Download the pdf version.
I was too busy enjoying the final days of summer to get out a newsletter last month, I hope you can forgive me. Going forward, if there’s information you want to share with the membership at large or want to see something specific covered, I may not be as well placed to help you, but don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of the executive.
Recent Executive Updates
You should’ve received an email regarding the results of the most recent NR Group elections. Congrats to the new incoming members of the executive John Britto Daniel Paulraj (BC/Yukon), Matthew Lee (NRC), and Hany Fawzy (QC). And congratulations to those that are returning for an additional two-year mandate John Eng (NCR), Kimberly Hradecky (NCR), Jamie GoodMurphy (NCR) and Mike Pauley (ATL). Thanks to all who put their name forth I do feel like democracy functions best when constituents are provided with several alternatives to choose from. I will say voter turnout wasn’t great, so I’ll again encourage you to ensure you’re registered and take the time to participate in elections. The new executive will have their first meeting in November and so the updated officer roles, including your next communications coordinator, should be decided at that time.
NR Annual General Meeting Recap
On September 12th thirty-five delegates from across the country gathered in Gatineau for the NR Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM serves as a key event in group activities. It serves as an opportunity to review the previous year’s financial statement and approve the budget for the upcoming year. It also provides an opportunity for members to propose and discuss bylaw changes. This year two bylaws were discussed and voted upon with one being passed (a cleanup of some language within the current bylaws) and the other failing (an adjustment to the regional composition of executive members). It also served as an opportunity to get an update from the bargaining team who shared that an email update was in translation as of the writing of this newsletter so should either already be in your inbox or will be very shortly. Finally, for the first time as a result of a bylaw change in 2024 the roles of President and Vice-President were decided by the delegates of the AGM and not just the executive. Congratulations to Mike Pauley on being nominated and selected as President and congratulations to Jamie GoodMurphy on being nominated and selected as Vice-President.
Upcoming Events to be Aware Of
- Collective Agreement Expiration (September 30th)
- Bargaining Communications (September, November)
- PIPSC AGM (November 27/28)
New Stewards
Since our previous newsletter, we’ve had a new member decide to undertake the responsibility of becoming a steward within our union.
- Carl Philippsen
Stewards play an important role in the functioning of the union. Their role is multifaceted and supports many of the union’s activities. They are the first contact with the union for members and in large part that first interaction shapes member’s opinion of the union. If ever you’re interested in becoming more involved in your union, becoming a steward is one of the best places to start.
Meet Your Bargaining Team
This month’s feature has us hearing from Thuc Van Quan. Thuc Van works with PSPC out of the NCR.
What made you want to join the bargaining team?
During the last round of bargaining, I realized that approximately 50% of the bargaining team consisted of members who were no longer actively working. That raised an important question for me: how well could the team fully understand the day-to-day challenges and priorities of active members?
That realization motivated me to become more involved. I looked for opportunities to contribute to the NR Group, joined the NR Executive, and have worked to involve greater participation from regular members.
What unique insight or skill do you hope to bring to the table?
I believe one of my greatest strengths is my willingness to speak up. I am not afraid to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions respectfully, or raise issues that matter to members. At the same time, I value listening to different perspectives and working collaboratively to find practical solutions.
As an active employee, I can also bring firsthand knowledge of the current workplace, and the challenges members face every day. I hope to contribute honest, thoughtful discussions that help the bargaining team make informed decisions and advocate effectively on behalf of the membership.
How best do you think the membership can support bargaining?
Strong member engagement is essential to successful bargaining. In my role supporting membership engagement and mobilization, I want to make it easier for members to stay informed and have their voices heard throughout the bargaining process.
One initiative I would lead is a series of regional virtual meetings held during members’ lunch hours. These sessions would provide convenient opportunities for members to receive bargaining updates, ask questions, and share the issues that matter most in their workplaces. By engaging members where they are and making participation more accessible, we can gather meaningful feedback, build trust, and strengthen solidarity across the NR Group.
Signing Off
This will be a final sign-off for me as your Communications Coordinator. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these newsletters over the past few months. I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to communicate with you on a semi-regular basis, especially the members that have written in to share their feedback or experiences. Please do continue to share the challenges and issues facing you in the workplace whether with your local sub-group or members of the executive or bargaining team directly. RTO with everyone back from summer vacation, ERI and WFA, and now the beginning of bargaining are all going to present challenges in their own way so it’s important that we work together as a union to find the optimal solution to each and every one of them.
As a final goodbye I have six $50 gift cards to give out. All you need to do to have a chance to win one is either share with me your favourite snippet from a previous newsletter or one thing you’d like to see done to better communicate with members (if you want to do both, don’t let me stop you!) by November 1, 2026.
In Solidarity,
Nathaniel Cziranka-Crooks
nczicro@gmail.com