As the holiday season is in full swing, and 2018 is just around the corner I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Members not only in Sudbury, but as far away as Warren, Manitoulin Island and Chapleau for your hard work and commitment to your Local and the important public services you all provide.
This past year has been very busy for us all. In addition to our commitments in the workplace, our activists have been busy politically, participating at many picket lines and other causes to improve our communities for our friends, families, and all citizens in the North.
2018 will be even more challenging as we have a number of collective bargaining agreements which will have to be negotiated. In addition, there will be Provincial and Municipal elections over the next year which will have a direct impact on our work and workplaces. We must engage our politicians at all levels and participate to ensure that we elect candidates who are labour-friendly, accountable and support public services for all.
Many of you will enjoy the well-earned opportunity to spend time with friends and family as 2017 draws to a close. Your work over the last year has improved peoples lives, provided vital public services and made all of our communities better. Very simply put, the work of CUPE 4705 Members is second to none.
And let’s not forget that many of our Members will be at work during the holidays. Our Airport Servicepersons/Firefighters keeping the airport safe for holiday travelers, the Paramedics responding to emergencies and saving lives 24/7, the Roads Department ensuring that our roads are safe for our commuters, and our Water/Wastewater Members who around the clock are ensuring that our drinking water is safe and clean for our friends and families. These are just some of the many Members who will be at work on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and throughout the holiday season.
In the spirit of Peace and Solidarity and on behalf of your entire Executive Board I wish you all a Happy Holiday and Joyous New Year!
In Solidarity,
Darryl Taylor
President
CUPE Local 4705
