Victoria local presented with CEIU charter

Local 20975 received its CEIU charter from National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay at a recent meeting in Victoria, British Columbia. The visit included a walk-through of the Victoria ISP office in which Local President Mandi Schubert introduced members to the CEIU National President, National Vice-President Pat Wakefield and District Director Kathy Spencer.

The Victoria local, formerly NHWU local 20017, received its charter from the CEIU President at a meeting with the local’s executive on September 4. In presenting the charter, Jeannette said “I take great pleasure in presenting your new charter.  What I have seen here today is a strong local with active members and I’m looking forward to working with you.” She continued with a discussion of the contract negotiations process and the role played by the CEIU regional bargaining conferences. The conferences take their cue from the trade union adage “The best way to avoid a strike is to show you’re prepared for one.” Each regional conference varies, but their main focus is on communicating our bargaining objectives and mobilizing support for the bargaining team.

Jeannette will return to Victoria in October for more in-depth discussion on the workplace issues facing ISP members.

Local President Mandi Schubert thanked CEIU for maintaining the independence of the local, saying, “We are very proud of our local so this charter means a lot to us.” As a result of the re-chartering, the local will keep its current officers and stewards while enjoying the support of senior CEIU elected officers and staff in the BC/YT region.

National Vice-President (BC/YT) Pat Wakefield and District Director Kathy Spence also welcomed the new local.

Local 20975 has approximately 335 members who provide services in support of Income Security Programs.