The biannual Shop Steward conferences are much-anticipated events because they provide the opportunity for the stewards to get to know one another, the CEU Staff, and the Executives in a fun environment. The objectives of this spring’s conference were to provide Stewards a review of the Collective Agreement bargaining process and help them understand all the changes to the Collective Agreement. Not only were these objectives met, but a Vice-Chair of Shop Stewards was also elected.

Laura Snow, President, kicked the conference off with a warm welcome and acknowledgement that we were meeting on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Kristy Child, CLRO, followed with an overview of how the dance of bargaining goes and described some of the strategies and experiences from this round of bargaining. Next, Howard Lin, Director, Shane Campbell, Chair, Shop Stewards; Michael Hess, Treasurer and Laura Snow, explained, in detail, the amendments to the Collective Agreement to ensure the Stewards had a complete understanding of the changes and how they came about. It is important that Stewards are knowledgeable about the Agreement as they must know it to guide members and assist them in addressing Board Management on issues arising out of the Collective Agreement.

Now, you might be wondering who was elected? Of the four nominations, candidate Chelle Wright received the highest number of votes, so she will fill the role of Vice-Chair. She will assist Shane Campbell, Chair of Shop Stewards with his duties, along with her own steward responsibilities.

If you are interested in learning more about Shop Stewards and what that role means, please reach out to Shane Campbell, Chair of Shop Stewards, and any of the Executive Team for more information.

The list of who the Shop Stewards are and which jurisdictions they serve in is available for viewing or downloading from the Document Library in the Members Area of the ceu.ca website.