Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Bill Dechant opens Labour School 2010
JASPER – AUPE members attending the union’s 2010 Labour School in Jasper began their week of education with greetings from Executive Secretary-Treasurer Bill Dechant.
“You could call this AUPE’s education Olympics,” Dechant told members, many of whom had just witnessed the Canadian men’s hockey team win gold.
Dechant said that he and AUPE President Guy Smith both agreed the privilege of attending labour school also carried with it an obligation to the union members who weren’t there.
“Guy and I strongly agree that there are expectations of all of you here. We want you to gather as much information and knowledge as you can this week, and take what you learn back to your chapters and your worksites. That’s what makes our union stronger,” he said.
Dechant also welcomed the many new labour school participants — approximately half of all members at this year’s school are first-timers — and commended them for their activism and dedication to improving the union.
“I know that none of you will let us down,” Dechant said in closing. “So let the week begin and and go, AUPE go!”
30