Every worker deserves a union!!

I have worked as a Steelworker for the past 17 years in the Elk Valley at Teck. My journey in the workforce began at a meat packing plant when I was 20 years old. This was a non unionized workplace. There was a lot of negativity around the union discussions. I stayed totally out of it . I excelled in my role and even received promotions, now as a staff supervisor feeling confident that I didn’t need a union to improve my life. The next time the union was knocking on the door we were taught antiunion information. We were always told say what you want just make sure there is no witnesses. We used every fear tactic in the book true or not. However, after changes in ownership led to a negative work environment, I witnessed the value of a union when the workers successfully unionized.

At 33 I had a realization about my priorities in life, I sought a stable job that would support my family and future retirement. I transitioned to Elk Valley Coal Fording River, a unionized workplace, where I began to learn about the benefits and protections that come with being a part of a union. Recognizing the advantages it offered, such as better wages, benefits, and job security, I became involved as a union activist over the past decade.

Drawing from my experiences working on both sides of the fence, I have gained insight into the inner workings of unions and management. While I continue to learn and grow, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and encouraging others to educate themselves about the benefits of joining a union. It’s important to make informed decisions based on your own values and priorities, rather than solely relying on the experiences of others.