The National Skilled Trades Council brought together 180 delegates for its triennial meeting, held on November 10-12 in Windsor, Ontario. The event was hosted by the Windsor and Essex Skilled Trades Council.
Delegates spent part of the Council reporting out on issues facing skilled trades members in their workplaces, including new technology, collective agreements, work ownership rules, apprenticeships and much more.
The Council session was chaired by Skilled Trades National Chairperson Dave Cassidy and featured a presentation by Secretary-Treasurer Bob Orr, a discussion on the campaign for pharmacare and a series of local community initiatives. John Breslin, Director of Skilled Trades provided a report on issues facing trades. . Delegates also participated in a Remembrance Day ceremony and offered a donation to the Street Help Homeless Centre of Windsor.
On the second day an election of the Skilled Trades Council executive was held for a three year term. After voting took place Cassidy thanked delegates for their active involvement and endorsement in his re-election.
“We continue to grow our National Skilled Trades Council from coast to coast to coast since the inception of Unifor. I cannot thank the delegates enough for the ongoing support as we build our council in each and every sector of our union,” said Cassidy.
Congratulations to the new Skilled Trades Council committee members:
Chairperson Dave Cassidy, Local 444
Secretary - Treasurer
Joe Elworthy, Local 2200
Vice Chair
Nelson Gagné, Local 101 R
Recording Secretary
Ray Hamel, Local 88
Trustees
Paul Renaud, Local 444
Ken Anderson, Local 200
Bill Dickson, Local 222
Ashok Venkatarangam, Local 100
Jaques Ouimet, Local 100 Quebec
Apprenticeship Committee
Tim Snider, Local 2200; John Fitzgerald, Local 707; Larry Jeanveau, Local 27; Clayton Ross, Local 100; Kim McMaster, Local 44
Resolutions Committee
Mark Thayer, Local 222; Dave Tveit, Local 1859
By-Laws Committee
Tom Edward, Local 27; Leanne Marsh, Local 2200; Paul Dortono, Local 199; Dan Bonchek, Local 222
Credentials Committee
Terry Brighton, Local 4207; Leo Jacques, Local 222; Jim Bonneau, Local 444
Communication Committee
Mark McGregor, Local 1285; Carlos Zuzarte, Local 88
New Technology Committee
Mike Berlinquette, Local 1075; Bev Casemore, Local 855; Patrick Doyle, Local 2003