Why Get Involved? It's Up to You to Decide!

It's been two years now since you elected me, and two years that I've been sharing this important message with you: get involved!

All your reasons for not getting involved are valid. I know your reality; I've lived it. You just want to work, land contracts, expand your network, and make a name for yourself in the industry. You appreciate the teams you collaborate with, you gain experience, you build your reputation. Days are often long, the weather isn't always cooperative, but despite everything, you find satisfaction and do what you love.

You take short breaks when you can, between contracts. You spend time with loved ones or quietly rest at home, maybe even at the cottage if you're lucky! Otherwise, you use these moments to take care of all your other responsibilities: laundry, mowing the lawn, visiting the mechanic... the list is long. It's not easy, but generally, you're content.

Free time is rare. You see emails from the union go by: a notice for a department meeting, the general assembly, an invitation to join a committee or attend an information session. You're aware of the benefits of being unionized. You have RRSPs, insurance, a collective agreement. It's far from perfect, but what's the point of getting involved?

I encourage you to be curious. Did you know that today, the union movement is under attack? Workers are having more difficulty meeting their needs compared to 40 years ago. Inequalities, including racial and gender disparities, still persist. And all of this is even more pronounced in our freelance industry.

The solidarity of all workers is more important than ever. The history of the union movement shows us one thing clearly: it takes time to see changes. Battles are eventually won, but often after several defeats.

I'm not asking for the moon! You really don't have any time to give? At a minimum, show up at the Annual General Meeting! It's when important decisions for the union are made; you can't miss it!

There are webinars available in French (and several in English) full of interesting information on union life that you can follow at your own pace.

• Thomas Collombat explains the history of the union movement and its implications today very well in this webinar, HERE (in French).

• Me Maxime Lazure-Bérubé demystifies Quebec's Artist Status Act, HERE (In French).

• And Martine Desjardins offers an introduction to meeting procedures, HERE (In French). (Excellent for those who have never attended a meeting!)

Another concrete way to move things forward is to join one of our committees: Green Sets, Diversity, Regional Issues, Women's Solidarity, Veterans, Youth, Health & Safety, or Artificial Intelligence. These committees are open to all members, regardless of your experience or department. To learn more, click here.

Don't wait until things go wrong or negotiations resume to get involved. Every small action counts, and it's now that you can contribute to building the union you want.

Jason Goodall
Vice-President – Fictions & Advertising