour. Lauris Kleven, Business Manager from Local 2034 (Manitoba Power) described the challenges the union underwent this year as they took on the fight for a new collective agreement with their employer that resulted in the first strike in the union’s 50 year history with Manitoba Hydro. Joel Harden from the Canadian Labour Congress Research Department gave an informative presentation about the current campaign that has recently got underway demanding improved retirement security and pension benefit improvements for Canadian workers. Rick Smith, co-author of “Slow Death by Rubber Duck” and Executive Director of Environmental Defence Canada gave delegates a surprising look at the everyday pollutants and the ease with which they accumulate in the human body. Delegates took home complimentary copies of his book, a Canadian bestseller, now available in bookstores. Dr. Jim Boyle and Lois Budd from the Burn Unit at Vancouver General Hospital thanked Local 258 members for their generous donation to support wound healing research and gave a glimpse into the work they do to help burn victims recover at the province’s premier burn unit. The day closed with a very informative presentation from John Michalski, lawyer, who presented a workshop on “Last Will & Testament” that provided delegates with detailed information on how to prepare their personal documents, including Power of Attorney and Representation Agreements. Delegates had an opportunity to socialize together on Saturday evening as they enjoyed a dinner banquet prepared by the unionized staff at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel, followed by entertainment from comedian Tim Nutt, one of Canada’s premier comedians. Funds were raised during the dinner for this year’s United Way’s Labour Participation Campaign. Introduction to IBEW’s Code of Excellence IBEW International Rep for BC & the Yukon, Laird Cronk, led the delegates in a Sunday morning session that focused on looking forward into the future and the challenges that unions face in our industries across North America. He led a workshop introducing the IBEW’s “Code of Excellence” program that has recently been refined after being developed to overcome the challenges many of our members are facing from non-union contractors. The Code is an agreement between managers and the IBEW to increase labour-management cooperation and professionalism in the workplace. To view IBEW International President Ed Hill discussing the "State of the Union",click here. | 
