Workers at steel-pipe maker Evraz in Calgary are proud members of USW Local 6673. They are also getting more involved in helping others – through mental health stewards and connecting to the broader community outside of work.
Local President Kent Irving was looking for ways to get more USW members involved in the union beyond stewarding the collective agreement and running the local.
“During the executive elections for the union last year, people came to me wanting to get involved, but not ready to be stewards. They wanted something more community-involved or less confrontational than grievances,” said Irving.
There was also an interest in helping others, those dealing with personal issues like mental health, family or money problems.
The local came up with the Mental Health and Community Stewards idea, to give people training and support for the mental health piece; and to initiate community connections for the community outreach element.
Since the program rolled out over the local’s Facebook group and by word of mouth a few months ago, nine people have come forward to get involved.
“Our local used to do community events, and that was a way for members to be involved in the union and for the union to raise its profile in the community,” said Irving. “Now we can strengthen that role.”
Those interested in becoming mental health stewards will go through training in mental health first aid, in order to confidently help members find appropriate professional supports and connect to other resources like the Employee Assistance Program.
“I see the program as a way to reduce the stigmatization of mental health, as well as increase our membership involvement. It fits with our Steelworkers’ tradition of helping make members’ lives better, as well as being great neighbours in our community,” said Irving.
For the community outreach element, the Community Stewards have done a warm clothing and donation drive for BeTheChangeYYC, a homeless outreach centre in Calgary.
“We collected warm clothes and gift cards as well as donations from our local. Our Local 6673 Community Stewards are planning further outreach volunteer work with them as well,” said Irving.
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