Comrades & friends,

As a democratic organization, how we function, and determine policy priorities, is decided by our membership. Leading up to Negotiations 2022, our members have an opportunity to promote, and debate, bargaining demands to be included in our National program of demands. The first step in this process is proposing resolutions at our two March GMMs.

This week's dispatch gives further detail on how our March GMMs will feed our negotiation demand resolutions into the Regional Conference in May, as well as offer a primer on how to draft resolutions. Other important information includes our local's endorsement of Brother Rashpal Sehmby's run for city council, and a list of the non-Exec officer positions up for local elections. 

In Solidarity,

President's Report - No Struggle, No Victory 

On preparing for Negotiations 2022: We can’t force that change without creating leverage. We have no leverage if we don’t mobilize our membership en masse. We won’t be able to successfully organize and mobilize our members, without giving them the skills and confidence necessary through deliberate training. There are no shortcuts. The work must be put in. (Read more >>)

Drafting Negotiation Demands

As a democratic organization, how we function, and determine policy priorities, are decided by our membership. Leading up to Negotiations 2022, our members have an opportunity to promote, and debate, bargaining demands to be included in our National program of demands. The first step in this process is proposing resolutions at our two March GMMs. Below are the basics of putting together a resolution as well as contact information to submit, or receive help in developing, a resolution. (Read more >>)

Local Elections Notice

Our local is seeking Non-Executive Officers to collaborate with their respective Executive Vice Presidents and the Local President to help serve, and support, our membership. These positions report to, but do not sit on, the Executive Committee. Each position has a three-year term, ending April 2024. These elections are in addition to the Executive officer elections that will be finalized at the April GMM. Nominations, and elections, for these Non-Executive positions will take place at the April GMM. (Read more >>)

CUPW 730 Endorses Local Health & Safety Officer

Rashpal Sehmby, our very own Health & Safety officer and steadfast union activist, is running for council in the upcoming Edmonton civic election! It was to our local's great pleasure to join our CUPW Prairie office in endorsing Brother Sehmby at our last GMM in his efforts to be a progressive voice for the working class in his home ward. (Read more >>)

Local Committee Meetings

Committees and working groups are an excellent way for members to get more involved with the operations of our local. For more details on what each committee does and what they will be meeting about, please check the corresponding bulletins:

- Women’s Committee - Wed, Feb 17, 6:30pm (LINK)

- Education Committee - Thur, Feb 25, 7:30pm (LINK)

Working In the Extreme Cold During A Pandemic

From National: This winter, we will still have to deal with periods of intense cold like in previous years, with the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the milder temperatures experienced to date in the southernmost parts of Canada, we have to be prepared for the extreme cold weather to come and the added complexity of working outdoors with personal protective equipment (PPE), which may increase the risk of frostbite if proper preventive measures are not followed. Take steps to protect yourself and encourage your co-workers to do the same. (Read more >>)

Ongoing Reminder: Local Office Access

To stay aligned with the newest health guidelines, our office remains locked and available by appointment only. We are trying to conduct all meetings with members over the phone or via video conferencing. Exemptions can be made for unique circumstances. In either case, please call (780) 423-9000 to arrange an appointment with the appropriate officer. We are extremely busy in the office trying to put out a thousand different fires, so please leave a message if you’re unable to catch us on the phone.