SEIU Local 1 Canada Members who live in the Niagara-Hamilton region were excited to hear about the Local’s new servicing structure.
“Members were really happy to hear about how SEIU Local 1 Canada’s new vision and structure will dramatically improve services for our members,” said Sharleen Stewart, President of SEIU Local 1 Canada.
Dozens of stewards, activists and leaders from SEIU’s ranks living in the Niagara-Hamilton region were pleased with what they heard at a meeting on Friday, May 14 in the Niagara region.
The members were very positive about the Member Resource Centre (MRC). If members call this toll-free number, a representative promised to quickly deliver simple information like a copy of their collective agreement, the status of their grievance or to learn more about an SEIU event. MRC can also handle complex inquiries like interpreting contract language.
SEIU members, after they had seen what the MRC can deliver, described the MRC as “an unbelievable asset” and “an awesome addition” to the union.
Another dynamic change is the Local’s council structure. Stewart highlighted how SEIU’s servicing team was now divided into three different groups:
• Hospitals
• Long-Term Care
• Community Services
This gives organizing, servicing and research staff in each sector the ability to focus on the needs of their individual sector and set goals for the future.
One member at the meeting felt the new structure gives them “a shoulder to lean on” and will “instill confidence in the members.”
Another important component of SEIU’s new direction is improved communications with the members. The union is now publishing newsletters that speak to SEIU’s diverse membership, including hospital workers, nursing home staff, RPNs, personal support workers, and many others.
Members felt SEIU’s new communications strategy “introduces a change of culture-modernizing while focusing on grassroots communication.” Reaching out to the members will “engage them in being part of a family and a solution.”
But the quest to improve member servicing will not end with this new model. Stewart outlined several commitments she made to members including:
• Onsite unit member meetings
• Increased interaction between SEIU staff and members
• More support for stewards
• A new and improved member education program
• Timely resolution/follow up on issues
“Improving member servicing will not stop with our new structure,” added Stewart. “SEIU will do everything it can to remain the most dynamic union in the labour movement. And I dare anyone to challenge that.”