RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
Yukon Employees’ Union 2285-2nd Ave. Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1C9
NEWS
Yukon Employees’ Union
Breaking new trail for workers' rights & social justice. December 2016
Congratulations to Justin Lemphers,
Yukon Federation of Labour’s New President
The Yukon Federation of Labour held its triennial convention recently. Outgoing President Vikki Quocksister did not run for re-election, and a new leader has taken the helm.
Justin Lemphers has a clear vision of the path ahead for the Yukon Federation of Labour. The organization`s newly elected President speaks passionately about the importance of education, the power of the Red Seal program and the value of apprenticeships for Yukon`s workers & industry.
Lemphers came to his labour activism in the way many people do... through a conflict in his workplace. He credits late YEU activist Shirley MacDonald with his decision to pursue activism, while PSAC REVP Jack Bourassa was his inspiration to become a Shop Steward. The Labour movement plays an important role in helping to ensure opportunity for all workers, unionized or not, Lemphers believes.
Despite the decades long pursuit of effective whistle-blower legislation in the Territory, finally enacted in 2015, he believes it’s riskier now than ever for workers to speak up. Lemphers hopes the Yukon’s new Liberal government will see the importance of safeguarding a censure-free disclosure process for public servants fearful of negative consequences.
The YFL is the political voice for workers in the Territory. Lemphers, in collaboration with the Canadian Labour Congress and local affiliate unions will advocate to ensure workers’ rights are respected with worker health & safety a priority. With a new Territorial government in place, he looks forward to meeting the newly appointed Ministers and creating a positive working relationship.
Temporary Foreign Workers are on his mind as well, and making sure employers provide them with safe workplaces and the same rights as Canadian workers is a priority for Justin.
The Federation of Labour’s dual mandates are political action and education for all workers. Its priorities are directed by the CLC and the YFL Executive Council, made up of representatives from affiliated unions. Watch for new training programs over the next year as the education stream is established once again.
Both Lemphers and the new government will be on a steep learning curve over the coming months. There’s a lot at stake and the YFL’s new President is up to the job.
Congratulations, Justin!