Labour Relations
In my role as Assistant Director of Field Services, I've been deeply committed to advancing social justice and equity through service and advocacy work. Recognizing which perspectives are absent in a conversation is paramount to inclusion. The intersectionality of member’s experience is the cornerstone to developing opportunities for member engagement through the elimination and mitigation of systemic barriers for participation. Here's a synopsis of the service and advocacy work I've undertaken:
Disability Justice: I've actively advocated for the rights and inclusion of members with disabilities within our union. This includes assisting locals in supporting members with disabilities, ensuring accessibility in department lead activities and communications, and raising awareness about ableism in the workplace.
Antiracism: learning to address systemic racism within the labor movement and workplaces has been a priority. This involves supporting locals in advocating for equitable hiring practices, challenging discriminatory policies, and collaborative work with the Anti Racism and Anti Oppression Department.
Truth & Reconciliation: Acknowledging and addressing historical injustices against Indigenous peoples is essential. I've worked to integrate Indigenous perspectives into our Department’s initiatives, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and advocate for land acknowledgments and meaningful engagement between locals with the land and the stewards of the land.
Trauma-Informed Practice: Recognizing the impact of trauma on workers, I've advocated for trauma-informed approaches in workplace policies and practices. This includes supporting survivors of workplace harassment or violence, providing resources for mental health support, and promoting organizational cultures of empathy and support through Health and Wellness.
Member Engagement: Actively engaging members in union activities and decision-making processes is crucial for a strong and member driven union. I have continued this work in collaboration with all departments in our organization.
Member Support: Providing support to members facing workplace challenges is fundamental. I've offered guidance on navigating grievances, advocated for fair process in collective agreement disputes, and helped locals connect members with resources for legal assistance, health and wellness, mentoring, internal mediation services, and other support.
Training & Capacity Building: Empowering members with knowledge and skills strengthens our union. I've developed training programs on topics such as collective bargaining, workplace rights, and equity and inclusion. I have worked with other departments to foster engagement in members in the codevelopment of in person and online learning opportunities.
Through these ongoing efforts, I strive to advance the principles of justice, equity, and solidarity within our union and in the broader labor movement.
Disability Justice: I've actively advocated for the rights and inclusion of members with disabilities within our union. This includes assisting locals in supporting members with disabilities, ensuring accessibility in department lead activities and communications, and raising awareness about ableism in the workplace.
Antiracism: learning to address systemic racism within the labor movement and workplaces has been a priority. This involves supporting locals in advocating for equitable hiring practices, challenging discriminatory policies, and collaborative work with the Anti Racism and Anti Oppression Department.
Truth & Reconciliation: Acknowledging and addressing historical injustices against Indigenous peoples is essential. I've worked to integrate Indigenous perspectives into our Department’s initiatives, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and advocate for land acknowledgments and meaningful engagement between locals with the land and the stewards of the land.
Trauma-Informed Practice: Recognizing the impact of trauma on workers, I've advocated for trauma-informed approaches in workplace policies and practices. This includes supporting survivors of workplace harassment or violence, providing resources for mental health support, and promoting organizational cultures of empathy and support through Health and Wellness.
Member Engagement: Actively engaging members in union activities and decision-making processes is crucial for a strong and member driven union. I have continued this work in collaboration with all departments in our organization.
Member Support: Providing support to members facing workplace challenges is fundamental. I've offered guidance on navigating grievances, advocated for fair process in collective agreement disputes, and helped locals connect members with resources for legal assistance, health and wellness, mentoring, internal mediation services, and other support.
Training & Capacity Building: Empowering members with knowledge and skills strengthens our union. I've developed training programs on topics such as collective bargaining, workplace rights, and equity and inclusion. I have worked with other departments to foster engagement in members in the codevelopment of in person and online learning opportunities.
Through these ongoing efforts, I strive to advance the principles of justice, equity, and solidarity within our union and in the broader labor movement.