Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF

Regina District Labour Council

May Works Week of Events

For the first time ever a full week of May Works activities to remember the Winnipeg General Strike

of 1919.

There were a lot of activities starting the week of April 28, 2019 with Day of Mourning; due to

extreme weather conditions we had to move the ceremony to indoors at the Union Centre in short

order. There were 48 workers killed on the job from 2018 and the message was that one worker

killed on the job was too many. Had quite a few speakers lined up and talked about how to be

proactive to prevent injuries and death to all workers. There were approximately 100 people in

attendance, with standing room only. Many Unions laid wreaths.

April 29, 2019 was a Book Launch, co-sponsored with Briarpatch Magazine; the Book was “Cracking

Labours Glass Ceiling Transforming Lives Through Women’s Union Education” Barb Byers, Donna

Smith, Cindy Hanson, Sandra Ahenakew and Shobna Radons spoke at this event, it was held at

Tommy’s Speakeatery, there were 40 plus people in attendance. I spoke on May Works and Winnipeg

General Strike, which was the theme for May Works Week and shared about the benefits of

Education in the Union and Prairie School for Union Women.

April 30, 2019 – sponsored by Regina Public Interest Research Group at the U of R. Movie Night,

documentary on “The Right to Learn.” They provided food and the space at the U of R to view the

movie, 12 to 15 people were in attendance.

May 1, 2019 – the 1st Annual May Day Parade! Co-sponsored by SGEU, there was 150 – 160 people

who attended the parade, people joined us from the streets, a lot of folks from the community and

organizations we built relationships with. I spoke on History of the Winnipeg General Strike. Our very

own Youth VP John Muench spoke on the “Fight for 15” and the work around that, great job John!!

Bob Bymoen President of SGEU spoke on effects to workers in Saskatchewan, the cuts, bargaining

with the SK Party Government. Trevor Morin spoke about UFCW Strike in Saskatoon. Lori Johb spoke

on solidarity. Michelle Lang spoke about federal workers and PSAC bargaining and the broken

Phoenix pay system. Looking forward to next year’s 2nd Annual May Day Parade, hope to see you all

there.

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

May 2, 2019 – Poetry Slam, Regina Word Up facilitated how to write poems, open mike, for folks to

share, there was seven people in attendance.

May 3, 2019 Solidarity Karaoke; there was 30 plus in attendance, later on after the drag show, well

the place was packed out and continued with Karaoke.

Next year we are hoping this will be bigger and hope that more Unions would like to coordinate with

us to make it even better. Thanks to all those who co-ordinated and co-sponsored events this year.

Annual General Meeting and Awards Banquet

Right after May Works we jumped into our Awards Banquet and AGM, held on May 10 and 11, this

year we decided to join the two events together. It was a good evening, we started the AGM at 6 pm

and adjourn at 7 pm and continued with the Awards Banquet and picked up again the next day with

the AGM at 9 am.

The recipient of the Award of Distinction went to our very own, Muna DeCiman of SGEU for her hard

work in the Community and Union; there was quite a long list of the amazing thing this Sister has

done, and the extension of her heart and home to those in need.

The Recipient of the Community Service Award went to our proud Indigenous Sister, Dodie Ferguson

of CUPW for her hard work in the Community and Union also, her activism for the First Nations

peoples and her Reserve of Cowessess First Nations, marked her accomplishment in the movement

for Indigenous people.

Both are more than worthy of these awards that recognized the hard work, and dedication to their

community and how they affect the lives of people around them. Congratulations!!

For next year we would like Local Unions to think about the people in your organizations who could

be recognized for their hard work, there are many around them who do amazing thing. Each year we

kind of struggle to get nominations in. Please look around and consider nominating those around you;

we forget about the people who do this work, because we are accustomed to them stepping up. Let’s

get them recognized and show them our appreciation for all that they do.

The AGM was a success; we had a panel on Education and P3, a Bear Pit session with three NDP

MLAs, a session on the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. Elections of new and returning Executives.

This year the Treasurer and Secretary were up for elections they serve a two year term; Susan Butson

was acclaimed as Secretary, from RWDSU 454 and new Treasurer; who also was acclaimed, Colette

Martin from RWDSU 454.

It is quite exciting that all the Table Officers are women, and I am proud to recognize that we have a

very diverse Labour Council, we have a worker with disability on our Executive for the second year.

There are still opening for a Worker of Colour, Youth and LGBTQ Vice President’s positions, please

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

consider sending your members who would like to participate, volunteer and be part of their Labour

Council.

We have a lot to plan for next year and I along with my Table Officers are look forward to working

and co-ordinating with our Affiliates to be the hands and hearts of the Labour Movement.

BOOK LAUNCH, Amazing Women, who helped to change the lives of Women in the Prairies!!

MAY DAY PARADE MAY 1, 2019

INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY

RDLC 1st ANNUAL PARADE

Co-Sponsored by SGEU

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

CONGRATULATIONS!! Installation of Officers

Community Service Award Swearing in New Executives

Dodie Ferguson, CUPW 820 Deanna Ogle

Award of Distinction CLC Representative

Muna DeCiman, SGEU 1101

RDLC NEW EXECUTIVE 2019

CONGRATULATION!

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

June 13, 2019 – had the pleasure, along with Dani Aubichon and Michelle Lang from PSAC and Under

750 Vice Presidents, to attend the Cornwall Alternative School Appreciation; listened to a few

speeches. Kids completed the school year and received recognition for their accomplishments from

most improved academically to best in sports. It was an honour to be there as one of their key

supporters. It was a great few hours. This is one of the schools we support under our “School Supply

Program.”

June 15, 2019 was the Queen City Pride parade! It was awesome! A lot of Labour was out. Though

we only had a few from RDLC, we decorated one of our Vice President’s truck and participated in one

of the longest, festive and happy parade ever.

July 30, 2019 participated in the Queen City Ex Parade. We had 36 people; we handed out a lot of

candies between all of our groups that attended, there was a lot of people on the streets.

August 22, 2019 participated in a focus group lead by Emily Eaton, Simon Enoch form CCPA and

Shannon C. from Enviro-Collective. Talked about the motion the City of Regina passed on Renewable

resource. Labour was at the table, we all knew each other, they wanted to look at the study through

equity lenses. We were the fourth and largest group.

August 30, 2019 Susan Butson RDLC Education Committee chair, delivered 55 full back pack to

Cornwall Alternative School for the eight year in a row. We have made contact with Coronation Park

School also, and awaiting delivery. Thank you to all the Unions who support this cause.

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

As most of you know, that unfortunately we had to cancel the Labour Day Picnic this year, due to bad

weather. The agreement was the since RDLC and Building Trade co-host the event. That they would

make the call if the weather was bad. We had a conversation the day before and spent over night

watching the weather, and at early in the morning we made the call to cancel. This would give us

time to let everyone know not to show up with a bit of advance notice. We will be having a meeting

this fall to discuss plans for next year and how we will deal with bad weather, not sure what we can

do, but will definitely talk about it. This is really twice in three years we have had to cancel due to

weather. There is concern because a few years ago, the Provincial Government charged us for

damage to the lawn, and OH&S has to be considered with wet and electrical plug-ins in the rain.

Again apologies to all that was ready to participate and join us for this very special day, and hopefully

the weather will cooperate next year.

The Unions of Regina Christmas Dinner is coming up and tentatively booked for December 19, 2019;

we as an Executive have to decide how we will be proceeding with this event. Due to the Hotel

doubling the cost for plates and the venue. We have to look at what our options are for this year, if

we do not receive enough donations. We are still sending out an appeal for support to continue this

amazing event that feeds many people in our community a hot meal for the Christmas Season (last

year we fed 1200 people from the Community). We would like to see this continue it has been

running for 19 years, and want to continue to celebrate for 20 years. Thank you in advance for your

support, (see appeal letter).

In Solidarity

Respectfully submitted by

Shobna Radons

Pronouns She/Her

President

Regina & District

Labour Council

"Labour Councils are the heart and hands of the Labour Movement."

"Putting Unity into our Community since 1906."

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

The Regina & District Labour Council (RDLC) along with our Unions and

Community Partners, the United Way Regina, Delta Hotel Marriot Regina

will be hosting the 19th Annual Unions of Regina Community Christmas Dinner

for Regina’s less fortunate residents.

This annual event will take place at the Delta Hotels Marriot Regina

on Thursday, December 19, 2019.

Our success can be directly attributed to the support and involvement that the RDLC receives from its

affiliates and non-affiliates alike.

The RDLC is asking your Union and Association to get involved once again this year as a

sponsor. A financial contribution, however large or small, will help make the Christmas Season

brighter for many of Regina’s citizens, (many of whom have told us time and time again, “thank you,

and this was the only hot meal that they would receive for the holiday season”).

Thank you in advance for your generosity, contribution, participation and sponsorship to this worthy

community event.

In Solidarity

Shobna Radons, President

Regina and District Labour Council

(CUPW 820 Regina)

(306) 530-7826

“Putting Unity into Community since 1906”

“Labour Councils are the heart and hands of the Labour Movement.”

How to donate:

If your Union or Association decides to partner with the Regina & District Labour Council to sponsor

this event,

Please make your cheque payable to the:

Regina & District Labour Council

Please indicate on the cheque’s information line that it is for the

“Community Christmas Dinner Fund”

Contributions should be confirmed and/or received by December 13, 2019

Mail or deliver cheques to the:

Regina & District Labour Council

Christmas Dinner Fund

Attention: Colette Martin – Treasurer

2709 12th Avenue

Regina, SK S4T 1J3

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

Weyburn District Labour Council

The Weyburn & District Labour Council is meeting on a regular basis with several new delegates

attending.

Many years ago the Labour Council established a memorial for April 28th, Day of Mourning and we

continue to hold our annual ceremony. Labour activists and members of the community all gather on

April 28th at the memorial site located behind the T. C. Douglas Calvary Centre to remember all

workers killed or injured on the job due to a workplace accident.

Last year we held our first Photo’s with Santa event and it went well so we will be hosting that again

on Saturday, Nov. 23rd. Please let your members in the area know about the event.

We will be participating in the Remembrance Day ceremony by placing a wreath at the Legion’s

memorial.

We are looking forward to the Labour Council Conference being held December 6th and 7th in

Regina. This conference is a great opportunity for labor council activists to get information on

campaigns and to exchange information on how we’re connecting within our communities.

Labour Councils/Committees are an important element in the labour structure of this province.

While all the labour councils are working hard to raise their profile and the profile of labour in general

in their communities we know we could do much more if we had greater participation from all the

affiliates. If you’d like more information on the council/committee in your area, please contact the

CLC at 525-6137 or the SFL at 525-0197 and they will be happy to provide you with contact

information.

Submitted by Wanda Bartlett President Weyburn & District Labour Council

Saskatchewan Union Retirees Federation

SURF would like to start off with a thank you to former SURF president Ron Monk for his many years

of service to SURF and representing our provincial federation at the national council of the Congress

of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC). For those who many not be aware, Ron stepped down as SURF

president at the October 24th, 2018 SURF annual general meeting in Regina. Ron remains on the SURF

executive as past president and we value his continued involvement.

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

We would also like to thank the SURF officers, members-at-large and membership for their work over

the past year with the various activities and programs of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada

(CURC), National Pensioners Federation (NPF), Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM),

Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), SFL Pension Committee, local Labour Councils, and CURC

area councils.

It is important to note here, that the volunteer work we do as retired union members would not be

possible without the valuable financial support of Saskatchewan labour centrals and unions. We

would like to acknowledge the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) officers and staff as well as the

Saskatchewan Federation of Labour officers and staff for their support with our mail-outs, copying,

supplies and other gifts-in-kind. We would like to thank the following unions for their financial and

gift-in-kind donations to SURF over this past year:

• Canadian Labour Congress Prairie Region

• Canadian Office Professional Employees 397

• Canadian Union of Postal Workers 810

• Canadian Union of Postal Workers 820

• Canadian Union of Public Employees 4784

• Canadian Union of Public Employees 5430

• Grain Services Union

• Moose Jaw & District Labour Council

• Regina & District Labour Council

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union 454

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union 455

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union 496

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union 544

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union 568

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union 955

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union Joint Board

• Retail Wholesale Department Store Union Weyburn

• Saskatchewan Federation of Labour

• Unifor Area Council

• Unifor 1-S

• United Food & Commercial Workers 1400

Several SURF members attended the CURC convention last fall in Toronto as delegates from either

SURF, their own union, or an area council of retirees. It was great to see so many retirees from

Saskatchewan in attendance. During the hotly contested CURC elections, retired CLC rep Bill Chedore

was elected CURC President. Current SURF President, Janice Bernier was elected as the CURC 2nd

Vice-President. SURF 2nd Vice-President, Ben Medernach has been representing SURF at meetings of

the CURC national council. Delegates debated resolutions that made changes to the CURC

constitution and fee structure as well as supporting improvements to retiree/senior pensions,

benefits, healthcare, housing, community supports, and a national drug plan (pharmacare).

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

The SURF-CURC membership brochures for Saskatchewan have been updated and re-printed to

reflect the changes to CURC membership fees approved at the 2018 CURC convention. The new fee

structure came into effect at the end of March 2019. The new brochures are grey in colour, so please

discard all brochures that are any colour other than grey, or do not show the revised date of April 15,

2019 on them.

A number of Saskatchewan union retirees and seniors attended as CURC, SURF, United Steelworker

Retiree (SOAR), or SSM delegates to the National Pensioners Federation (NPF) convention held in

Regina last September 2018. The issues of pensions, benefits, healthcare, housing, community

supports and a national drug plan (pharmacare) were also on the NPF agenda.

On May 2nd, 2019 SURF President Janice Bernier, 2nd Vice-President Ben Medernach and Treasurer

George Britton attended a meeting of the CURC western region provinces from the Prairie and Pacific

regions (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary,

Alberta. As well as meeting to discuss CURC membership and activities in the western region,

participants were able to attend as observers/guests to the Alberta Federation of Union Retirees

(AFUR) biennial general meeting and the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) convention. The AFL

hosted the CURC participants at a noon lunch at the Convention Centre prior to CURC meeting.

Discussions at the western region meeting included CURC membership, structure, pre-retirement

education, publications, communications and retiree participation at labour centrals (CLC,

federations, labour councils) across the country.

Six SURF delegates attended the SSM annual general meeting and conference on May 21st & 22nd,

2019 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina. This year’s theme was “Discovering Treasure in Your

Hometown – Discovering the Value of Older Adults in Our Communities!” Guest speakers included

Miriam Larson and former premier, Lorne Calvert. In addition to the keynote speakers delegates

also heard from:

• Seniors Strategy for Saskatchewan – Mapping the Future in Saskatchewan

• Rural Transportation – Finding the Best Route with Alexander Crizzle

• Housing – Where will you live? Check out the 'Old Coots Commune' with Kristine Greenaway

• Ageism & Media – Roadblocks or Open Roads? with Linda Anderson

• Influenza Vaccination presentation by Sanofi Pasteur SURF President Janice Bernier and 2nd Vice-President Ben Medernach represented SURF at the CURC

national executive and council meetings in Toronto on May 27th, 28th & 29th, 2019. Discussions

focused on information gathered by CURC President Bill Chedore’s cross-Canada meetings with the

CURC provincial federations in the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie and Pacific regions.

Updates to the CURC pre-retirement course “What’re you doing after work?” were made at the start

of the year. New content has been added in the area of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) and

significant updates have been made to the statistics, Government of Canada websites, Service

Canada links, the Canada Food Guide, as well as to the CURC, federation and area council contacts.

Reports from Labour Councils and SURF 2019

While there are still a few typos and errors, and some glitches when it comes to printing, evaluations

have been positive with participants recommending that others sign up for the training. The updated

CURC pre-retirement course was facilitated by Janice Bernier and retired CLC rep, Wendy Daku at the

SFL-CLC spring school June 6th to 10th, 2019 in Moose Jaw. The class was small, and the evaluations

were positive. A training schedule is currently being set up for this fall and next spring to deliver the

revised course in Saskatchewan.

The SURF provincial council met in Saskatoon on Monday, July 15th, 2019 to conduct regular business

and plan for the upcoming 2019 annual general meeting. During the July meeting Nicole White made

a presentation on the Moontime Sisters Project and their activities. SURF members voted to support

the program with a financial contribution and volunteers to help with packing supplies when needed.

We are pleased to see that the SFL has established a Disabilities Committee. Disability issues are part

of the mandate of CURC and SURF and of great interest to us. We have put forward the name of

Sister Kathy Lang to represent SURF on this new SFL committee.

SURF 1st Vice-President, Shirley Dixon worked with the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM)

working group to put together the federal candidate forum on September 19th, 2019. All union

retirees are strongly encouraged to get involved in the election campaign and support candidates

who best represent the interests of working people, in particular retirees and seniors.

SURF will once again be sponsoring International Day of Older Persons events in both Prince Albert

and Regina. The City of Prince Albert has issued a proclamation and a coffee party will be held for

seniors and retirees at 10:00 a.m. at the PA Heritage Centre. As of this date, details for the Regina

event have not yet been confirmed.

The SURF annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 at TCU in Saskatoon

in conjunction with the 2019 SFL Convention. SURF delegates will be attending portions of the SFL

convention during that day. Meeting notices have been sent out to all SURF members. Retired union

members interested in joining SURF are welcome to attend the AGM and can purchase a membership

at the door.

Respectfully submitted,

Janice M. Bernier

President – Saskatchewan Union Retirees Federation (SURF)

/apologies for any individual names, groups, or events that may have been missed