In my role as Assistant Director of Field Services, I am 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. The following is a synopsis of the service and advocacy work I undertake:
Local Support: Managing grievances, mediations, and arbitrations alongside local union officers is a fundamental component of my work. With a comprehensive understanding of collective agreements and labour laws, I negotiate in concert with legal professionals to protect the rights and interests of the individuals, locals and the federation.
Member Support: Providing support to members facing workplace challenges is fundamental. I offer guidance on navigating grievances, advocating for fair process in collective agreement disputes, and help locals connect their members with resources for legal assistance, health and wellness, mentoring, internal mediation services, and other supports.
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.
Training & Capacity Building: Empowering members with knowledge and skills strengthens our union. I develop training programs on topics such as collective bargaining, workplace rights, and equity and inclusion. I enjoy working with other departments to foster engagement in members through the co-development of in person and online learning opportunities.
Disability Justice: Active advocation for the rights of members with disabilities within our union is important to my work. 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 continue to work on the integration of Indigenous perspectives into our Department’s initiatives, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and on going advocacy 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 work toward 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.
Through these ongoing efforts, I strive to advance the principles of justice, equity, and solidarity within our union and in the broader labor movement.
Local Support: Managing grievances, mediations, and arbitrations alongside local union officers is a fundamental component of my work. With a comprehensive understanding of collective agreements and labour laws, I negotiate in concert with legal professionals to protect the rights and interests of the individuals, locals and the federation.
Member Support: Providing support to members facing workplace challenges is fundamental. I offer guidance on navigating grievances, advocating for fair process in collective agreement disputes, and help locals connect their members with resources for legal assistance, health and wellness, mentoring, internal mediation services, and other supports.
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.
Training & Capacity Building: Empowering members with knowledge and skills strengthens our union. I develop training programs on topics such as collective bargaining, workplace rights, and equity and inclusion. I enjoy working with other departments to foster engagement in members through the co-development of in person and online learning opportunities.
Disability Justice: Active advocation for the rights of members with disabilities within our union is important to my work. 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 continue to work on the integration of Indigenous perspectives into our Department’s initiatives, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and on going advocacy 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 work toward 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.
Through these ongoing efforts, I strive to advance the principles of justice, equity, and solidarity within our union and in the broader labor movement.