Yesterday we bid farewell to our Brothers Randy Kingston and Fraser Trevors, who died last week in a motor vehicle accident while traveling home from work at the Belledune Generating Station. Brother John MacDonald was also injured severely in the same accident, and another person, Lawrence Breau died in the accident as well.
In the Union movement, we often refer to each other as “Brother” and “Sister”. At tragic times like this, it really drives home the point that we really are a family, because when a family member passes, we all hurt.
During my time working for the union, I have experienced many emotions – everything from happiness and anger, and everything in between. But I want to tell you that some of the most emotional days I have experienced, the saddest, have been when I find out that one of our members, one of our family, has been injured or killed. And this has been a really tough year for all of us – in addition to this tragic accident, we’ve had several members pass from natural causes.
I want to acknowledge the many people – coworkers, neighbors and friends who were at the funerals to pay their last respects. I was also very pleased that Energy Minister Jack Keir attended the funerals, as did members of NB Power’s senior executive – President and CEO David Hay, and Vice Presidents Wayne Snowden, Paul Theriault, Darrell Bishop, and Geoff Thomas.
Please join me in extending wishes for a sucessful recovery to John, and our deepest sympathy to the ones who are suffering the most – the families, coworkers and friends of our departed Brothers Randy and Fraser, and to the family and friends of Lawrence. Although we are all saddened by this tragedy, we cannot begin to understand the sadness that those who were closest to these men are enduring at this very difficult time, and our prayers and thoughts go out to them.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Happy Retirement, Betty Ann!!
Today is the last day at work for my friend, Betty Ann Smith. 
Betty Ann has been a key part of the team at Dalhousie Generating Station forever -- I don't think it would be a stretch to say she's the heart of the station.
Betty Ann has also been a key player in the IBEW -- she served for many years as the Dalhousie Unit Chairperson and on the Executive Board of the IBEW, on bargaining teams and many committees. She also is a founding member of Local 37, and her name is recorded for all time on the Charter issued by the International. And as if she wasn't busy enough, she found time to volunteer for lots of other things, including a memorable stint as the NB Power 25-year-club president.
The key thing is, she gained the respect and admiration of everyone she has worked with, members and management alike, and I believe it is especially because she has always been a shining example of IBEW values -- the best skills, the highest quality of work and the best work ethic (that and, she never backed down from anyone, or anything).
She has especially been a good friend to me, putting up with (well, usually putting up with) the many DUMB questions I have asked, and the multitude of favours I went looking to her for, over the years.
So, although she'll probably be mad that I did this (but hey, I'll push my luck -- she wasn't too upset last time...), I want to tell everyone how much I respect and look up to her, and to thank her for everything she has done for her co-workers and her employer, over a long and successful career.
You're the best, Betty Ann.
Betty Ann has been a key part of the team at Dalhousie Generating Station forever -- I don't think it would be a stretch to say she's the heart of the station.Betty Ann has also been a key player in the IBEW -- she served for many years as the Dalhousie Unit Chairperson and on the Executive Board of the IBEW, on bargaining teams and many committees. She also is a founding member of Local 37, and her name is recorded for all time on the Charter issued by the International. And as if she wasn't busy enough, she found time to volunteer for lots of other things, including a memorable stint as the NB Power 25-year-club president.
The key thing is, she gained the respect and admiration of everyone she has worked with, members and management alike, and I believe it is especially because she has always been a shining example of IBEW values -- the best skills, the highest quality of work and the best work ethic (that and, she never backed down from anyone, or anything).
She has especially been a good friend to me, putting up with (well, usually putting up with) the many DUMB questions I have asked, and the multitude of favours I went looking to her for, over the years.
So, although she'll probably be mad that I did this (but hey, I'll push my luck -- she wasn't too upset last time...), I want to tell everyone how much I respect and look up to her, and to thank her for everything she has done for her co-workers and her employer, over a long and successful career.
You're the best, Betty Ann.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
An e-mail from a former member who's been reading this blog.
A few days ago I received the following e-mail from a former member, Brad Legassie. Brad used to work at Coleson Cove, but left New Brunswick for an opportunity in Alberta. He ran across this blog, and decided to write to me. Take a look at what he says:
"Ross, I was surfing your IBEW 37 blog and was reading an article on welcoming new members to Local 37. It was refreshing to see such a positive reception and support of the new members being swore in.
As you know, I left NB Power a little over two years ago for another opportunity that arose. My pregnant wife and I made the long journey to Alberta to take advantage of the prospects that were presented. I arrived in Alberta and was immediately placed on a commissioning team where I was able to broaden my skills as an operator. After this, I was given the role of control room operator for the start up of the plant.
During this time, my wife gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby girl. We felt very blessed with this addition to our family. Her grandparents and my in-laws made frequent visits to see their first grandbaby.
As time passed, we started to recognize the value of family support and the resources that our daughter was missing out on being so far away from family. This November, we decided to sell our house in Alberta and start the transition back to New Brunswick. We felt that this would be of a great advantage to be closer to friends and family while our family continues to grow.
From our experiences while away from home, we have also come to further appreciate the support that was made available to us in our times of need while a member of the Local 37. This is especially true when you went above and beyond your duties while my little brother was diagnosed with cancer. This showed compassion and support that was greatly appreciated. (My brother has made it through his treatments and is now cancer free!)
Therefore; if there are any opportunities that may be available to former employees and former members of Local 37, I would be thankful for a chance to become part of this team once again. It would mean the world to our family to be involved in such a great organization. Should you want to further discuss any of this or just catch up, you can call me or contact me by way of email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Brad Legassie"
"Ross, I was surfing your IBEW 37 blog and was reading an article on welcoming new members to Local 37. It was refreshing to see such a positive reception and support of the new members being swore in.
As you know, I left NB Power a little over two years ago for another opportunity that arose. My pregnant wife and I made the long journey to Alberta to take advantage of the prospects that were presented. I arrived in Alberta and was immediately placed on a commissioning team where I was able to broaden my skills as an operator. After this, I was given the role of control room operator for the start up of the plant.
During this time, my wife gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby girl. We felt very blessed with this addition to our family. Her grandparents and my in-laws made frequent visits to see their first grandbaby.
As time passed, we started to recognize the value of family support and the resources that our daughter was missing out on being so far away from family. This November, we decided to sell our house in Alberta and start the transition back to New Brunswick. We felt that this would be of a great advantage to be closer to friends and family while our family continues to grow.
From our experiences while away from home, we have also come to further appreciate the support that was made available to us in our times of need while a member of the Local 37. This is especially true when you went above and beyond your duties while my little brother was diagnosed with cancer. This showed compassion and support that was greatly appreciated. (My brother has made it through his treatments and is now cancer free!)
Therefore; if there are any opportunities that may be available to former employees and former members of Local 37, I would be thankful for a chance to become part of this team once again. It would mean the world to our family to be involved in such a great organization. Should you want to further discuss any of this or just catch up, you can call me or contact me by way of email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Brad Legassie"
Monday, December 1, 2008
A few thoughts on Leadership
Earlier this year I had an opportunity to hear the person in Charge of the IBEW Membership Developement department, Buddy Satterfield, talk about the qualities a union leader needs. Buddy is a straight shooter, who tells it like it is. I wrote down what he said, and I'd like to share it with you.
"Leaders must tell the truth, we can’t just tell members what they want to hear, or what is popular. We have always said that union workers are the most skilled and productive workers, and receive the best wages and benefits. We need to deliver this promise. There is nothing wrong with companies being successful – we need our partner employers to do well, and we can’t let the very small number of our members who do not live up to our standards of excellence, pride in our labour and citizenship, bring us down. We need to look in the mirror and make sure we are living up to our values. It takes guts, and honesty."
"Leaders must tell the truth, we can’t just tell members what they want to hear, or what is popular. We have always said that union workers are the most skilled and productive workers, and receive the best wages and benefits. We need to deliver this promise. There is nothing wrong with companies being successful – we need our partner employers to do well, and we can’t let the very small number of our members who do not live up to our standards of excellence, pride in our labour and citizenship, bring us down. We need to look in the mirror and make sure we are living up to our values. It takes guts, and honesty."
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