Editor:
I was a mining safety representative for more than 15 years.
I have been working in mining since I was 18 years old.
Now that I am retired I am seeing a deterioration in the work ethics of employers in the mining industry.
Industry standards are not up to par today and workers need to learn proper procedures for a safer work environment and learn to stand up for themselves.
It is their lives that are on the line.
I believe this younger generation is being poorly treated in many ways and need to take a greater role in their own union activities to protect their rights and general well being for themselves and for their families.
Find out who represents you and make an effort to attend your union meetings and participate.
The resources of any union are limited and there is always much more that unions could do to be even more effective in defending the members’ interests.
A union’s power is unleashed when individual members take it upon themselves to pitch in and each does a little something to contribute to the larger effort.
No matter what kind of person you are, you have something you can contribute to make your union stronger. If you have good writing skills you might volunteer to work on the local newsletter.
If you have some expertise in health care benefits or health and safety matters, you might volunteer to serve on a committee or help out during negotiations.
Everyone has got at least a little time to spare once or twice a month, so why not volunteer to help hand-deliver union literature to your fellow employees.
One for all and all for one.
Divided you all fall.
The best to you all.
Rejean Godin
150 Mile House