MISSION STATEMENT

The Canadian Energy Workers Association (CEWA) will provide progressive, democratic, honest and effective representation, pursuing the interests of all members – within a quality working environment.

HISTORY

The Association was originally registered as a bargaining unit on March 19, 1969, under the name Canadian Utilities and Northland Utilities Employees’ Association.  From October 1976 to June of 1998 we were called the Alberta Power Employees’ Association.  In June of 1998, we changed our name to the Canadian Energy Workers Association.  Our organization also changed its structure in March of 1999 to align with ATCO’s corporate changes.  We now have Chapters within our Association and each member (depending on area of work) is represented within their Chapter.

Executive positions of CEWA President and CEWA Secretary-Treasurer (three-year terms each) are elected by the membership at large.  Each Chapter also has executive positions of President, Vice-President / Treasurer, Communication Officer (two-year terms each) elected from their Chapter membership.  A Director and Councillors provide support and representation in each district.  The Director is elected from the members of each district while Councillors are appointed. The district council seats are two-year terms and structured so as to provide a one-year overlap of positions. 

The employees of ATCO Electric are represented by Chapter 101 with districts: Bonnyville, Drumheller, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Peace River, and Slave Lake.  The employees of ATCO Power are represented by Chapter 102 with districts: Battle River, Sheerness and Calgary/Edmonton.  Chapter 103 consists of employees of ATCO I-Tek Business Services.  Chapter 104 represents employees who work for Northland Utilities Limited in Yellowknife.  Chapter 105 represents employees of Milner Power Inc. in Grande Cache.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member, you are entitled to a copy of the current collective agreement between the Canadian Energy Workers Association and the Company that you work for. You are also entitled to a copy of the CEWA bylaws.  As a member, you have the right to attend meetings, voice an opinion and vote.  You have the right to take part in the elections of your Chapter, your district and the executive positions.
You are responsible for abiding by the rules and articles outlined in the constitution and bylaws of the Association.  As a member, you are responsible for aiding the Association with vocal or written input and with local and executive workload.   It is hoped that you take an active interest in Association affairs as the CEWA Executive, your Chapter Officers and your district representatives take direction from and act on behalf of you, the member. Association dues are deducted by the Company on a semi-monthly basis as a payroll deduction.  The dues are two (2) hours of pay per month.

MEETINGS

District meetings are held twice per year or as required by business at hand.  This is your opportunity to have your issues and opinion heard.  

Each Chapter has approximately four meetings scheduled per year.  Matters from the district are brought to the table for discussion and possible resolution at these meetings.  The meetings are organized and chaired by the President of the Chapter.  The Executive Board consists of the CEWA President, CEWA Secretary-Treasurer, and the Presidents from each Chapter.

There are approximately six Executive Board meetings held in Edmonton each year where matters regarding the business of the CEWA are considered and decided or resolved.  These meetings are organized and chaired by the CEWA President. 

The Association holds the Annual General Meeting and the Chapter General Meetings in Edmonton following the fiscal year end of May 31, (typically in June, on the weekend following Father’s Day). All members are encouraged to attend as this is your opportunity to meet the Executive Officers as well as members from other Chapters and districts.  It also provides an opportunity to take an active part in, and gain first hand knowledge of, the affairs of the Association. 

YOUR VOTE COUNTS.