Training For Two - Paid By You!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Courses were quietly pushed through this past weekend in Castlegar, with almost no communication to the broader membership — and the results speak for themselves:

• Saturday, May 3rd: Fall Protection course — only 1 member attended.

• Sunday, May 4th: Confined Space course — no members attended.

• Monday, May 5th: Gas Testing & Spark Watch course — only 1 member attended.

  
  

These were important safety training sessions tied to an upcoming large project—Yet in total, just 2 members participated.

Why? Because from all appearances, members were not properly notified. We’ve confirmed there was no bulletin, no email, no text, no follow-up. One member who inquired about the Confined Space course was told it was a private session — later, the course was reportedly opened up, but without any formal communication to the membership.

It has also been reported that Steve Hecocks, the Business Representative who requested the training, was reported to be away on vacation in Hawaii during the planning of this course. While we understand that everyone deserves time off, the lack of preparation and the resulting confusion about the course reflects poorly on the communication process, regardless of where it was coordinated from.

Additionally, the Training Plan Administrator, Tom Miller, has clearly fallen short in his role. As the person responsible for ensuring that training is organized and communicated effectively, Tom's failure to distribute notices and coordinate with the membership resulted in poor turnout and missed opportunities for workers. Proper outreach to members is critical for making sure we’re prepared for the jobs ahead — and unfortunately, this gap in communication has had serious consequences.

This isn’t just a planning issue — it’s a breakdown in leadership and responsibility.

We rely on our Union Reps and Training Plan Administrator to get members ready for jobs. That’s their core job. And when dozens of workers are needed, but only two get trained, it’s a failure that affects all of us — lost work, missed paychecks, and a reputation hit with contractors.  When employers come calling for trained, certified workers, we’re supposed to be prepared. Instead, we’re sending a message that we’re not organized or serious about supporting our members. And that’s on leadership.

Sadly, this is part of a broader pattern we’ve seen under the current executive board (Unity Team). There have been repeated instances of:

• Inadequate communication

• Disorganized planning

• Lack of accountability

  
  

This is not good enough. We need leadership that plans ahead, communicates clearly, and holds all involved parties accountable for the success of our members.

That’s why we’re asking you to cast your vote for the Members First Team before the May 9th election deadline.

We believe in leadership that shows up, puts members first, and takes responsibility for ensuring we’re prepared for the opportunities ahead.

Your Voice. Your Union. Your Power.

In Solidarity,

The Voice of the Members