A Family Can “Fight…”

Bob Davies

What a wonderful opportunity it is to write about the beginnings of a career, especially a teacher’s career. Every week, a teacher has a myriad of stories both humorous and heartwarming; and these are often shared with colleagues across a table in the staff room and then promptly forgotten. When asked, I thought of so many stories I could relate: I could talk about the interviewing process, my first hiring, life working on Lake Manitoba Reserve, or the challenges of my first year in the School District of Mystery Lake and the political environment around that time. So many things.

My first union experience was a pivotal experience that has guided my thought process until the present.

Now, how somebody comes to get involved in union work is varied. I came to Thompson in the late eighties, during a very politically charged atmosphere. I was very blue (small c conservative) because, really, I had lived my entire life inside the perimeter of Manitoba’s two largest cities. I didn’t understand the disparities that existed between urban, rural and northern Manitoba—sure it was covered in Social Studies with Ms. Neelin, but you have to experience it to really appreciate it. In my first career as a commercial artist, I worked in a unionized print house; and, although going to a couple of meetings, I really didn’t take an active part – I reaped the benefits of a union, but I didn’t actively engage in it. So, when I was asked in Thompson if I was going to a union meeting, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

“We will get together and there will be the meeting part where we discuss issues affecting teachers,” my colleague invited. “After that, there will be food and a beer.” Well, I loved a good meeting, and I was definitely up for the refreshments.

I showed up at the meeting at Saint Lawrence Hall, found a table of colleagues (two of whom I knew from the high school and six other teachers to whom I introduced myself). Paper reports were handed out and quickly scanned. A couple of waves from other high school buddies from around the room at different tables, and the meeting was called to order. You have all gone through the basics: adoption of the agenda, then the minutes of the previous meeting. Then the good stuff. It was nice to hear about the issues that I wasn’t aware were happening in the district, and I became informed – maybe even enlightened. At one point, a topic was introduced and an aggressive debate ensued; it was obviously contentious because people had come prepared. I was amazed at the passionate arguments these gentlemen were placing in front of their union brothers and sisters. I was raised by family and friends who engaged in CALM debate, where logical and polite argument was very acceptable and actually quite enjoyable. This was not the case here. Each side argued hotly, and I

At the core, labor unions (we) are working men and women, unified as one force. Despite any personal differences that may exist between us, we have banded together to protect and improve the lives of workers. We rise up together for the greater good. We defend one another like family. –SUE CARNEY