This past summer, we conducted our first-ever membership survey, and I would like to thank all members who participated.
The results of the survey are important because they give the executive board and myself a better understanding of what our union is doing well, and what improvements we still need to make.
The opinions and recommendations from the survey will help the officers and I when we make decisions about our training, pension and benefit plans.
There were a number of action items identified in the survey, and I am pleased to report that we are already taking steps to address them.
For example, I have hired three new business reps in order to better serve our members. Improving business rep visibility was one of the action items identified in the survey.
We are also in the process of revamping our website so that members will be able to pay dues online, as introducing additional online functionality was another action item identified in the survey.
Members also wanted union apparel available for purchase via an online store so we are adding that capability to the website as well.
Meanwhile, we have introduced an e-newsletter and are building a member email database, something that was also requested by members. I encourage members to register on our website to begin receiving the e-newsletter.
Members also requested more communication on political issues that affect members. As a result, I directed assistant labour relations manager Brian Alexander to attend monthly district meetings around the province to provide an update on anti-union legislation known as Bill C-377.
The results of the survey were discussed at our general membership meeting Sept. 22.
Fraternally yours,
Mike Gallagher
Local 793 Business Manager