Labour Reps Represented at historic IAM Conference

2022 Canadian Staff Labour Conference

by Frank Saptel

Winpisinger Centre, Maryland – 30 labour staff from various unions in Canada attended a special conference at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center this week to discuss commonalities and strategies.

Labour staff from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Nova Scotia Government and General Employees’ Union (NSGEU), Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) gathered at the “W3” centre. A British Columbia staff group was also invited to see what the IAM has to offer and ask any questions they may have.

The conference was opened by Canadian General Vice-President Dave Chartrand who welcomed the members to this first-ever conference for union staff of other unions. He also thanked them for joining the IAM and helping to make sure that labour staff had good representation. Chief-of-Staff Gord Falconer also welcomed attendees gave them an overview of the structure, roles and vision of the IAM. Canadian staff Frank Saptel, Ivana Saula, Scott Jackson and Derek Ferguson gave presentations on their areas of expertise.

All Conference attendees went on a tour of IAM Headquarters where new members were introduced to staff and the many services provided across North America. Staff were also introduced to the many services and programs offered by the W3 Center.

The IAM represents more than 18 different staff groups who work for unions.

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GVP Dave Chartrand welcomes labour staff reps and talks about the vision of the IAM and the representation which has made us the union of choice for staff working for unions.
Gord Falconer, Chief-of-Staff takes attendees on a tour of the IAM and the structure of the IAM.
Mary McHugh, Director of the W3 Center gives a history of the labour movement and of the IAM. McHugh has a wide knowledge of American and Canadian labour history.
Ivana Saula, Research Director of IAM Canda speaks about the important initiatives of Automation and Artificial intelligence as well as the mentoring program called LEADS.
Communications Representative Frank Saptel talks about communications and the challenges.
Tom Talbot, founder of the IAM in 1880
International President Bob Martinez Jr. welcomes Labour Staff to IAM Headquarters.
Monica Silbas, Executive Assistant to the International President and Jonathan Battaglia, Communications Director
Dora Cervantes, General Secretary-Treasurer and Paul Kendall, her Executive Assistant.

(https://www.iamaw.ca/labour-reps-represented-at-historic-iam-conference/)

About Roswita Hildebrandt 149 Articles
I am the PAC Rep for Local Lodge 2797