By Jason Heistad, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
AUPE’s new state-of-the-art headquarters is about to open!
June, 20th, 2022, will mark the first time all AUPE buildings are open and available to all Locals, Chapters, and Area Councils since we were forced to close our doors by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic changed all of our lives, including how we go about our jobs and union activism. Many of us felt our strength and solidarity was put on hold the last two years.
But AUPE members rallied. We found a way to stay involved and active. And now, with the opening of our new headquarters, we can get back to our full strength as a union.
Our new WELL-certified headquarters is a model for healthy and safe worksites, and it was designed this way before anyone even heard of COVID, including a focus on air quality management.
Not only is headquarters designed to be safe for staff and members, but it is also environmentally friendly by prioritizing energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
With all this in mind, we are optimistic that members and staff can return to our offices while acknowledging COVID-19 is still a factor we must account for in order to keep ourselves safe.
Any AUPE component chairperson wishing to book meeting space must do so by contacting the AUPE staff administrative professional who handles bookings for each building. If you are unsure who this is, please contact the Member Resource Centre at 1-800-232-7284.
We would also ask you contact your assigned Vice-President so they can support you with any assistance you may need.
I’m very excited to open our offices and see you all again. I hope you take this as an opportunity to reignite your passion for our great union and to get involved with the struggles that matter to you and your fellow workers.
Stay safe out there, and please email j.heistad@aupe.org if you have any questions.
In solidarity,
Jason Heistad
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
