Members at Scapa Tapes in Renfrew, Ontario recently participated in a mental health training session offered and negotiated by the union. Approximately 130 members of Local 6946 took part in the half-day session, along with 20 managers and non-bargaining unit staff, on company time.
“It’s something that all locals should try to negotiate into their contract. If we can save one person, it’s well worth it,” said Ray Caillier, USW Local 6946 president. Caillier said that already one member has come forward to get mental health support, a direct result of the training.
The aim of the training was to raise awareness about just how common mental health issues are, signs that someone is suffering, how to address it in a workplace context, as well as support systems that are available. District 6 Health and Safety Coordinator Sylvia Boyce delivered the training.
This is part of the broader mandate of the union to advance the cause of better mental health in workplaces and remove the stigma that affects sufferers,” said staff representative Dave Lipton.
The course was negotiated as part of the most recent collective agreement. For example collective agreement language on mental health, local unions can contact their USW staff representative.
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