Dear Union Family,

I believe that all members know the overwhelming pride I have had being your Business Manager and moving this Union forward over the last 10 years, and 3 years before that as the Northern Business Agent. Since the results of the election were announced I have had numerous calls, texts, and emails from members. I thank each and everyone of you, I cannot describe how much knowing I have made a positive difference in your lives means to me and I am truly moved by the gestures.

Looking back over my time as Business Manager Local 110 has faced some major challenges and had great accomplishments. I have had the opportunity to bring forward two Provincial Construction Agreements that were accepted by vast majority of the membership. Our union moved into areas of work that had been ignored and represented new areas of work like the printing and promotions company currently under our Local. I was also able to shepherd our local through the downturn that tied into the COVID 19 pandemic that resulted in 93% of our membership being unemployed and oil trading in the negative for the first time in history. I also worked diligently to move our local from deficit spending to fiscally responsible, banking significant funds to build for the future. We now have a dues process that should provide for our Local no matter the economic situation and should never need to be changed. I brought forward and help build the Pre-Apprenticeship training and bring job ready training in house such as harness training and AWP training. I thank Dan Annett and Kassy McDowell for supporting these initiatives and moving them forward, it would not have been possible without them.

To the staff of Local 110 over the last decade. As a rank-and-file member I never knew how much this Local relies on you, the work you all do for this Local is awe-inspiring. Thank you all. I would like to especially thank Cecilia Wakaruk, our Office Manager and Head of Health and Welfare, no one in this office works as hard as you do for our membership, your help to me was over the years was invaluable and truly appreciated. If this local loses you it will leave a hole that could never be filled.

To all the members who stepped forward in this last election, thank you for the dedication you have for our Local and putting yourself forward. It is a difficult decision to run for office, and if you were successful or not discouragement and second thoughts will happen. Stay engaged with the Local and work to encourage other members to become more involved for the betterment of our Local.

For my successor and the Business Agents I leave you with three things. First the words of John Lewis “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” This wasn’t said about the labour movement or being a union representative, but it fits very well. Second if you are doing your job the right way it will be the most difficult job you ever had, if you are doing it wrong it’s the easiest job. Third and last no matter how hard the members are on you be harder on yourself, that way you know you are making the right decision not the popular one.

Lastly to members, colleagues of other locals and the International, friends, and family, thank you for making the last decade special beyond words. Though I will no longer be in the office every day, I am still and will remain a proud and dedicated Local 110 member and will continue to advance our Local with all my heart and soul.

In Solidarity,

Kevin Lecht

Business Manager