Saturday, August 28, 2021

Finding Our Voice

Leona Woodmas, a retired Local 306 member and a key to the organizing drive that brought CLAC representation to Hanover School Division EAs, shares her experience of the early years

I became an employee of Hanover School Division (HSD) approximately 20 years ago. I was hired to work at Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS), a large high school in Steinbach, Manitoba. My family and I had moved to the area from Winnipeg, where I had worked as an educational assistant (EA) in a K-8 school. I was familiar with EA work, and found that I really enjoyed the high school environment.

At the time, every June at the end of the school year, all EAs in the division were laid off. According to government protocol, that allowed for an application for EI. Here was the problem: no EA, no matter how long they had worked for HSD, was guaranteed a position the following year. If an EA was not hired back, there was no process to address the circumstances that left them jobless.

Every EA I had worked with expressed the unsettling anxiety that came each June. The problem solver in me thought that if we had some kind of structure, representation, or path accepted by both parties, everyone would be happier, more productive, and loyal. I knew that proper representation meant unionization.

I felt that HSD would thank me later if I could find the right union. My naivete is fun to think about now.

Initially, I was not drawn to one solution. I knew that the EAs needed to have a voice. I was calling people, collecting information on all our options, and trying to present them to everyone.

In our presentations, Elizabeth Schoenrock, Pauline Dirks, and I attempted to be respectful of choice. We never wanted to be accused of pushing something on our coworkers.

Our meetings were low key and we tried to listen more than talk. But we always indicated that HSD had no way of communicating with us as a collective group. We needed representation, a voice.

Most people agreed. Some were afraid that their employer would fight against unionization through job loss. I began to feel less confident as more and more people expressed their unease.

CLAC’s collaborative model of labour relations drew me in from the start. I was impressed with their the desire to work peacefully alongside employers. But I did not impose my opinion on the other EAs. I waited.

When the final vote came in, the EAs of HSD voted to join CLAC and have them represent our voice at the table. After many personal hours of calling, dropping off brochures, calling again, and arranging meetings, I felt relief. The group had decided to be represented!

It’s been 16 years since that moment. I will never forget what it felt like. Looking back, all the hours I put in have been worth it. Although HSD has yet to thank me, I feel that seeking representation by CLAC was the right thing to do. Our contracts have provided security, structure, benefits, and support for staff.

But most importantly, we gained a voice. A seat at the table. Accountability for both parties. Do not hesitate to ask questions and communicate with your CLAC stewards and representatives.

If you are a new EA in HSD, welcome! I will not be there anymore as I’ve retired now, but what a great career you have ahead of you! Embrace your opportunity to make a difference to your students. And never think you are second best. Remember, you are the front line!

Finding Our Voice

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