December 13, 2018
Subject: Word from your Local 70008 President
First, I would like to thank past-President Philip Griffin and past-Treasurer Christine Griffin for their trust in me and for nominating me for this honorable position. I want to thank all our members who have attended today's Annual General Meeting (AGM). Special thanks also go out to our special guests, as well as the following sisters and brothers for helping at the AGM. Planning and organizing such a large event was a new challenge for me and with your assistance, it turned out great!
I would like to congratulate each of your newly elected Local 70008 Executive Committee members:
I became an activist just a few years ago. I worked hard, I researched endlessly, I attended as many union courses that PSAC could offer, I met as many members as I possibly could and my day often started with members calling me before I arrived at the office, as well have receiving phone calls as late as 1 a.m at times. I watched how my Mother worked non-stop for the members of her CUPE Local while she was a President for many years. I learned how imperative it is to learn and respect our Collective Agreement, to work in a safe workplace and to be free of bullying, to stand up to unfair labour practices, eliminate the fear of reprisal and to learn how to work in a mentally safe environment.
During my speech, I explained how I envisioned our Local to be strong, educated, safe and united moving forward. My goal is to build a team of champions as your new Local Executive, to welcome new volunteers, to educate them and motivate them so they can successfully assist our membership.
We are in a difficult era of the ineffective Phoenix pay system. Like most of the Public Service employees, I too have been affected. I want each of your Local representatives to be well-versed in the matter of this fiasco, so they can guide you, assist you and be sure that you have a better understanding of the process to which you must endure.
The topic of "mental health in the workplace" is always promoted by our employer. Unfortunately, those are great words, but now I'd like to see action. I'd like to see accountability to those causing mental health injuries. I want to see "repeated offenders" be disciplined or terminated so they can never harm anyone again. I'm tired of all the great posters and the friendly speeches. I want to see the number of harassment complaints and grievances get reduced to a nil. This is why I promote the PSAC Education Program so openly. If you pay union dues then you have the right to free education so you can learn your rights, learn to protect yourself and learn how to work in a better environment. Your salary will be reimbursed. Please visit PSAC Education Program and take advantage of what is at your fingertips.
For all questions, concerns or comments, do not hesitate to use the Contact Us webpage linked above. for the following:
Please visit the following to learn more information about your union:
Thank you for your generous support, your kind words and for being interested and invested in your Local 70008.
In solidarity,
Diane Girouard
President, Local 70008
UHEW - PSAC
Subject: Word from your Local 70008 President
First, I would like to thank past-President Philip Griffin and past-Treasurer Christine Griffin for their trust in me and for nominating me for this honorable position. I want to thank all our members who have attended today's Annual General Meeting (AGM). Special thanks also go out to our special guests, as well as the following sisters and brothers for helping at the AGM. Planning and organizing such a large event was a new challenge for me and with your assistance, it turned out great!
- Todd Panas - National President, Union of Health and Environment Workers (UHEW)
- Julie Lavictoire - Executive Assistant to the National President, UHEW
- Fathyia Wais - PSAC NCR Representative
- Karl Lafrenière - PSAC NCR Representative
- Jeffrey Charter - Local 70018 President
- Margret Nikolic - Local 70018 Vice President
- Deborah Rose - Local 70018 Secretary
- Alain Desgranges - Local 70018 Member
I would like to congratulate each of your newly elected Local 70008 Executive Committee members:
- Louise Sicard - Vice President
- Carole Danis - Secretary
- Carole-Angèle Lacroix - Treasurer
- Jerry Nolet - Chief Shop Steward
I became an activist just a few years ago. I worked hard, I researched endlessly, I attended as many union courses that PSAC could offer, I met as many members as I possibly could and my day often started with members calling me before I arrived at the office, as well have receiving phone calls as late as 1 a.m at times. I watched how my Mother worked non-stop for the members of her CUPE Local while she was a President for many years. I learned how imperative it is to learn and respect our Collective Agreement, to work in a safe workplace and to be free of bullying, to stand up to unfair labour practices, eliminate the fear of reprisal and to learn how to work in a mentally safe environment.
During my speech, I explained how I envisioned our Local to be strong, educated, safe and united moving forward. My goal is to build a team of champions as your new Local Executive, to welcome new volunteers, to educate them and motivate them so they can successfully assist our membership.
We are in a difficult era of the ineffective Phoenix pay system. Like most of the Public Service employees, I too have been affected. I want each of your Local representatives to be well-versed in the matter of this fiasco, so they can guide you, assist you and be sure that you have a better understanding of the process to which you must endure.
The topic of "mental health in the workplace" is always promoted by our employer. Unfortunately, those are great words, but now I'd like to see action. I'd like to see accountability to those causing mental health injuries. I want to see "repeated offenders" be disciplined or terminated so they can never harm anyone again. I'm tired of all the great posters and the friendly speeches. I want to see the number of harassment complaints and grievances get reduced to a nil. This is why I promote the PSAC Education Program so openly. If you pay union dues then you have the right to free education so you can learn your rights, learn to protect yourself and learn how to work in a better environment. Your salary will be reimbursed. Please visit PSAC Education Program and take advantage of what is at your fingertips.
For all questions, concerns or comments, do not hesitate to use the Contact Us webpage linked above. for the following:
- To become a shop steward, a volunteer, or to take part in your union;
- To speak to a member of your Local Executive Committee, or
- To attend one of your Local 70008 membership meetings as an observer.
Please visit the following to learn more information about your union:
- Local 70008 website
- Local 70008 Facebook group
- Local 70008 Twitter
- Union of Health and Environment Workers (your Component)
- Public Service Alliance of Canada - National Capital Region
- Public Service Alliance of Canada
Thank you for your generous support, your kind words and for being interested and invested in your Local 70008.
In solidarity,
Diane Girouard
President, Local 70008
UHEW - PSAC