Sunday, February 28, 2021

Wayne’s World

Thoughts from a former Local 63 president

By Wayne Lodge, Local 63

Last year’s Local 63 Board elections brought a few new faces around the table. Jason Hillcoat, Manley Cox, and Jeremy Rabbit—all longstanding CLAC members—have now served on the board for a year, and needless to say, they each bring experience and insight to it.

These new board members are the type of guys who were already legends in the CLAC world when I first got involved in the union. What’s great about these gentlemen being part of our team is that they understand the union working environment and bring a fresh energy and new ideas to the table.

Just before the Christmas break, we began voting on this year’s new board positions, all very capable and eager nominations, most of whom I know well and have worked with or served with in the past.

I’m very happy to announce that the winners of this the election are returning champ Colin Pottie and new to the board but longstanding Local 63 member James Hardy. I could write a whole piece about both of these guys, but anyone who knows them knows what outstanding people they are.

This also marks the end of my second term serving on the board. It has been a rewarding experience but I wanted to take some time this year to refocus on myself and my personal projects, like We Are 63.

Maybe you’ve heard of it; if not, check it out on Facebook and Instagram. I want to wish everyone on the board all the best. This team is filled with outstanding players, and I can’t wait to see what they do for the local.

The Local 63 Board is a very interesting side of the union to be involved in. To see what other sites, stewards, and members are dealing with adds perspective to the site I am currently on.

To sit and talk with other people who care about our members and to figure out what we can do to better serve them was something I looked forward to. Sure, serving on the board takes time away from work and family, but it is a team that genuinely cares about our members.

The Local 63 Board is always looking for ways to increase our involvement with our communities. This can be a challenge for a local spread over three cities and whose members are spread across an entire country.

Most board members’ interactions are with coworkers on various sites across the province, as we are all working CLAC members. But over the last couple of years, we have been drawing inspiration from CLAC staff to volunteer at places like Habitat for Humanity in Edmonton. It’s been a great way to put some trade skills to good use as well as to meet other CLAC members and members of the public.

But most importantly, helping our communities gives us a chance to do some good in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for future opportunities to sign up and spend a day helping your union brothers and sisters.

The last two years, the Local 63 Board sponsored a hole at the annual CLAC Golf Tournament at Northern Bear Golf Club, where we had a little game and prizes as golfers played through. It was such a great experience talking with people in the industry and other locals. I’m sure we will be back again with the return of the tournament.

If you have any ideas for the local board, or something you would like to see the local get involved in, speak to your representative or the steward on your site. They may even be a board member.

Anyone who has dealt with me on a site knows I’m happy to discuss anything CLAC related. If I don’t know the answer, I can probably point you in the right direction, so you can always feel free to shoot me an email at waynelodge@clacsteward.ca. We are always looking for ways to connect.

Whether a member, a steward, or a board member, We Are 63!

Wayne’s World

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