The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW) is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2024. In April 2024, it held its 9th convention in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario under the theme “Family, Unity, Democracy.” CCU President Gregory Ball was invited to attend. Below is a letter written by President Ball to CUSW, followed by photos from convention
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To the Sisters and Brothers of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW),
I first want to thank CUSW for inviting and including me in its recent convention at Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario. It was completely awe-inspiring to see and meet so many union sisters and brothers with such passion toward supporting their fellow members, for workers’ rights, and for social justice.
I especially want to thank CUSW Chairperson John Wabb for his thoughtful comments towards the Confederation of Canadian Unions during his presentation to convention. It means so much to hear that CUSW is as committed to the CCU as it is to CUSW. I also really appreciated hearing such valuable input about the CCU from so many CUSW members and I’m excited to get to work implementing many of the suggestions I received.
As well, CUSW Vice-President Tom MacLean’s speech on Saturday evening did justice to the incredible story of the beginnings of the union in 1999 and the sacrifices and struggles made by all those members involved to make it thrive. And in Tom MacLean style, there were some hilarious anecdotes in there as well.
The convention marked the 25th Anniversary of the founding of CUSW, and what a profoundly special occasion it was. It makes me humbly reflect on those countless hundreds of people throughout the annals of CUSW history whose names we may not know, and whose lives we may not celebrate, yet their contributions will last forever.
CUSW genuinely is a union built on the shoulders of giants.
The founding heroes of CUSW remind everyone to fight for a Canada, and a world, where working people come first, where democracy and justice are fostered, where young people look towards a bright future, where our precious ecosystems that sustain life are protected, and where peace and solidarity prevail above conflict and war.
Labour unions today have a specific duty to fight for the rights – and the futures – of young workers. CUSW should be exceptionally proud of its efforts to organize youth. Your union specifically connects with young people by sponsoring sporting events and other activities that youth participate in, connecting with them like never before and bringing young people into the skilled trades.
Again, on behalf of the Confederation of Canadian Unions, I want to congratulate CUSW on 25 incredible years of struggle, solidarity and success. You deserve every bit of it. You proved to Canada – and yes, even the world – how a democratic, independent, participatory labour union built by members from the bottom up can thrive in the early 21st century. What an incredible legacy you have left for everyone else in Canada to follow.
Here’s to another 25 years and beyond.
Thank You and In Solidarity,
Gregory Ball
President, Confederation of Canadian Unions
