Greetings

Welcome to a brand-new year!! Last year was one of the most eventful in our Union’s history. Those of us who work for Treasury Board came together on picket lines all across the country in our largest strike ever. UHEW members had one of the highest participation rates of all Components and as we stood strong, we were able to make gains in many areas including wages and seniority rights.

For the first time ever, we were able to get recognition that workers have rights when it comes to remote work and collective bargaining language to provide some protection. Both PSAC and UHEW will have work to do this year to ensure that the employer lives up to these provisions, but for now we celebrate our solidarity and our gains for all members. Another reminder that when we stick together, we win.

There will be many more challenges in the days and months ahead. Covid is not gone away and there will be new health issues to contend with. Many UHEW members are still fighting for justice and equality and for safe and healthy workplaces that are free from harassment and discrimination. Other members like our Fishery Officers and our members who work in Enforcement have long-standing complaints about unfair treatment that must be addressed.

I want to ensure you that the Union of Health and Environment Workers will continue to work to resolve these issues. With your support and encouragement, we will succeed.  We hope that you managed to get a break and some quality time with your loved ones over the holidays and are coming back refreshed and re-energized. Thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of Canadians over the last year and best wishes for a successful and productive new year.

As always, we’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line at the e-mail below.

Help us build UHEW together!!

In solidarity

Shimen Fayad
shimen.fayad@uhew-stse.ca