CEIU member honoured for work in Joint Learning Program

Barry Wilton, long-time activist with CEIU, was recently honoured by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for his work with the Joint Learning Program (JLP). Barry’s facilitation of the Anti-Harassment workshop earned him a Regional Distinction Award from the DFO which he received at a ceremony on January 16.

A 40 year commitment as a union activist has spanned careers in the private sector and the provincial and federal governments. In the 1970’s, Barry represented Project Officers across the country in their quest to gain indeterminate status. He has held every position on his local executive and currently serves as the President of the Stephenville local in Newfoundland & Labrador.

In addition to his training work at the DFO, Barry has presented courses such as Alternate Dispute Resolution for HRSDC and co-facilitated courses in Advanced Representation Skills at the PSAC’s Atlantic School.

Collective bargaining has been a personal priority from the start of his union service. He has been a picket line captain, a member of the Gander Regional Mobilization Team and, most recently, an alternate member of the PA bargaining team. “Collective bargaining is at the heart of the union” he says, “and this is where members expect the union to come through. But it’s also where the members have to come through and I have really enjoyed my mobilization work with the union.”

Making room in his union work for fun has never been a barrier Barry could not get over. He is well known for performing the traditional “Screech-in” at union functions across the country, saying “A good balance is what you need. Hard work and good fun need each other in every organization.”

Beyond his work with the union, Barry served as a municipal counselor for 12 years and a school board member for 9 years. This level of public service demands long hours and Barry is quick to thank his family for their support of his work in the union and the community.

National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay and National Vice-President Denise Richey both offered their congratulations and thanks to Barry, agreeing that “Barry has clearly made his mark and he stands as an example to members everywhere.”