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Unifor’s Prairie Regional Council ended today with a presentation on mental health first aid (MHFA) from Steve Tizzard of Local 2121. The local shared the 2017 CM Hincks Award for mental health promotion with their employer at Hibernia for their MHFA training program.
“Workers want to be engaged and invested in their workplace health and safety, and mental health promotion is no different,” said Tizzard.
The theme of mental health was carried throughout Council as delegates heard from Victoria Maxwell, who shared her lived experience of mental illness and recovery, and Jim Demeray, the President of UnderstandUs, an initiative that works to remove mental health barriers.
Health and safety was also at the forefront during the Council as Sari Sairanen and Ken Bondy from Unifor’s Health, Safety and Environment department warned of the dangers of Behavioural-Based Safety programs, which allow employers to sidestep responsibility by blaming the worker. While delegates were touched and motivated by safety advocate and double amputee Curtis Weber’s story of survival following a life-changing workplace injury.
The three-day Council, held in Edmonton April 5-7, drew attention to the battle against austerity, specifically in the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Alberta’s NDP government was well-represented as Minister of Labour Christina Gray spoke about the upcoming review of the province’s labour laws. A delegation of MLAs led by Unifor member and MLA for West Yellowhead Eric Rosendahl attended the Thursday night reception.
Social justice issues were also prominent as resolutions on Equal Pay and Paid Domestic Violence Leave were passed.
In closing, Joie Warnock, Western Regional Director thanked delegates for their passion and commitment to the labour movement. Prairie Regional Chair Christy Best wrapped up the Council with a look towards the work to come. “We’re going to fight back every time premiers like Brad Wall and Brian Pallister try to cut public services or privatize Crown corporations.”
To view a photo gallery of Prairie Regional Council visit Facebook.com/UniforCanada
