Chatham local awarded charter as executive meets with national president

The executive of CEIU’s new local in Chatham, Ontario had its initial meeting with National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay on October 15. Formerly NHWU local 00037, Chatham was presented with its charter as CEIU local 647 by Meunier-McKay as part of her welcome to our new members.

Accepting the charter on behalf of his members, Local President Dave Harris said he looked forward to getting to know CEIU and to working on the issues of concern at his office. The meeting then turned to practical matters as Jeannette outlined how the CEIU provided support to its locals. This was followed by a question and answer period that touched on a wide range of topics. Commenting later, Jeannette said “This is the kind of meeting I like. Lots of good questions from a very capable local executive that’s focused on the practical needs of their members.”

Joining Jeannette were Paul Soeiro National Vice-President for Ontario, Donna Struk, CEIU Ontario Council member and Nicole Ma, National Vice-President for Human Rights. Each provided a useful overview of their respective roles and the work of the Ontario region of the CEIU.

The meeting was also attended by CEIU staff representative Lorraine Diaper who began her public service career at the Judy LaMarsh building in Chatham, the worksite of local 647 members. “I have known a number of members on the local’s executive for over 20 years” said Diaper, “and I am excited to be working with them again.”

Local 647 has approximately 320 members who process Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Benefits.