Message to CEIU members from newly elected National President Don Rogers

Hi.  I thought it important to tell you a little bit about myself, my values and my beliefs.

While I’m new to the role of president, I’ve been involved with our union for many years.  For the last nine years I’ve been the National Vice-President (NVP) for Manitoba and prior to that, local president for most of my working life with the department which began in 1990.  At the National level, I’ve chaired the Finance Committee for the last nine years.

I believe that leadership is only exhibited by example.  I believe that no one person should work alone, but that we must work together in order to achieve our goals.  I don’t have all the answers nor do I even pretend to know all the questions. Only collectively can we begin to try to resolve all of the issues facing us today.  

We need to communicate better, listen more and work together as we face the difficult days ahead.

Our future over the next few years is full of challenges. In addition to what we have endured in the past and are faced with today, the government is intent on more reduction, arbitrarily it seems, and at what cost?  We must make the public understand that if our jobs disappear, so will their level of service and their access to Canada’s social safety net.   

I value honesty and in integrity.  I believe that we must treat each other with respect before we can demand it from others.  I believe that trust is earned and I hope to earn yours.

I have much to learn and will endeavour to do my best.

In solidarity always,

Don