There’s something pretty cool about the NCR-Separate Employers region; they represent such a diverse group of workplaces! There are members working at museums, national historic sites, Parliament Hill, non profits and, at our newest local, the Rideau Carleton Slots, among countless others. And last weekend, they all got together for their regional seminar.
For Mathieu Laurin, who is part of Local 70372, the weekend was jam-packed with highlights. Among others, they include the participation of the national president and a workshop on submitting resolutions to convention.
“We were able to submit a resolution on-the-spot,” explained Laurin.
Since the last convention, any member can submit a resolution as long as it is co-signed by five other members in good standing.
“The UNE simplified the process,” he added. “We don’t have to spend as much time crafting resolutions. Here’s our idea: here’s what we propose.”
“It’s short. It’s sweet. It’s clear.”
Related: You have until April 11 to submit your resolutions! Find out more here.
Laurin will soon have the privilege of voting on his own resolution, since, during the seminar, he was elected as a youth delegate to convention. Given the current political climate, he feels that it’s incumbent upon young workers to get involved in the union now before it’s too late.
“A lot of baby boomers are going to be retiring. When that knowledge leaves – if we don’t have youth getting engaged and actively participating – we’re going to be shredded to pieces.”
Laurin feels that it’s important for the union to let youth know that they’re being heard. Having youth delegates at convention is one of the ways our union tries to give young workers a strong voice.
“We can’t just continuously rely on our more senior and experienced union members; we need to start looking at the future.”