If not YOU, then WHO?

Volunteer with the Union? Sheesh…I dunno…

Submitted by Pei Mei Chia

Some people swear by their unions while others swear at them. Whichever way you choose, I can tell you firsthand that our CCFA union is wonderful! I’m not here to convince you though I’m here to give you a brief insight into my first-year experience on the exec with an upfront look at the inner workings.

First of all, LOTS of discussion! Every committee member wants to make sure every angle is looked at and every base covered. There is no shortage of perspectives (teaching, non-teaching, support, and admin too) and comments. From the start of the discussion, it gathers momentum and is exhilarating, so it’s always wise to ‘buckle up’ and not blink! Since being part of the exec, I have been in awe of how involved each member becomes in any given situation and grievance, not to mention the vast expanse of knowledge and experience they bring to the table. My learning curve has been very steep, and like our students, there’s reading homework!

Secondly, the CCFA is concerned about each faculty member. While each exec member has specific job(s) to do, they, as a whole, are on the same page when it comes to coming up with the best solution that benefits everyone. From the get-go, I actually thought they had memorized the Collective Agreement because they were referring to different aspects of it without needing to flick a page!  

For many years I’ve wondered about our Faculty Association and have benefitted as a member through the years. I decided that it was time to learn a few new things and to get involved. I enjoy having a good discussion not because I have any thing good to add, but to listen and learn from it from people who know. I am glad I took the step to be involved. The roller coaster ride will continue, but it’s been an excellent one so far!  Hope you will consider coming along for the ride too!  

Maybe, you’d like to get involved, but you’re not ready to join a committee? Just your luck, it is elections time for the CCFA and we need help on our Nominations Committee:

The CCFA Nominations Committee has two members (Candace Fertile and Janet Doherty) and needs a third member, in preparation for the AGM on May 22. Please contact us if you would be willing to serve. The work involves making sure there are candidates for each position, sending out the call for nominations in advance of the AGM, making sure the nomination forms are submitted, attending the AGM, and asking for further nominations; as well as conducting an election, if necessary.  It’s not hard, and Peg and Eva help with the whole process.

Serving on the Nominations Committee is a great place to get a some Union experience without a long term commitment since according to the CCFA Bylaws, “Members of the Nominations Committee are prohibited from running for an Executive position.” Or maybe you are interested in running for Exec office? Keep an eye out for the Nominations Committee Call coming soon!

Pei Mei Chia

Member-at-Large, CCFA Executive

She is a long-standing faculty member in ELD, and current co-  Chair. When not on campus, PM can be found on the greens lawn bowling, paddling in a dragon boat, riding on the back of a horse, hurrying hard on a sheet of ice at the curling rink, playing her guitar and singing, and/or sitting on an organizing committee just for the love of it. Clearly, a person of several passions!