Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Since taking office six months ago, as the UNE’s National Executive Vice-president, I have been hard at work advocating on behalf of our members. I must say that it’s both a great pleasure and an honour to represent all our members – from all sectors and all corners of the country.
Recently, my employer, Parks Canada, asked me to help them improve labour relations. They have offered to excuse me from my regular work duties, until October 2013, so that I focus solely on helping them resolve labour relations issues. I will perform this work as part of my role as National Executive Vice-President, not as an agent of the employer. During this time, my employer will continue paying my regular salary and benefits.
Given the current political climate, it’s likely that this assignment will include advising the agency on workforce adjustment situations.
With your help, I’ll make every effort to fight back against job cuts. If your employer should decide to move forward with workforce adjustment actions, my work will ensure that they do so in a fair and transparent manner.
While my 9-to-5 job will be mostly focused on members working at Parks Canada, this new assignment will make it easier for me to access leave without pay for union business. In other words, I’ll have more time to dedicate to represent all of you as your National Executive Vice-president.
If you have any questions about this assignment or any other issue (or if you simply wish to send me words of encouragement!), please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours in solidarity,
Eddie Kennedy
National Executive Vice-President
Union of National Employees