News

The IBEW 1st District recently held the first Next Generation Conference in Toronto, Ontario. I was honoured to attend with delegates Paul Je (Industry Canada) and Dave Witherspoon (NAV CANADA).

The NextGen initiative was create by the First District to better understand and engage the younger members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Designed to ensure the IBEW continues to remain relevant and reflects the best interests of all generations of its members, the NextGen initiative is focused on responding to the needs of members under 35 years of age and under, while still engaging more experienced workers.

The Local?s delegates participated fully in the conference, were engaged in lively discussions and came away with a new sense of what the union movement is about as well as making many new friends from Locals across Ontario.

It was eye opening and refreshing to take part in a conference of this importance. I have been hearing for a few years that the next generation isn?t listening, won?t speak out and doesn?t care about the union movement. What I witnessed at this conference proves that line of thinking an incorrect rumour! The Next Generation, in the IBEW at least, is taking part, speaking out and they do care.

In Solidarity,

Paul Cameron

Assistant Business Manager