April 21, 2021
Hello fellow CUPE 716 Members,
I hope you are all doing well, and like me, are excited to see the light at
the end of this long pandemic tunnel.
During the Union meeting on April 14, I was nominated to run for the role
of Clerical Shop Steward, which I gladly accepted.
Some background information about me: I have been with the Richmond School District
since 2004, starting as a Noon Hour Supervisor. After three years, I moved into the role
of Educational Assistant, and in 2016 I began working in a school office in the position
of Senior Administrative Assistant. I have been in the position of Business Assistant for
the past three years. As I have held a variety of positions within the Richmond School
District, and these positions have been in both elementary and high schools, I have a
well-rounded understanding of our District’s culture.
In addition to my experience in schools, I have familiarity in Labour Relations, having
been involved in grievance procedures and developing proposals for bargaining. Due to
this, the rights of employees in the workplace are not new to me, and are something I
value deeply.
Although this would be my first opportunity to hold a Shop Steward position, I want to
convey that I understand the role of Administrative and Business Assistants across all
sites in the District and the ever-changing demands put on these positions.
Being involved in our Union at the Shop Steward level will give me the opportunity to
bring forward the concerns of Administrative staff within the District to our Union
Executive and Management. The complex responsibilities of Administrative positions
are an integral part of the organization we work for, and we need someone who will
embrace the importance of these roles. I will do my best to provide representation for all
Administrative staff in the School District, and to ensure people are working in a safe
environment – with both physical and mental health being a priority.
No matter what position you hold in the District, I really appreciate and thank you in
advance for your support of my running for the position of Clerical Shop Steward.
Louise Henry