Monday, February 26, 2024

Member Spotlight

Marg Peters, Educational Assistant, Garden Valley School Division

Marg reflects on her 26 years as an EA with GVSD.

My recent retirement has given me the opportunity to reflect back on my career as an EA in Garden Valley School Division. It is said that all good things must come to an end. This is true in the fact that I am no longer going to work every day, but the past 26 years have shaped who I am, the memories are many, and the relationships made remain an important part of my life going forward.

One important relationship that will have a lasting positive affect on the EAs of GVSD is the one forged during the early days when I was part of an employee group who negotiated with our employer. It was evident that we needed help in the negotiation process.

At the time, I reached out to a friend who told me about CLAC and the great work they were doing in the Hanover Division. It wasn’t long before we met with the Manitoba representative, and the process of joining CLAC began.

Opportunities came my way to work with CLAC in a variety of capacities. I continued to be part of negotiations for the EA group, and I appreciated how CLAC helped ratify a collective agreement that was a reflection of our desire to work together with our employer and create a positive, mutually beneficial working relationship. This document has developed over time as did the way CLAC works constructively for our EA group with our division.

As a steward, I received important training at annual conferences. This helped me and the other stewards have a positive impact on our group when issues arose from time to time. The role of a steward is so important to represent EAs. Our CLAC representatives are not only working on our behalf during times of negotiation. They also have an open dialogue with our employer that continually works for resolution to challenges.

For several years, I was on the Local 306 Board. This deepened my understanding of what CLAC is doing provincially and nationally. Our Local 306 is part of a larger network with common goals. We benefit from being part of this bigger picture.

I stepped away from actively working with CLAC several years ago to make way for other EAs to have the opportunity to be part of this dynamic working partnership with the union. Taking on the role of steward, board member, or bargaining committee member is so rewarding. Not only personally, but it is the way that the EAs of GVSD will move forward in a strong and advantageous way.

Thank you to CLAC and to my fellow EAs for giving me the opportunity to be a representative for our group. I’m honoured to have been part of it.

Member Spotlight

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