After 26 years with the union, Alex Dagg will be leaving Workers United to pursue a new job. Alex began her career with the ILGWU which later became part of UNITE. She served as Organizer, Education Director and Regional Director. In 2004 Alex was elected as Canadian Director and became the first woman to the position of International Vice-President for UNITE. She stayed on as a Vice President for the newly formed UNITE HERE.
“I am very proud of the work we have done in this union over the years. We have won victories for workers that have truly changed lives. I am sad to leave the union but am confident that the membership is prepared to take on new and interesting challenges.” said Alex Dagg.
“Alex led our union through difficult times and helped us achieve many victories. We will miss Alex’s leadership and determination” said Jimmy Deane, President of the Canada Council.
On Monday, December 12, 2011, Barry will take on his role as Interim Director. “I am honoured and humbled the Executive Board has elected me and I take this position very seriously. We have a lot of work ahead of us and I look forward to the challenge!” said Barry Fowlie, after the Executive Board vote.
Barry was an active Executive Board and JHSC member at Local 1305 for many years. He also became the local and then UNITE’s lead compensation rep. This led to Barry being selected by the Ontario Federation of Labour Workers Compensation Project as an instructor and facilitator.
In 2002, Barry was hired as the Education Director for UNITE. He has maintained that position in UNITE HERE and in Workers United. He has since traveled across Canada inspiring members and teaching them how to build a strong union in their workplace, how to stand united against employers, and how to work together to achieve strong union contracts.
Barry has been a stalwart defender of the health and safety rights of union members and compensation for injured workers. “As an injured worker he understands the battles that members must fight in making sure that they return home every day in the same condition that they left. His devotion to improve health and safety knowledge and employer accountability in all Workers United workplaces has been both encouraging and motivating” said Jimmy Deane.
“I am very interested in hearing from the membership with their thoughts about the future of our union” said Barry. Barry can be contacted at bfowlie@workersunitedunion.ca