The Busy Signal > Columns

Connection, Solidarity and the Work Ahead

The Strength of Human Connection

A union is more than a collective agreement, a grievance procedure or a bargaining process. At its heart, a union is a collection of people standing together for one another.

In workplaces increasingly influenced by technology, productivity metrics, policies and procedures, it can be easy to lose sight of something fundamental: work is human.

Solidarity begins with connection. When members know someone will listen without judging or dismissing their concerns, they feel heard. When coworkers take time to understand one another's experiences, common ground emerges. When union representatives genuinely know the people they represent, advocacy becomes more than enforcing a collective agreement; it becomes understanding the person and their needs.

When we take the time to learn someone's story, we begin to see the person behind the issue. That understanding creates connection, and connection strengthens solidarity.

Contracts protect rights, but connection reminds us why those rights matter in the first place.

Perhaps one of the most important things a union can provide in today's workplace is not only collective bargaining, but collective belonging: a place where it is truly safe to be human.

Recognizing the Women Who Shaped Our History

October is Women's History Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions women and girls have made throughout our history.

It also coincides with Persons Day, commemorating the 1929 decision that legally recognized women as persons under the British North America Act and established their eligibility to serve in the Senate.

The Famous Five — Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Henrietta Muir Edwards — challenged the exclusion of women from public and political life. Their determination helped pave the way for greater participation and equality.

Their story reminds us that progress rarely happens without people willing to challenge established thinking, question inequality and push for change.

We should take time to recognize their courage while remembering that the work of advancing equality continues today.

Finding Constructive Solutions

As union activists, our responsibility is not only to bring workplace concerns forward for discussion, but also to look for creative solutions to complex problems.

Sometimes organizations continue doing things a particular way simply because that is how they have always been done. Understanding why decisions are made, what influences decision-makers and where the real barriers to resolution exist can help us approach challenges more effectively.

By asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully and understanding the factors influencing decisions, we can develop focused, practical solutions.

This approach can strengthen discussions at every level, from informal workplace conversations to more formal union advocacy and representation.

The goal is not simply to identify problems, but to find opportunities to make things better for the members we represent.

The Work of Your Human Rights Advocate

Much of the work of the Human Rights Advocate happens behind the scenes. It involves meeting with members, listening to concerns, supporting workplace accommodation matters, addressing human rights issues and working toward fair and constructive resolutions.

It also involves collaboration with stewards, chief stewards, union leadership and other representatives to ensure members have support when navigating difficult workplace situations.

Every conversation and every effort to find a solution contributes to building a stronger, more inclusive workplace.

Moving Forward Together

As we look ahead to bargaining and the challenges facing workers, I encourage everyone to take time to connect with their coworkers.

Listen to their experiences. Ask questions. Share concerns. Look beyond the immediate issue and remember the person behind it.

A stronger union is built through relationships, understanding and a shared commitment to one another.

Solidarity begins with connection. And together, we can create positive change for our members and our communities.