» 2026 UHEW National Convention – Day Two Recap: August 19, 2026

2026 UHEW National Convention – Day Two Recap: August 19, 2026

Day Two of the 2026 UHEW National Convention was equally as busy as Day One with much convention business accomplished. Here’s a recap of the day’s highlights.

CONVENTION COMMITTEE REPORTS CONTINUED

The day began with the By-Laws Committee back on stage. The Committee presented their remaining priority resolutions.

The first resolution dealt with on the floor was resolution BLW-037A. This resolution addressed the proposed UHEW structure option that was presented at the 2026 Spring Council meeting. The resolution called for the proposed structure to be presented at the 2026 UHEW National Convention and for delegates to cast the deciding vote on it. After some debate, the resolution was referred back to the Committee with the instruction that the Committee provide a costing for the proposed structure, accounting for the additional RVPs contained in the proposal. When the resolution returned to the floor with costing, delegates voted against the committee recommendation.

Resolution BLW-032A was then debated and adopted on the floor. This resolution called for a new section on the UHEW national website that would list all resolutions that have passed at UHEW National Conventions and the date for which the resolutions have been implemented.

Delegates then debated resolution BLW-042, which called for the implementation of a tiered system for Alternate RVPs in which one Alternate RVP position would be created for each 1,000 members per region, to be adjusted and confirmed at each National Triennial Conventions prior to elections. After debate, the resolution was defeated.

Delegates also adopted a number of the Committee’s other concurrent resolutions:

Resolution BLW-058 was adopted, which called for an additional National Council meeting each year that will be held virtually.
Resolution BLW-050 was adopted, which added a third National Council member to the Finance Committee.
Resolution BLW-003 was adopted, which removed language from the UHEW By-Laws that is already covered under Section 25 and Regulation 19 of the PSAC Constitution.
Resolution BLW-010 was adopted as amended, which renames the UHEW regions to provide clarity and consistency in the naming practice of regions but maintains current representation allocations.
Resolution BLW-049 was adopted, which allows all Alternate RVPs to attend all sessions of UHEW Presidents’ Conferences.

NBFL PRESIDENT SPEAKS ABOUT SOLIDARITY

Delegates had the opportunity to hear from Christopher Watson, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour on Wednesday morning. Watson spoke importance of solidarity across the labour movement, noting that the labour movement is about more than improving wages; it’s about building the type of society we want to live in. President Watson went on to speak about the challenges facing public service workers across the country and the need for strong leadership. However, he stressed that leadership does not only happen in board rooms. It happens on picket lines, at rallies, in the workplace, at the bargaining table, and every time a worker stands up for their co-worker; that’s union leadership in action. To conclude his address, Watson spoke to the Convention’s theme, Solidarity Through Changing Tides, explaining that despite the challenges before us, union members can change the tide: We can organize. We can educate. We can fight for pay equity. We can stand up for collective bargaining. And, above all, we can show up for one another. Because when workers stand together, we are stronger than any tide we face. We don’t have to wait for the tide to turn. We can turn it together.

BLACK MEANS BUSINESS: BARGAINING SOLIDARITY RALLY

UHEW Convention attendees took it to the streets on Wednesday. Standing in solidarity with PSAC members from coast to coast to coast, UHEW members wore black and marched to Member of Parliament Wayne Long’s office in Saint John. Rallying together, members delivered a strong message to MP Long, showing that PSAC members are behind their bargaining teams and that our solidarity is unshakeable. We’re united, determined, and ready to fight for a fair deal the respects the work our members do every day.

GENERAL COMMITTEE REPORTS TO CONVENTION

After lunch, delegates heard from the General Resolutions Committee. The Committee presented their report and priority resolutions. The majority of the Committee’s priority resolutions were addressed on the floor and carried, including:

Resolution GEN-050 was adopted, which called for the establishment of a whistleblower committee with the mandate of drafting a UHEW whistleblower policy.
Resolution GEN-005A was adopted, which called for UHEW to advocate for improved mental health supports in the workplace.
Resolution GEN-006 was adopted, which called on UHEW to develop a digital communications strategy, including regular updates via email, social media, and the UHEW national website.
Resolution GEN-022 was adopted, which called for the creation of a standardized UHEW member orientation package for all new members.
Resolution GEN-047B was adopted, which called for PSAC to push for improved NJC data collection methods and consultation practices that better reflect northern realities while respecting privacy requirements.
Resolution GEN-051 was adopted, which call for UHEW to create a new Regulation limiting the Component’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) while advocating for safeguarding the land and water from AI.
Resolution GEN-009 was adopted, which called for UHEW to create an “Equity Corner” on the national website to promote events, campaigns, and equity updates.
Resolution GEN-046 was adopted unanimously, which called on UHEW to advocate for improved representation of northern workers at Treasury Board bargaining conferences and to identify barriers to participation and develop strategies to ensure northern perspectives are meaningfully reflected in bargaining priorities.

Two of the General Committee’s priority concurrence resolutions that were not adopted by delegates. After a healthy debate, resolution GEN-020 was defeated. That resolution called for UHEW to launch a podcast to share updates, campaigns, and member stories. Resolution GEN-019 was also defeated, which called UHEW to provide social media training and awareness session for members with best practices on digital engagement and security.