Dear Members,
2011 will be remembered by many as a pivotal year for the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU).

  It was a year filled with important accomplishments, sad losses and a great deal of hope for the future.  Not only did the Union successfully ratify a new Collective Agreement with Telus, we proudly celebrated as the New Democratic Party (NDP) swept in as the official Opposition party in government with 103 seats for the first time in its 50-year history.  Sadly, we also had to say goodbye this year to a great leader and friend to all Canadians, Jack Layton, who was taken away from us far too early.

2011 was a year of change within Canada and also one that saw people from around the world courageously join together in the name of justice, economic fairness, and democratic freedom.  The Occupy Wall Street protests which started in New York City on September 17, 2011, and quickly spread to cities across the world continue to echo a growing sentiment of frustration and dire need for change.  Unions across North America, including the TWU, proudly support these peaceful protest efforts.  Many of the grievances and frustrations brought to light by the protesters are issues that labour unions have been fighting to improve for decades.  The TWU’s Keep Jobs in Canada public awareness campaign played a part in helping to spread awareness to Canadians about corporations who offshore jobs in the name of profit over people.  Clearly, it’s time that these companies, financial institutions and governments stand up for Canadians and stop offshoring good paying jobs while selling out healthy communities and hard-working people.  As Jack Layton said in his final letter to Canadians, “We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly.  We can look after our seniors.  We can offer better futures for our children.  We can do our part to save the world’s environment.”

There is much work to be done but if we continue to stand together, all is possible.  To quote Jack once more, “My friends, love is better than anger.  Hope is better than fear.  Optimism is better than despair.  So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.  And we’ll change the world.”  Please feel free to send your comments or suggestions to
editor@twu-stt.ca or for general enquiries to twu@twu-stt.ca.  We always look forward to your feedback.

On behalf of the TWU, I wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season.

In solidarity,

George Doubt