Deborah Nilsen

UTE Union Steward

February 2010 - Annual Report

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. It’s been a learning year for me as a union steward.

I attended the UTE grievance course and learned a lot of new things in regards to the grievance procedure and filing grievances in general. The course was excellent and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend.

I took on the role as the Prince George UTE local webmaster. This has been another great learning experience. Figuring out how to work with a new program and maintain the website started out as quite a challenge. I’d like to mention that I appreciate the assistance I received from a couple of NBC&Y TSO staff members when I first offered to look after our UTE website. I also received assistance from one of our regional UTE members. Their help was invaluable to me. Maintaining the website is still a work in progress for me, but the more I work with it, the better I’m becoming at making the updates and changes needed.

I’ve recently returned from the UMI (Union Management Initiative) train the trainer sessions and will be working with Dave Jex, our TSO management representative, to bring this training to new managers and new union executive and stewards. As the UMI union representative, I am confident we will be able to work together to solve our conflicts at the lowest level possible, keeping in mind that UTE members have the right to file a grievance if necessary. My hope is that we can solve issues as soon as we can so that we all work in the best environment possible.

I still sit on the OHS committee. I care about the health and safety for all the staff members in our TSO and being a member of the OHS committee is a good way to ensure the office is a safe environment to all.

I’d like to take this opportunity to remind all UTE members that your union is here for you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your work place or situation, please keep in mind that your union representatives are available to assist you.